Partly shady? Mazama.
Want dark colors? Midnight or Bluebank.
Want drought tolerance? Starr or Bombay. Bluebank is also decent here.

Cloud is also a very well-rounded KBG in the latest NTEP trials. The above cultivars are better in specific categories, but Cloud has above-average numbers in almost all categories.

 

If you are over seeding KBG into a PRG established lawn you really need to thin it out with super short cut down to the crowns and de thatch really aggressive to open up the canopy more visible soil for the KBG to germinate even with that your not guaranteed success. With that small plot I would just kill off the current lawn and do a total KBG renovation in the end you will be much happier

 

Been a while since i've given my lawn any type of real attention and its gone from 10/10 to dead/10. Former glory pic with a monostand PRG reno.

I'm looking to do a heavy overseed with KBG leading into the fall. What's the current top tier seed people are using?

Western Washington or Eastern Washington? A huge difference in climate. KBG does well in Eastern Washington but would take the T-Mobile grounds crew to do well in Western Washington. (or a lawn nut with more time than sense).

 

Western Washington or Eastern Washington? A huge difference in climate. KBG does well in Eastern Washington but would take the T-Mobile grounds crew to do well in Western Washington. (or a lawn nut with more time than sense).

Western Washington - Good to see you still active on the forums George. Your property, dogs, and photography were a few of the things I oogled over while getting into the lawn care scene. With all your time and experience doing this, what would you recommend for a low maintenance and repairable grass type?

Partly shady? Mazama.
Want dark colors? Midnight or Bluebank.
Want drought tolerance? Starr or Bombay. Bluebank is also decent here.

Cloud is also a very well-rounded KBG in the latest NTEP trials. The above cultivars are better in specific categories, but Cloud has above-average numbers in almost all categories.

Thanks for the guidance - pending some more intel from George, I may not go with KBG afterall...

If you are over seeding KBG into a PRG established lawn you really need to thin it out with super short cut down to the crowns and de thatch really aggressive to open up the canopy more visible soil for the KBG to germinate even with that your not guaranteed success. With that small plot I would just kill off the current lawn and do a total KBG renovation in the end you will be much happier

Fortunately the current state is much thinner than the photo I posted and there is PLENTY of exposed soil. I may just gly the entire thing and start from zero again. Having learned my own attitude towards the turf over the last 5 years. I need to make decisions that require less attention this time around.

 

The typical premium grass seed mixture offered by higher end nurseries is packaged as “PNW Mix” and includes Fine Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass and sometimes a small percentage by weight of Kentucky Bluegrass. As I mentioned, the KBG will be outcompeted and doesn’t do well under normal Western Washington conditions.

I’ve been using a Fine Fescue Blend for many years sourced from Seed Research of Oregon. This is getting more difficult now that SRO has been acquired and has transitioned to Seed Research by DLF.

I have been considering backing off of maintaining a Fine Fescue Blend and transitioning to a Perennial Ryegrass/ Fine Fescue Mix. An SRO Mix I was considering was called;

Champion® Fine perennial ryegrass and SR 5130 Chewings fescue mixture.

Certified mixture of 70–90% Champion® GQ perennial ryegrass blend and 10–30% SR 5130 Chewings fescue.

https://www.dlf.com/Files/Files/SRO_USA/Tech_Sheets/Turfgrass/Perennial_Ryegrass/Champion_Fine_ts.pdf

Champion Blend

Champion Turfgrass Mix offers durable turf for athletic fields, featuring GLS tolerance and quick establishment for lasting performance.

us.dlf.com

SR 5130

SR 5130 strong creeping red fescue thrives in sun and shade, high or low maintenance, offers insect protection, disease resistance, and stress tolerance. Ideal for blending.

us.dlf.com

I’m not sure of availability or if it goes under the same name but that is what I was planning to use if I decided to transition, which I keep kicking down the road. I currently use SR 5130 Chewings and Ruddy Strong Creeping Red. I assume there are other quality options from other growers, just try and get "no weed" certified and a PR/FF mix should serve you well. Good luck.