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Best Grass for Pittsburgh Lawns

Which Grass Should I Choose?

If you want a green, healthy lawn that can withstand the weather of Pittsburgh, J Bird’s Landscaping has the tips you need! There are several varieties of grass, but only some are suitable for Pittsburgh, including:

Planting Grass Seed Kentucky Bluegrass

When you think of turfgrass, you likely picture Kentucky bluegrass. This grass features a lush dark green that sometimes almost appears blue, hence the name.

This is a cool season grass that requires at least four to six hours of direct sunlight. It can withstand high foot traffic and moderately tolerates drought. This type of grass can produce heavy amounts of thatch and requires fertilization to ensure it thrives.

Perennial Ryegrass

Another cool-season grass, perennial ryegrass, peaks during the colder months in Pittsburgh. If you are looking to thicken your lawn or want to fill in any dead patches you may have, this is a great option that is compatible with Kentucky bluegrass.

Perennial ryegrass prefers full sun and has a high drought tolerance. It can withstand high foot traffic and has a low need for maintenance and a low risk for disease. It also produces less thatch when compared to other cool-season grasses.

Fine Fescue

As the name suggests, fine fescue has a fine texture with a vibrant green color you can enjoy throughout the year. This is another cool-season grass that prefers less than four hours of sunlight each day.

Fine fescue has a moderate foot traffic tolerance and requires consistent watering to prevent damage to the grass. IT also has a higher risk of developing snow mold or disease but has a low risk for thatch build-up.

Tall Fescue

If you are looking for low-maintenance grass, look no further than tall fescue. This cool-season grass prefers direct sunlight and has a moderate to high foot traffic tolerance. It can also withstand a decent amount of outdoor activity and pet waste.

Tall fescue also has a low risk for disease and insect damage and will stay green even in the hot Pittsburgh summers.

How to Prepare Your Soil for Grass Seed

When preparing to plant grass, it is crucial to make sure your soil is fairly neutral. If your lawn has a pH that is below 6.0, we recommend that you spread agricultural limestone on your lawn during the fall or late winter. After applying limestone, make sure you till the lawn to ensure it is incorporated into the soil.

We also recommend that you plant your grass seed no later than October; this will provide it with two cool growing seasons before the heat of a Pittsburgh summer and dethatch your yard in the spring or fall. 

Need Help Choosing a Grass Type? We Can Help!

At J Bird’s Landscaping, we can help you choose the best grass for your Pittsburgh lawn to ensure it grows green and lush throughout the seasons. Contact us today to learn more!

Author: Jay Nagy


Owner & Founded of J Bird's Landscaping. 18+ Years of experience in Pittsburgh lawn cutting, patio installation, trucking/hauling, French drain installation, and other landscape/design services.



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