There is not one specific grass that can be better than the others. There are hundreds of different types of grass, each with its own purpose and location preference. A good rule-of-thumb is to inspect your yard during peak growing seasons (Spring and Fall) and take note of which areas get direct sunlight, shade, or periods of both. For instance, St. Augustine grass is a good choice for places with direct sunlight and high temperatures, but it does not fair well in shady locations.

The ideal time to apply fertilizers is in early Spring or late Fall. Using fertilizers during the summer promotes fast but weak growth, whereas Fall allows for stronger roots and greener blades. A typical gardener would be fine with one bag of fertilizer per season (usually around 5-6lbs), but if you have a garden bed with high foot traffic or areas that receive little sunlight, it may require additional fertilizer applications. One thing to avoid is feeding your yard any “weed-n-feed” because this can kill off decorative plants and your grass, causing patches until new seed grows in (usually takes several months).

The summer heat can make it difficult for grasses to grow in hot weather. Cool-season lawns can go dormant and turn brown until the colder months arrive. If you want your yard green all year round, we recommend watering 2 -3 inches per week during morning hours either by rainfall or irrigation.

A healthy lawn needs 1-2 inches of water every week during the colder season. Too much water can cause diseases because there’s too much moisture in your soil for optimal plant growth.

Laying down weed-blocking material (landscape fabric) is the first step. This will ensure that all weeds and grass are killed off, leaving no trace of green behind. Next, a thin layer of white topsoil (not black dirt with rocks or other debris) should be applied next, followed by a good layer of quality composted mulch. The organic matter helps retain moisture in your soil and prevents water runoff which can cause erosion and damage to your new landscape bed. Depending on the size of your project, it may require multiple bags of topsoil and mulch, but any garden center or home improvement store should have these materials available for purchase.

Unfortunately, there are no guarantees unless you personally obtain the seed straight from the company that produces them (therefore guaranteeing its freshness). If purchasing grass seed at a garden center, it’s important to inspect the seed before making your purchase. Avoid bags of grass that are wet or moist because chances are they have been sitting on the shelf for several years or stored improperly and therefore will not germinate. Also, avoid large clumps of seed where seeds stick together as it can also mean poor germination rates due to old age or improper storage.

It is recommended that you do remove any ground covering (weeds, flowers, etc.), but some grasses will grow fine under other plants like St. Augustine Grass which is known to spread rapidly and overtake flower beds if not kept in check by mowing frequently or digging out certain sections.

Ants are attracted to the sweet sap at the roots of your grass and will feed off of it throughout the year. You may notice more ant activity after a rainstorm due to the increase of moisture seeping into cracks in the pavement or through small holes in your turf’s root barrier, providing access to soil underneath. If you suspect ants are foraging for food, try laying down some earthworm pheromone bait.

This humane product is nontoxic (harmless to pets and humans) and mimics a chemical that naturally attracts ants and earthworms. The smell from an active colony is strong, but this pheromone will only temporarily lure the ants while providing long-term control. Remove standing water from garden pots and birdbaths to discourage nesting, and mind walking paths through your grass to avoid destroying nests in the lawn.