7 Types Of Fall Grass Seeds To Plant And Grow In Late Summer

Gardeners and homeowners expend so much time, energy, and care in choosing the right plants for their yard, but you may be overlooking the most important plant of all: the grass. You can have the most beautiful flower garden, or a hardy vegetable garden, or maybe you've even turned your backyard into a secret garden oasis, but a patchy lawn can ruin the entire aesthetic. Many people think that their lawn gets dry and patchy when it isn't getting enough water, but the problem might actually be the grass itself.

With all the hype for lawn care and grass seeding in the spring, you may assume that late summer is too late to make a major change to your grass. While that may be the case for some grass varieties, it's not true for all of them. Plus, if you have patchy grass by late summer, you may have the wrong type of grass for your location. 

There are two main types of grass: warm-season grass and cool-season grass. The type of grass that your lawn needs depends on several factors, including climate, use, and lawn conditions. You may be surprised to find that the best time of year to reseed your lawn if you need cool-season grass is actually in the late summer or early fall. Cool-season grass grows best when seeded in cooler temperatures, usually between August and October, and can grow lush and green before the first frost. The following types of fall grass seeds that you can plant in late summer are also generally best for the northern half of the U.S. because they go dormant in high temperatures.

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is one of the most common types of grass seeds to plant in late summer. It is often used in mixes because it is not as durable as some other cool-season grasses. Its shallow root system makes it a more high-maintenance grass, especially in dry or hot conditions, when it requires regular irrigation to stay green. Even so, Kentucky bluegrass has aggressive roots, so it can easily recover from stresses when well-maintained. It is also important to note that it can tolerate some shade, but doesn't do well in yards that are mostly shaded.

Creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra) is a type of fine fescue that is used for erosion control, especially along waterways, slopes, and banks, making it a great choice if you have any hills or water features in your yard. It is also useful for reducing weed growth, even shrubs. Creeping red fescue is widely used for orchards, lawns, parks, and golf courses because it is highly tolerant to foot traffic, so it is perfect for yards that get a lot of use from families or gardeners. Plus, it is relatively low-maintenance because it does not require regular irrigation unless your region is experiencing an extended drought.

Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) is usually used on golf courses because of its super fine texture. You'll recognize it on tees, greens, and fairways. However, it can also be effective in your yard if you have a lot of foot traffic but still want bright green color in cooler seasons, or if you want a private putting green. While it does well when planted in the late summer and stays green through fall, it does not like shade. In addition, it is considered a high-maintenance grass because it needs frequent watering and mowing.

Chewings fescue (Festuca rubra var. commutata) is another type of fine fescue that provides dense turf cover that helps your lawn resist weeds. It is a slower-growing grass that generally takes at least six months to be fully established. Most commonly, it is mixed with other cool-season grasses because it has a relatively shallow root system and does not provide much benefit for wildlife. However, it is resistant to a variety of conditions, including cold and drought. It is more expensive if you are covering a large area. One of the uses for Chewings fescue is as part of a low-maintenance landscape in no-mow lawns.

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is another common turfgrass that is great for lawns and can be planted in late summer. It germinates best in temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Most varieties that you see in stores for yards are dwarf varieties, so don't let the word "tall" steer you away. It is a fast-growing grass that will be fully grown about two weeks after seeding, but it is generally low-maintenance. The biggest concern is maintaining a mowing height of around 3 to 4 inches. In regions with dry or hot summers, you may need to reseed tall fescue every year to account for mid-summer stress.

Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) is an affordable option that provides a temporary cover, adding fall and winter color to your lawn very quickly. Germination from seeds takes only three to seven days. However, it is not considered a high-quality option for long-term use. Instead, it is generally used as a way to overseed your lawn if you already have a warm-season grass like bermudagrass (Cynodon species). It can also be used to control erosion and provide color while other grasses are being established.

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is much different than annual ryegrass, though it is also used for overseeding. It is considered much higher quality than annual ryegrass because it not only looks great as a turfgrass, but also has quality soil stabilization properties. It is a popular choice for golf courses, sports fields, and partially shaded yards. It requires regular maintenance to prevent clumping and weedy growth. In hot conditions, it requires a higher mowing height.