Yes, grass can survive freezing. Grasses are some of the most hardy vegetation we have on Earth; they can survive in some form or another in almost every climate. Desert grasses grow with very little water, and grasses in places like Greenland survive in extremely cold temperatures. But just because grass can survive in every temperature, it doesn’t mean that you can plant it whenever you feel like. Grasses need to be planted in specific seasons, depending on the type of grass you’re planting. Keep reading to learn more about planting your grass from a sprinkler system company in Burlington County, NJ.
What type of grass are you planting?
Before we get too deep into the weeds regarding freezing, it’s important to know a little about grass, and which type of grass you’re planting. Grasses are generally divided into two different categories: cold-season grasses and warm-season grasses. As their names suggest, warm-season grasses perform best when they’re planted in the warmer months (and in warmer climates), when the temperature is between 80 and 95 degrees. Cool-season grasses, on the other hand, grow better when the temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees.
In addition to temperature, grass germination also depends on day length and moisture. Needless to say, all three of these factors change from season to season. Days are obviously warmer and longer in the summer than they are in the fall and winter. Depending on where you live, spring and summer are also much wetter seasons than fall and winter. If you’re planting grass that prefers a cooler temperature and less light, seed from September to October. If you have a warm-season grass, it’ll do best if it’s seeded from April until mid-May.
Other factors to take into consideration include:
- Winter winds: Grasses that are planted before winter hits are highly susceptible to cold winter winds. If the grass doesn’t have enough time to get roots in the ground, wind can blow the seeds away. In that scenario, all you’ll be left with is ugly, barren land come springtime! Plant your grass well before winter hits, so the grass can get deep enough roots to withstand harsh winds.
- Competition: While grass is hardy and fast growing, weeds can grow faster and in more extreme conditions. These nasty weeds steal critical nutrients from your grass, and can quickly overrun your property. Before you lay down grass seed, be sure you pull all the weeds. It’s also not a bad idea to treat your property with weed killer on a regular basis to prevent any weeds from affecting your grass.
- Care: Will you want to properly care for your grass in the winter when the temperatures are frigid? If not, don’t plant it! Talk to a gardener about what you have to do as a homeowner to ensure a happy and healthy lawn.
Regardless of when you plant your grass, contact a sprinkler system company in Burlington County, NJ to guarantee it stays healthy. Star Sprinkler Systems Inc. can install a sprinkler system in your yard to ensure your grass, flowers, plants and trees are well watered and able to thrive throughout the year.