Timing Chart by Grass Type and Region
| Grass Type | Best Window | Backup Window | Soil Temp Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Bluegrass | Sep 1 to Sep 15 | Apr 1 to Apr 20 | 50 to 65°F |
| Tall Fescue | Sep 1 to Sep 20 | Apr 1 to Apr 20 | 50 to 65°F |
| Perennial Ryegrass | Sep 1 to Sep 30 | Mar 15 to Apr 30 | 50 to 65°F |
| Bermuda Grass | May 15 to Jun 30 | None (warm soil only) | 65 to 75°F |
| Zoysia Grass | May 15 to Jun 15 | None | 70 to 80°F |
| Centipede Grass | May to Jun | None | 65 to 70°F |
| Bahia Grass | May to Jul | None | 65°F+ |
| Buffalo Grass | May to Jun | None | 60 to 75°F |
Why Fall Is Better Than Spring for Cool-Season Grass
Three reasons September is ideal for bluegrass and fescue. First, soil is warm from summer, so seeds germinate fast. Second, air temperatures are cooling, which reduces heat stress on seedlings. Third, fall rain provides free irrigation. Spring seeding works but the young grass faces summer heat before its roots develop, requiring far more irrigation and often resulting in die-off in July.
In our 30+ years managing lawns in Omaha, September overseeding has a 90%+ success rate. Spring seeding without irrigation has about a 50% success rate. The difference is that dramatic.
