The Grass Doctor

Best Grass Seed for Shady Michigan Back Yard and time to plant seed?

We recently purchased a home last Fall with a shady backyard. The previous owner let the backyard get totally consumed by "Creeping Charlie" Ground Ivy. We killed the Creeping Charlie, but now we are left with a muddy back yard with spurts of grass patches. What's the best grass seed for this Mid-Michigan backyard, and what's the best weeks to plant the seed (after we aerate the backyard)? THANKS!

Public Comments

1. You need a good mixed seed. I would suggest something with the following: Chewings Fescue (25 to 35%) Creeping Red Fescue (25 - 35%) Hard Fescue (5 - 10%) Turf Type Perennial Ryegrass (10-20%) Kentucky Bluegrass (5-10%) This is a pretty good mixture for Shady areas in a cool climate. You can find this type of mixture at a pofessional landscape supply center.
2. I work for a landscaping co in Pa, so I will tell you what I know: The best seed for your backyard would be a mix, as I assume your yard does get some sun. In the total shade areas your best bet would be to check with a local nursery. Here in NE PA we use "Keystone Mix" which is 33% red fescue, 33% fine fescue & 34% kentucky bluegrass. The fescus come up in 3-5 days & the blue takes about 30 days to germinate. First thing to do is clear the yard of all debris now, to let the soil warm up, & as long as the soil is somewhat dry, you can aerate now. You can seed around your grassy patches, I would leave them there to keep the seed & soil from washing away. Grass needs warm days & cool nites to germinate (above 35*), so For your area I would say the 1st. week of April. When you are ready to seed, you need to break up the surface of the soil so the seed can settle in, so you can use a thatcher if the yard is large (on the highest setting) or use a slitseeder (which will break up the soil in rows & drop in the seed all at the same time) apply a seed starter fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) cuz you don't want to burn out the seed (use a broadcast spreader). Next apply granular lime (dolimite) in the opposite direction (same spreader). If you are using a slitseeder, jsut apply the fert. & lime, them follow the directions on the slitseeder. If you are using the thatcher, set it to the highest setting to scratch up the soil surface, then apply fert, lime & put the seed into the broadcast spreader & apply the seed in opposite directions. Using a wire leaf rake, turn the rake over & use the back of the rake to gently cover the seeds with the loose soil. Then cover the seed with straw which will keep the birds at bay, or if its a small area, you can use Pennmulch instead. Water throughly in the early morning, so the straw has time to dry out a little to keep mold from growing. After the seed has germinated, GENTLY rake up the straw, spot seed where needed & apply another application of the seed starter fertilizer. In about 3 weeks your lawn should be a lush green carpet. If you need any more help, just e-mail me & I will answer any questions you may have!! GOOD LUCK!!!