[NikeFace]

Looking for some insights from fellow New Englanders. Quick background:

This is my third post as I ramp up for overseeding 95% of my yard (established KBG and PRG but considerable thinning) and seeding of bare spots in shady side of backyard.

First post focused on the shady area. Second focused on my soil test and recommendations. Both posts have been a huge help and feel more educated.

With the overseeding portion (95%), again, it's established KBG and PRG. I understand overseeding KBG would be difficult and PRG much easier.

However, do you New Englanders find that TTTF tends to survive winter better than PRG? I find that my PRG tends to die out relatively easy along the road, driveway, etc (combo of snow piles, road salt, and some mold in past). Small front yard so there's no avoiding this issue.

I'm leaning toward overseeding it with heavy PRG and maybe some KBG. But, I'm not against adding TTTF if others think it survives any better than the PRG...

Personal experiences or thoughts?

 

[Green]

As a fellow Zone 6B guy, here is my take:

As you know, any of those grass types can be successful in our climate, and each has different strengths when it comes to temperature.

Some of my observations (some of which you already mentioned):

-TTTF does seem to have better cold and heat tolerance than PR.
-TTTF seems to be the slowest to green up in the Spring.
-PR seems to be the easiest to use for overseeding.
-TTTF is still easier to use than KBG for overseeding
-TTTF seems to be the weakest when it comes to competition in a lawn mixture, and also has the largest seeds, so it needs the highest amount by weight in the mixture
-Just throwing seed on top of the lawn, even with topdressing, might not even work, unless your lawn is really thin. Seed to soil contact is key. So is having room for roots to grow.
-If you're overseeding with TTTF when you've never had it before, you need to find a way to make the seed to soil contact happen. Easier said than done. I've also had to use the maximum overseeding rate when doing that.

Finally: Walking the neighborhood today and looking at lawns, the majority were either predominantly Fine Fescue or a mixture. A few were mostly KBG. One or two appeared to be PR, and two were TTTF. And then there was the odd Zoysia hellstrip or two. That was out of about 30 lawns.

 

[desirous]

I personally only overseed KBG in my mixed lawn. It is not easy, but I hope to get enough KBG so I no not need to overseed anymore.

 

[NikeFace]

Thanks, Desirous, I'm with you. The KBG is my first choice for so many reasons but mainly the spreading.

And, thanks to you as well, Green. Very informative.

I'm leaning toward sticking to the path I've been on and keeping up the good fight. I'll likely go with PRG and *** overseed (maybe slightly heavier on the KBG than I planned).
I prefer not to add TTTF unless there is some extremely convincing reason which I don't think there is.

It's all about the soil and seed contact which isn't easy but I've had decent past success.

I'm toying with the idea of using PGR but, if I do, it will be in extreme moderation my first time.

Thanks again.

 

[GrassDaddy]

You have KBG already? If so you can thicken it up this spring. It will spread as well. Every lawn gets ugly over winter here but when it warms up and starts growing it thickens up great.

If you post a photo we could probably help give better advice though.

 

[NikeFace]

GrassDaddy, I do. When I seeded 4-5 years ago it was a mix of, I think, about 70/30 KBG and PRG. I wish it was 100% blue now that I know more.

Problem is, I'm convinced the actual yard is more like 70% PRG and 30% KBG. I say this because winter kill is considerable each year and I never see much spreading, self repair etc. Just another reason for my recent soil test and my focus on that.

In reality, this may also mean PRG likely thrives in my yard for whatever reason. This is why I'm leaning toward overseeding with the same blend. Maybe 50/50?

I can't wait to post a pic for better recommendations. Now I just need to wait for the 3' snow to melt and two more potential storm coming our way... ugh.