Choosing the best grass seed for your lawn can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s essential to understand which of the grass types that thrive in Southwest Missouri best suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance option or want a lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood, selecting the right grass seed is crucial to each end. In this article, we’ll provide you with information on how to choose the best grass seed for your lawn and discuss the two main grass types for Southwest Missouri, Bermuda and Fescue.
How to Choose the Best Lawn Seed
When choosing the best grass seed for your lawn, there are several factors to consider. Soil type, amount of sun/shade, and maintenance level are the most important factors to keep in mind. The grass seed that’s best for you depends on your situation.
Soil Type
The first factor to consider is soil type. Southwest Missouri’s soil is typically clay-like, which can retain moisture, and easily become compacted making it challenging to grow certain types of grass. It’s important to select a grass type that can thrive in this soil type, like Bermuda or Fescue.
Amount of Sun/Shade
The second factor to consider is the amount of sun and shade your lawn receives. Different grass types have different sun and shade requirements. Understanding how much sun or shade your lawn receives will help you choose the best grass type for your lawn. You may need to choose one type of grass for the sunny areas and another for the shade. Or you might need to trim some trees to get more sun on parts of the lawn. Even the most shade-tolerant varieties of grass still need a minimum of 2-4 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Maintenance Level
Lastly, consider the amount of maintenance you’re willing to put into your lawn. Some grass types require more maintenance than others, and it’s essential to choose a grass type that matches your level of commitment. In Southwest Missouri, we have to trade maintenance for appearance. If you want a top-notch lawn, expect to put in some more work to get it there.
Bermuda and Fescue
Bermuda and fescue are the two main types of grass that thrive in Southwest Missouri. Which is right for you depends on the factors discussed above. We go into detail about each type below. Read more about the pros and cons of each in our article, “Bermuda Grass vs Fescue.“
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda is a warm-season grass that thrives in full sun and can withstand drought and high temperatures. It requires little maintenance and is an excellent option for homeowners who want a low-maintenance lawn. However, Bermuda will spend most of the Spring and Fall in dormancy. This makes it an unattractive choice for homeowners who want a green lawn.
Fescue
On the other hand, fescue is a cool-season grass that comes in both sun and shade varieties. Fescue does require more maintenance than Bermuda but will keep its deep green color for most of the year when properly cared for.
Fescue for every situation
If you’ve decided that Fescue is the best option for your lawn, you’ll need to consider the different varieties available. There are many types, each with its unique advantages.
Blended Fescues for Sun
When looking for fescue for a sunny area, you’ll generally find them in 3-way or 5-way blends at most stores. Blended Fescues are a combination of several types of Fescue. This makes them integrate well into an existing lawn regardless of the variety you start with. Blended varieties also offer superior pest resistance when compare to mono-cropping. Sunny varieties will generally do best with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Shade Blends of Fescue
Shady blends have the same look and pest-resistance advantages as sunny blends. Shade varieties are generally going to have finer-bladed fescues such as chewings, hard, or creeping-red fescues. These types of grasses can do well in as little as 2-4 hours of sunlight per day.
Summing Up the Best Lawn Seed
Choosing the best grass seed for your lawn requires careful consideration of several factors, including soil type, amount of sun/shade, and maintenance level. Bermuda and Fescue are the two main grass types that thrive in Southwest Missouri. Bermuda is an excellent option for homeowners who want a low-maintenance lawn that can withstand drought and high temperatures. Fescue is a great choice for appearance-focused lawns that receive a mix of sun and shade throughout the day. By selecting the right grass type and variety for your lawn, you can have a beautiful lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood.
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