Choosing the Right Grass Seed Takes More Research Than Expected
Homeowners are struggling with lawn care, including selecting appropriate grass types for specific conditions (shade, soil), dealing with weed infestations, and establishing micro-clover lawns. Many seek advice on fertilization schedules and addressing dead or damaged grass.
SOURCES (60)
“There's basically nothing you can do this year unless you want all your work to go to waste next summer. Next spring, put down Bermuda sod. Or you can try to seed it with Bermuda, but it's more difficult and not quite as pretty.”
“I re-sodded my small front yard in central Florida with Zoysia in spring 2024. It looked great from 2024 thru 2025, but between the scorching heat and an extended drought through summer of 2026, the Zoysia started to get overtaken in several areas by Bermuda. I didn’t sign up for a Bermuda lawn. And one of my goals with Zoysia was that it is a slower grower requiring less mowing, especially in the Florida summers where you typically have to mow weekly with the amount of rain we get. Photo 1 is t”
“Hi everyone. We have a call for help from the community to choose what grass we use for our front yard. Neighbors common Bermuda takeover yards complicate our TTTF preference. Zone: Tennessee Zone 7b (recently changed from 7a in 2021) Backyard: mostly shaded (keeping TTTF only real choice) Front yard: sunny, one magnolia tree, yard getting invaded Soil: clay-heavy, needs composting and leveling. Neighbor 1: TTTF with weeds and large pockets of common Bermuda expanding. They don’t prefer Bermuda”
“Pick which grass you want. If you cut the grass at 3.5" the st augustine will take over. It is more shade tolerant but requires water. If you want bermuda, cut at 2" or less twice a week, throw nitrogen at it, and less water. It requires more sun/heat. Once you decide this you can go after the weeds. St augustine or bermuda will work well with celsius. If you go with St augustine, atrazine is often used in weed and feed for st augustine and a sorta weak pre-emergent. Dealing with bermu”
“My lawn gets full sun, I end up going for bolero plus (90/10 Fescue contains a blend of 90 percent dwarf fescues and 10 percent Kentucky bluegrass) they grow this sod in my area and that what my local nursery recommended, hopefully it goes well”
“Hi! I’m in central Texas zone 8b. I have Bermuda. I pay for lawn treatments 6x year program and mowing. My lawn looks worse than it ever had it used to be lush and green. The left is just this year in July and now it is brown. The lawn treatment company started in Feb this year and it’s progressively gotten worse but they say it’s the mower scalping it. It absolutely could be but I asked the mower to raise the deck. Can you please help? I water 3 times a week 18 min per zone submitted by &”
“Yeah the third looks like my fescue. First two could be Bermuda or St. Augustine. I wouldn’t be surprised if the last is Bermuda too. It used to be in my lawn and it tried to come back earlier this year, so the last one reminds me a bit of it.”
“I'm in central NC and bought a new house 2 years ago that had sod grass. I didn't water enough so now its splotchy and needs to be filled in. I bought Pennington 31 then saw it's not ideal for home lawn. Please recommend a budget friendly brand of TTTF tall fescue for overseeing I can get from Amazon, Walmart, Lowes, or Tractor Supply. I have an HOA so I need something that will look good. Thanks! submitted by /u/kindnessreward33 [link] [comments]”
“Deep South Texas (SA surrounding) and really struggling to keep this Bermuda lawn afloat. During the summer I’ve been watering every morning (5am) for 20 min each zone (4 total). I’ve tried a turf builder once to try and breathe some life back into it but it just seems like I just fed the weeds. Any kind of tips or advice is appreciated 🙏 submitted by /u/SensoRice [link] [comments]”
“We’ve been working on helping the Bermuda (I’m assuming) that was here when we moved in grow and spread out. Why does it look so patchy? We haven’t done anything about weeds yet, but plan on taking care of that this fall. Watering deep twice a week, mowing twice a week. Thanks! submitted by /u/platanopower2 [link] [comments]”
“I’m working on trying to get something grass to grow in my backyard. One side gets sun in the morning and the other side gets sun in the afternoon. Areas against the house and around the deck don’t get much sun. Someone gave me a 50lb bag of Kentucky 31 tall fescue for free and I was wondering if that’s what I need to use or if it’s a waste of time. I also researched that Jonathan Green fall magic might be a good choice but not sure about that. Thoughts? Johnathan green fall magic is a mix of ta”
“Help, They put zoysia on my front yard east facing, lots of sun seems to be going well after 18 months. Last fall they put fescue on the small backyard which is at the bottom of a hill facing west. Not full sun. In the rain it gets flooded and the fescue is pretty much gone. They want to overseed this fall (more money) I think zoysia could survive but everyone tells me no. I’m from the west so don’t know Atlanta grass. Do I need to add sand to the soil to soak up more of the water, put a French”
“Anyone ever done it? How was your experience. In Texas. Done trying to fight sand spurs while getting grass established. submitted by /u/Iron-man41- [link] [comments]”
“We are in north Texas but plan on doing a major Bermuda seeding project in autumn. Curious on your input about 1/3rd Bermuda and weeds to full Bermuda - what did you do to accomplish this? Did you just overseed and let it happen, or did you have to be more proactive? We have about 3/4 acre in the back and a lot of it is a blank canvas due to construction of a shop and builders dozing the back half to level for the shop, but we also have quite a bit of the same.. a bit of Bermuda and a lot of wee”
“In Nebraska, I'm gonna use an aerator this weekend. I won't put grass seed down for another week due to above average temps. With the grass seed I'll put down starter fertilizer with it but was wondering if I could do fall fertilizer when I do the aerator, use fall fertilizer with the grass seed instead of starter fertilizer, or just wait another month or so for the fall fertilizer. Thought trying to put it down before the wholes close up. Any help is appreciated. submitted by”
“Everything inside the red box is a mix of fescue and Bermuda with the Bermuda winning the war. My lawn guy says overseeding won’t fix it and Bermuda will overtake fescue. I have a dethacher/scarifier. Should I scarified pretty much all of this area and lay down fresh dirt before overseeding? submitted by /u/PursuitofDadLife [link] [comments]”
“Celebration and tahoma 31 have had rave reviews. Had tahoma in my yard in Florida and it was incredibly easy to maintain but slightly different weather patterns there. I am renting now in Texas so not working too hard on the lawn obviously but I put down 10 squares of celebration off the back patio so the dogs would sort of wipe their feet before coming inside. It's a little rough right now with no irrigation system or rain for 3+ weeks and temps hitting 105 but it's holding on. Certainl”
“In CT... what type of grass is best for high traffic areas? I'm looking to redo my lawn in a fenced area where my kids play.. currently it is just weeds, some grass and clover submitted by /u/fistsofham11 [link] [comments]”
“That’s pretty normal for Bermuda in North Texas at this time of year. You might want to check your sprinkler heads to make sure they are working properly though.”
“That’s where I think I’m heading too. But not this year. I like St Aug but will be looking at a grass that can come from seed next time (Bermuda or zoysia)”
“In central texas, about 5500 sq ft of bermuda grass. I am at a point where the next spring sand level may get my lawn smooth enough to upgrade from my manual earth wise reel mower. I also have an ego mower which I love how quiet it is compared to gas mowers. However, I much prefer the cut of a reel mower. I’ve been diving into the electric RMM mod for the earthwise. Anyone have any feedback on it? Or do you think I should forget the mod and focus on finding a good deal on a gas reel mower on FB”
“My husband and I currently disagree about what we should do with our lawn this fall and the timing of doing it. We are in zone 6b and have a lot of crab grass and clover. What would you suggest if this was your lawn? submitted by /u/Tight_Conflict_9034 [link] [comments]”
“I would like to start a fresh lawn renovation and I am looking for a medium green color of a kentucky bluegrass variety. Any recommendations? I am not interested in going super dark. submitted by /u/Deerbos [link] [comments]”
“Who am I to believe here? I've had two lawncare companies come out to inspect and propose treatment and or repair plans. One is saying that grass is dead no matter what you do so they gave a quote for resod and future care such as fertilizer and sprays. The other company quoted just for fertilizer and sprays and says it should grow back in. We are in an extreme drought and I can only water from midnight to 4am one day a week. submitted by /u/tomgolf1313 [link] [comments]”
“I would start with Trimec. I purchase it at tractor supply co. There are multiple locations in your area. It's also a good idea to do a fertilizer to help the remaining grass start filling in.”
Buffalo grass. Blue Grama. Both are incredibly heat and drought tolerant in addition to being native. Your local aquifer and wallet will thank you.
“Can anyone identify these types of grass.? For reference, I live in Northern Alabama. I'd like to get rid of the coarser one. Is it possible it's St. Augustine? submitted by /u/Actual_Mix4032 [link] [comments]”
“I’m in San Antonio, my builder planted Bermuda and I hate it… I miss the super soft grasses that grew in other states… Bermuda looks dead half the year unless I want high water bills”
“Hello, I am looking to establish a new lawn here in west Texas. After some research it seems my most viable options are to plant either bermuda or zoysia. From here I've learned that using seeds for both of the types is unlikely to work due to their difficulty. So pods/sod are my more viable options. Time is not a big issue but i know that some of the best times for planting are soon So starting there my first question is for a yard this size would i have to buy sod for the entire lawn? If t”
“New to the house this spring, the previous owners took great care of the lawn and I want to keep it going. What are everyone fall plans to have an awesome lawn in the spring? I was planning on aerating, adding topsoil, and overseeding. Should I wait for the spring to do that? submitted by /u/Bonnazoo [link] [comments]”
“I'm in East TN in the transition zone. I am looking to order TTTF or a TTTF Ky Bluegrass mix. Lawn Synergy has Envy (TTTF) and Northstar (TTTF Ky Bluegrass mix at 90-10). Has anyone used either of these from Lawm Synergy? Using for overseeding in mid September. submitted by /u/emny23 [link] [comments]”
“I have been lurking for a while, I am in zone 7b and some argument for 8a very nearby. I currently have a green lawn but not I guess a green grass lawn. I know I have clover and crabgrass and creeping Charlie(I think that's what somebody called it last week. There is a small tree in the front I want to keep safe (Cherokee dogwood) but it also sits atop a mound that I probably need to level better to get less puddling in the rain. All that said I have the idea of what I want but no real idea”
“I have found so many types that look like it. Please any input would be nice. Leaning towards common Bermuda but I am not sure. I live in around the North West of Arkansas. submitted by /u/Gullible_Industry_14 [link] [comments]”
“Is it bermuda grass? If so it may just be dormant...bermuda turns brown and looks dead in extreme heat and drought conditions...once it receives water it greens up again...I have bermuda lawn in Georgia and have seen this many times over the past 25 years.”
“This is what I did last year: What should I change? 8/27/2025: Scott's Turf Builder Winterguard 9/7/2025: Lawnguy does Fertilizer Mix anyway 9/14/2025: Twin City Grass Seed (TTTF/KBG/PRG) 9/19/2025: Seeds Germinate! submitted by /u/Even_Topic2494 [link] [comments]”
“Nashville, TN - 7a/7b Majority of my grass in the front is Bermuda, clover, crab and dallis. I’ve hit it hard with Spectracide concentrate and will be doing some 41% gly here soon for the dallis outbreak I have going on. I have this lone tree in the front yard - I’m wondering if it’s too much shade for Bermuda? I can trim the limbs of course but I want to make sure I’m making the right decision to proceed with Bermuda seeding next year and not needing to go a different direction. Thank you for t”
“I think I’m looking at a mix of Fescue and Bermuda in my front lawn but it also looks like there may be a third contender. I’m looking for the easiest way to promote one to takeover for a more uniform look. Preferably whichever is easiest to maintain. Any help is appreciated. Zone 8b Hampton Roads, VA. submitted by /u/dylanaintshit [link] [comments]”
“Roots 3-4-3 is better for seeding. That extra phosphorus goes right to root development, which is exactly what you want when you're establishing new grass. Earthworks is fine for maintenance but the lower phosphorus makes it less ideal for a fresh overseed.”
“I have a wide part of my yard without any shade at all and is in full sun from sunrise to sunset. Welcoming suggestions on what to plant to help keep a uniform grass that wont suffer. submitted by /u/_chablam [link] [comments]”
“In June I put sod in my front years. Got Bermuda. Watered twice daily for a month. Now I soak it twice a week. Is Bermuda a good climate grass? It’s mostly under trees. Since I planted it a few months ago do I wait to start any fertilization in the fall? submitted by /u/TheDirtyDawg [link] [comments]”
“I’m in Southern California. House came with this grass darker green grass. I thought it was Bermuda but now I’m not so sure. I planted Scott’s Bermuda seed and it looks different than the previous grass. Any idea what type it is? submitted by /u/popcollector_7 [link] [comments]”
“Have a small tall fescue lawn we laid sod last spring, it’s thriving but I got some Bermuda coming in on one corner now that it’s summer. I’d like the treat this over the next few weeks/ months so I can reseed the affected areas come October. I have seen plans on here, just wondering where do I buy this stuff? Do I need to get the good stuff or will some off the shelf stuff work since my lawn is small enough…. Any help would be greatly appreciated. submitted by /u/dj_vanmeter [link]”
“As a newbie myself, the frist step I learned was to determine what type of grass you have. For southern US the most common seem to be Bermuda and Zoysia... and they each have their own set of rules. Once you know that you can find resources, yearly schedules, and product recommendations. This sub actually has some links that are super helpful. You can find them on the left, just scroll past the rules section! https://preview.redd.it/nf3xuga9pvhh1.png?width=259&format=png&auto=webp&s=”
“Yes, TZone is a good option too, especially if the crab grass isn’t too bad. Here’s the thing though, depending on how much grass you have versus how many weeds, the weeds will go but cool season grasses won’t expand to fill in large gaps. You didn’t show much of your lawn, so it could be fine, or not fine. I, personally, would just prep to overseed here in the fall to ensure you have a nice stand of grass towards the end of fall and in the spring. That’s a different amount of effort though.”
“Baton Rouge, Louisiana I have Bermuda in the front yard which gets full sun and centipede / Bermuda in the back yard. My grass looks ok but I’m curious when and how often should fertilize. My nitrogen levels were normal after I sent off a soil sample. High in iron. I fertilized about 3 months ago and a month ago I sprayed the yard with sledgehammer and celcius WG. The weeds are now dead and I’m just curious if it’s time for fertilizer. I usually buy yard mastery products. NOTE: The pic of the ne”
“Also in north Dallas and have the opposite problem! I have a Bermuda lawn that a neighbor tried to plant st aug a couple years ago that didn’t take on their side but this year decided to thrive on my side in one corner. It grows faster and uglier than the Bermuda. How do I kill the st aug and leave the Bermuda? It’s taking over that side!”
“Set up sprinklers at night. Turn off before daylight. Use a fertilizer you buy at a horticulture supply store, not a big box store. Show an employee this photo and they will recommend what you need. Water that fertilizer in. Mow a lot higher. I mean a lot.”
“My front yard is nearly full sun and Bermuda doing wonderful. I’ve been in the house for five years and never had grass in the backyard. It gets very little sunlight. I would like to try planting fine fescue this fall or a mix of dense shade blend to see if I can get a lawn in the back. Anyone got any recommendations as far as seed? As far as procedure, I was going to get some topsoil level everything out. Seed it heavily, rake the seed in slightly, cover with hay and water. Thanks! submit”
You’re welcome. And if you are open to sod, check out the zoysia, too.
“I’ve been a St Aug fan for so long that I have never really considered many other options. I did go with Zoysia at my last house and liked it a lot, but it’s still a sod-only, high-maintenance turf. I am contemplating some large changes to my lawn next year (retaining walls, a shed, etc) which will likely tear up or otherwise remove a lot of my st Aug. after I finish all that work, I’m going to need to repair the st Aug or just replace it with something else. Lower maintenance would be great. I”
“Currently have all tall fescue in western MD. Wanting to have more heat resistant grass in the summers, front yard has sod installed a few years back and backyard just plain grass. What are the best seed mixes to add some warm season grass to my yard to help with heat resistance and have a better appearance throughout the year? Are there any steps or intervals in which I need to do this or can I just seed as normal? Thanks in advance! submitted by /u/JustCurious791 [link] [comm”
“Renovation intel needed for MN lawn. Currently have a typical cool season mix (kbg, rye, FF). It does just fine in my partial shade bits and non full day sun. The problem I have is my large front yard that is a sweeping corner lot east to south and just gets smoked all day with sun. Even fully irrigated it struggles. I’m considering going to a full TTTF stand or a TTTF mix with KBG. I like the conceptual idea of KBG helping to fill it in and give a bit of spread/repair ability but concerned it I”
“How to get a thicker lawn? Bermuda, located in central TX Sprinklers run for 40 min 2x a week early morning. I do have a professional that does the fertilizer and weed treatment every 6 weeks. I mow everv 7 to 10 davs on 2 inch cut height. Lawn isn't leveled tho submitted by /u/Select-Stage-5215 [link] [comments]”
“zoysia can totally take over bermuda if u let it, mine turned into a full zoysia lawn in like 2 years without me even trying.”
“no, st augustine has really wide blades with blunt tips. this grass is fine bladed with pointy tips. im going with zoysia.”
“Have a mixed Bermuda and whatever this is lawn. Would love for it to be St Aug so I can work on having it over power the Bermuda. Any help is appreciated submitted by /u/SlogikX [link] [comments]”
“Wondering if someone can help me match the grass I have? I think the lighter shade grass is the clumping fescue, and after I remove or kill that, what type of grass seed will best match the other grass? And, am I correct that the lighter shade grass is clumping fescue? Thanks so much! Located in Eastern Nebraska. submitted by /u/mpeter41 [link] [comments]”