What grass type to seed?

Marty0002 – posted 28 July 2003 07:55

I just had approx. 12 trees removed in my backyard in order to develop a well landscaped yard. I also own dogs that frequent the backyard area. I live in Atlanta. I am wondering, what type of grass would you suggest i use if i am seeding a large area that has direct sun and partial shade that will get a lot of traffic? I have zoysia in the front and don’t care for it too much. Thanks for your help.

fred – posted 29 July 2003 18:21

tall fescue in your market- wait until october or so

Mouse – posted 01 August 2003 14:53

Tall fescue? I’ve been having trouble with my fescue. It doesn’t seem to stand up to traffic too well…

Brad – posted 04 August 2003 12:46

If you live in Atlanta, I think your choices are going to be limited to Zoysia, Bermuda, or Fescue. Fescue burns up in the summer and it seems like it has to be re-seeded every fall for the winter season, which is when it thrives. I don’t think it would be very wear tolerant with dogs. Bermuda does very well in Atlanta and is extremely wear tolerant. However, it will need at least 6 (and preferably 8) hours of DIRECT sunlight each day or it will become leggy, thin, and less wear tolerant. Zoysia will do better in sun / partial shade. Although it’s very thick, it tends to grow fairly slowly and is not as wear tolerant as Bermuda. Given the choices, my guess wold be to go with th e Bermuda IF you get enough sunlight.