Question
I live in kentucky and in about another month of course it will be spring. I have two small dogs that have just wore out my back yard and I was wondering a few things.  1st I know that early fall is this best time to reseed but can I get just about the same results if I kill the old grass in the spring and rototill and reseed?  Or,... since there will be a few weeks of winter, can I just throw grass seed down while it's cold and just watch and wait until the grass germinates.  One more thing,....what is some good variety of grass seed that can withstand high traffic and light shade.


Answer
Hi,Herbert Cuthbertson,

You have submitted several questions:
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>>"...what is some good variety of grass seed ...?"

For Hort-Zones 0-7+ I recommend 'Rembrandt' or 'Plantation' TALL FESCUE.  This super-high-tech hybrid has out-performed more than 100 other varieties in University quality control testing for drought, disease, hardiness and shade tolerance.  All grasses like lots of sun-light.

Tall Fescues are also somewhat 'Dog resistant' but not as much as BERMUDA GRASS, which is also a recommended variety, but not for the shade.  You can mix both types if you wish.

These grass-types should be available from local suppliers in your town.

Fescues do not do well once temperatures hover above 85'F (30'C) and they are often re-seeded every fall to maintain a suitable density.
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>>"...but can I get just about the same results...?"

I cannot predict what will be the results, no one can.  Sometimes there are good reasons to experiment. You might try testing on a smaller scale before doing more.

You do not need to roto-till to re-seed unless you may want to improve the top-soil by working in amendments like compost, better soil, etc.  This may greatly improve your greens-keeping efficiencies, but would be labor-intensive, so consider your soil-quality and decide about that.
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>>"....can I just throw grass seed down while it's cold...?"

If you will be using a Fescue, the answer is YES.  This type and other cool-climate types will try to grow anytime the temperature and moisture conditions permit; heat and drying winds are about all that will cause problems. With a few mild and moist days in winter, these grasses can get a good start before the heat arrives.
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With a good fertile-loamy well draining top-soil, best quality hybrid grass type(s), 1-3 inches of water per week, plenty of sun-light, ...almost anyone can have an excellent lawn with a minimum maintenance effort.
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I Hope this has answered your question(s)!

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http://hometown.aol.com/eilatlog/lawnol.html

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