The Spring Months are Here
Now that spring is rolling around the corner, many homeowners start to look toward lawn care. This can include wanting to plant new grass or seeding to give their existing lawn a boost. Although spring is the time when flowers begin to bloom and new growth begins to take place, many could think that this is the perfect time to plant new seeds for their lawn. However, is this actually true? Well, in order to find the right answer, let’s go over a few facts about early spring seeding.
Ground Temperatures Make a Difference
Because spring tends to bring mild temperatures in the air, the truth can be said for the temperatures in the ground. Since the cold weather is just finishing, the ground is still somewhat cool, which wouldn’t be the ideal setup for germination. If you were to seed around the springtime, the ideal months would be late April and May. This can also come with its own challenges.
Seeding in Late Spring can be Difficult
Since early spring wouldn’t be the ideal time to seed, you may be wondering about the late spring months. Even though you can consider seeding in late spring, you will have to deal with the upcoming summer heat. The heat can easily kill off any new and growing grass from your seeds if you do not care for it carefully. This means that you will have a demanding lawn that will require constant care, including:
- Watering
- Proper feeding
- Mowing
- Overseeding
Although some do manage to save their newly formed lawn in the summer, you may run into a drought. This is certain to complicate things. If you do have a drought in your area, the city may impose water restrictions, which will certainly destroy the results of your seeding efforts.
Fall is Better to Avoid Weeds and Crabgrass
Another reason why you will run into problems if you seed in early spring is unwanted crabgrass or weeds. Those who are looking to fill a couple of bare spots can also think twice about seeding in the spring months. If you do plant your seeds in early spring and manage to germinate, you won’t start seeing growth until the end of spring. This is also around the time weeds and crabgrass tend to thrive. In almost every instance, weeds or crabgrass will always win and take over.
The Results
In conclusion, rest assured that early spring is not the ideal time to seed your lawn. The best time is in the fall months. Both the ground and air temperatures are perfect for germination. The lawn will have more of a favorable environment to grow properly. Moreover, the hot summer months will be well behind, and you’ll be able to take advantage of the cool months in the fall. The cool air will lend itself and go along way to your watering efforts. Crabgrass and weeds are also dormant for the cooler months ahead, including winter. Although it may be tempting to seed your lawn in the spring months, remember that it is always best to wait for the fall season.