Why May is Ideal for Planting Grass in Buffalo, NY:

  • Soil Temperature: By May, the soil temperature typically exceeds 50°F, which is the optimal temperature for grass seed germination.
  • Moisture: Spring usually brings plenty of rainfall in Buffalo, so the soil stays moist and conducive for seedling growth.
  • Frost-Free: Frost is generally not a concern after mid-May, reducing the risk of damage to new grass.

Steps to Successfully Grow Grass in May:

  1. Choosing the Right Grass Seed:
    • Kentucky Bluegrass: This is one of the most popular cool-season grasses in Buffalo. It’s known for its lush, fine texture and dark green color. However, it takes longer to germinate (up to 21 days) and needs regular watering during the first few weeks.
    • Perennial Ryegrass: This grass seed germinates faster than Kentucky bluegrass (usually within 7–10 days), making it ideal for filling in bare patches or starting a new lawn quickly.
    • Fine Fescues: If your lawn has a lot of shade, fine fescue varieties like creeping red fescue or hard fescue are excellent choices. They thrive in cooler, shadier areas and require less water once established.
  1. Prepare the Soil:
    • Rake and Clear Debris: Before planting, make sure to rake up any leaves, sticks, or other debris from the winter. This gives the seeds better access to the soil.
    • Loosen the Soil: If your soil is compacted, use a garden rake or a lawn dethatcher to loosen the top 1–2 inches of soil. This will help the grass seed make better contact with the soil.
    • Amend the Soil if Needed: If your soil is heavy clay or doesn’t drain well, it’s a good idea to add organic matter like compost or topsoil. This helps improve soil structure and provides nutrients for the young grass.
  1. Sowing the Seed:
    • Even Seed Distribution: Use a broadcast spreader to evenly distribute the grass seed across the lawn. If you’re overseeding an existing lawn, be sure to mix the seed with some sand to ensure even coverage.
    • Lightly Rake: After seeding, lightly rake the area to make sure the seeds are in contact with the soil but not buried too deep. If you’re overseeding, lightly rake to expose some bare soil for the new seeds to settle into.
  1. Watering:
    • Initial Watering: For the first few weeks, keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. This usually means watering once or twice a day depending on the weather, especially if there’s a dry spell.
    • Frequency: As the grass begins to grow, gradually reduce the frequency of watering but increase the depth of watering. The goal is to encourage deep root growth, so aim for watering every 3–4 days once the grass is established, especially during warmer periods.
  1. Fertilizing:
    • Use a Starter Fertilizer: After sowing the seed, it’s best to wait a few weeks before fertilizing. If you want to give your new grass a boost, apply a starter fertilizer that’s low in nitrogen but higher in phosphorus and potassium. Phosphorus is important for root development.
    • Avoid High Nitrogen Fertilizers: High-nitrogen fertilizers can promote excessive top growth at the expense of root development, which isn’t ideal for newly germinating grass.
  1. Avoid Using Pre-Emergent Herbicides:
    • Pre-emergent herbicides, like those used to prevent crabgrass, prevent all seeds (including grass) from germinating. Therefore, you should avoid using any pre-emergent herbicides when planting new grass in the spring.

Germination and Growth Timeline:

  • Perennial Ryegrass: Germinates quickly, usually within 5–10 days.
  • Fine Fescue: Germinates in 7–14 days, depending on temperature and moisture.
  • Kentucky Bluegrass: Takes the longest to germinate, typically 14–21 days. However, it’s more tolerant of heat and drought once established.

General Tips:

  • Mow Carefully: Once your grass has grown to about 3–4 inches, it’s time for your first mow. Make sure the grass is dry before cutting, and always use a sharp blade. Don’t remove more than one-third of the grass height at once.
  • Stay Patient: Grass can take time to establish, and Buffalo’s weather can be unpredictable. Even with the best care, your lawn might take a little longer to fill in fully, especially if you’re planting cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass.

With these steps, you should have a healthy, green lawn by late summer or early fall.