Question
I have two large dogs, and one section of my yard is completly bare and is in a shaded area.  Is there a grass seed that will grow fast in spring before the leaves come out and then be possible to over seed later in summer ?  I need something to just get the area started?  Thanks for your help

Metropolis (Southern)  Illinois

Answer
Corey:

There are two issues in your question.  First, any grass sown will come up at about the time that leaves come out.  Temperature is the key.  Second, dogs and grass do not often go together.

You can try a ryegrass variety to have fast germination.  Annual rye may be fastest.  But check with your local ag agent who may have an agricultural variety to satisfy your need.

There are fescue varieties which stand up to traffic better than others.  You are too far north to have summer type turfs, like Bermuda.  I would sow your permanent grass at the same time as the rye.  It will come up later and have the protection of the rye.

Good maintenance practices encourage good coverage, which will produce as good a stand as you can expect.  Fertilize, overseed, irrigate.

Best wishes.