What is the most durable grass seed for Zone 5?
by
Sharyn
+10
I have 2 large dogs so every spring my yard looks like these pictures.
Would love recommendations on durable grass seed that grows in sun and shade and high traffic areas.
My yard, my floors and my back thank you in advance.
Native grasses tend to be hardier.
Blue wild rye (sometimes used on playing fields so it has to take a lot of wear).
Kentucky blue grass since it even stands up to grazing.
Hello, This is a great question — but that recommendation would depend on your location —growing zone.
I have a heavy footed 74# dog and our zoysia grass is the most dense thick and spongy and resistant - quite sturdy— in my zone 7.
Actually if you contact your local extension agent they could likely recommend the perfect grass seed for your location and pet situation. Our MG class PowerPoint highlights a Virginia tech publication for best turf choices for our area.
Please remember to utilize the local cooperative extension office for any lawn, gardening, garden pest ID and weed Id and remediation problems. These offices are manned by volunteer master gardeners on site for free consultation-there waiting to answer the communities questions. They know your local situation quite well. Master gardeners are required to volunteer back designated hours ( plus continuing education) each year to maintain MG certification -this community outreach and education is their goal. If the MG cant answer your question on the spot—-they often send out referrals and specimens to the local universities —my office utilizes Virginia Tech for plant, insect, or disease identification. I hope this helps, the muddy paw situation has been pretty miserable!
DON.T DO GRASS, INSTEAD ADD PEA GRAVEL OVER AREA, WILL ELIMINATE MUD AND DEBRIS. YET BE SAFE FOR THE PADS OF THE DOGS FEET, AND EASY TO CLEAN UP ANY LITTER LEFT BY THE ANIMALS...
This really depends on where you live, and honestly, dogs are very tough on grass. Reach out to your local cooperative extension office, and someone will share with you the toughest grasses for your growing area.
pea gravel...priceless with dogs
The kind of grass depends upon if you have a lot of sun or the area is mostly shade, along with how you water, and your soil ie: clay, sandy.....And growing zone. Contact your County Extension Office.
I had good luck with a bag of Grass Seed I purchased at Walmart that was labeled "good for childrens play areas". I have no idea what type it was but it turned out to be better than Bermuda that was recommended and last time I was in town and drove by, it was looking good.
We live in North central PA and have the best result with contractor grade seed from Lowes.
The OP could have taken those pictures in my yard, but mine worse than this. Pea gravel won't work because when the dog walks or sits on it, all the gravel is going to sink in the mud, and then you just have the original problem and a gravel problem. What we have done in some places is to rope it off, seeded the area and once it is established, allow the dogs back on it. Then you start the next section. Buy the seed that is made for your soil and sun exposure.
We used Zoyzia grass plugs. They will tollerate a herd of horses! It does not green as long as the other grasses, but has a fantastic root base!
Annual Rye sowed in the fall will help through the winter. This can be sowed over Other grass and dies when it warms up. Just make sure this is ANNUAL RYE
My local farm store recommended "athletic" grass seed. The kind they use for football field. I have had luck with it.