LESCO Spring Seeding Guide

It’s the time of year when landscape projects and improvements are at an all time high.  The length of a true spring season can vary based on winter’s end and the start of summer heat.  Whether seeding spots or a new establishment; these tips from LESCO seed can help guide you to success.  

Product Selection
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• When fast establishment is desired, Perennial Ryegrass is an excellent choice.  LESCO Double Eagle blend contains three advanced cultivars of perennial ryegrass for high level performance of dense turf with fine leaf texture, dark green color, and gray leaf spot resistance. 
   
• In areas facing heat and drought, Tall Fescue will outperform other cool-season species.  Known for its dark green color and deep root system, tall fescue is broadly adaptable.  LESCO All Pro Transition Blend can withstand full sun to moderate shade and will exhibit resistance to diseases like brown patch. 
   
• Mixtures are very popular way to gain benefits from multiple species.  LESCO 50/50 Select Mix contains Perennial Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass.  The perennial will establish quickly for initial ground cover and the Kentucky bluegrass will follow to build density in a turf fit for close mowing and traffic tolerance.
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  • Seed mixtures can also be composed to tolerate shady conditions.  LESCO Sun & Shade Park Mix brings Perennial Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass similar to 50/50 Mix but also creeping red fescue.  Creeping red fescue will add good shade tolerance to build this low to moderate maintenance turf found in Sun & Shade Park Mix along with fine leaf texture. 
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• For those in the south and transition zone climates, spring and summer are the optimal time for planting Bermudagrass.  LESCO Dune Bermudagrass will wake up early with excellent spring color.  Dune was selected for low mowing, disease resistance, and cold tolerance.
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  • LESCO Pyramid 2 is another premiere bermudagrass option with excellent traffic tolerance, fast establishment, and low mowing.  

Preparation
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• Planning ahead is the most critical process in spring seeding.  As weather temperatures warm up and frost is no longer a threat you will want to monitor soil temperatures.  Soil temperatures will dictate germination timing.  Ideal soil temperatures in cool-season turf are 59° to 86° F whereas warm-season turf is 68° to 95° F.  Remember to apply good seed to soil contact for optimal germination results.
   
• In preparation for seeding, it is also critical to review your turf maintenance program to determine if seeding is feasible with pre-emergent and/or post-emergent herbicide applications typically performed in the spring.  Many herbicides can hinder germination results so it is vital to review the overall maintenance plan along with reading all control product labels thoroughly.  Herbicides containing Mesotrione as the active ingredient are labelled safe to use while seeding only with certain turf species including tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescues, and centipede.  This is an option to help control certain broadleaf and grassy weeds without hurting turf establishment.
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• Being mindful of the harsh conditions ahead is important going into the summer season and potential turf disease pressures.  You will want well-established healthy turf rather than a more sensitive, emerging turf to be ready for the conditions lying ahead.  Products like LESCO Carbon Pro can increase nutrient uptake and enhance root mass to aide in overall establishment.  Other products like LESCO Moisture Manager can reduce watering needs by up to 50% to help your new turf better fight summer drought conditions.  

​​​​​​​Seeding is a major investment of resources, labor, and time waiting for establishment. View the LESCO seed catalog for more information and contact your local SiteOne branch for help maximizing your seeding success.