Grass Type and Plant Time for West Pennsylvania

Kentucky Bluegrass

• Kentucky bluegrass is a smooth, dark green grass adapted for the cold winters of the northeastern United States. For good coverage, Kentucky bluegrass should be planted in late summer or early fall, although it can also be planted in early spring while frost is still on the ground.

Perennial Ryegrass

• Another cool-season turf grass, perennial ryegrass has a long growing season, and generally returns year after year because it requires a dormant season. Perennial ryegrass should be planted in the spring or summer, but does not perform as well in Pennsylvania as other grasses.

Tall Fescue

• Tall fescue is a grass often used in conservation because it forms sod. Nevertheless, it is well suited to the Pennsylvania climate and appropriate for pastures and lawns. Tall fescue is also drought resistant, and should be planted in spring or late summer.

Orchard Grass

• Orchard grass grows well and quickly in western Pennsylvania. Orchard grass is more tolerant of heat and drought than Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, but needs well-drained soils. Orchard grass should be planted in the spring or summer, but before mid August.