Question
I live in Chicago and every year I've planted grass seed (Scott's premium sun
and shade, which I believe is perennial grass seed, (50% Majesty Perennial
Rye, 25% Ascend Perennial Rye, 25% Viva Kentucky Bluegrass). It grows fine
during the spring, summer, & fall. But never (or hardly) comes back the next
season.
??? Looking to plant grass that will comeback ever year. Any suggestions?
Different grass seed? Something else?

Any info is appreciated,
Thank You

Answer
The only thing that makes sense to me on this one would be excessive shade. The way you've described the situation is exactly what you'd expect to see in a lawn with too little direct sunlight. The lawn fills in in the spring when the leaves aren't filled in yet. By the time the fall comes, the leaves have blocked off the sunlight enough to cause the grass to thin out and die.

I'm actually surprised that the blend you explained is labeled as "Sun & Shade". Neither Perennial Rye nor Kentucky Blue is ideal for shade. I'd recommend trying a blend this season that is all fine fescues. These would include Chewings Fescue, Creeping Red Fescue, Sheep Fescue and Hard Fescue. If you can find a blend that is a mix of just these, you'll probably have a much better chance.

Good luck!

-C.J. Brown
www.thelawncoach.com