The Best Grass Seed For Alaska
On a map, Alaska looks sizable — but comparable to other big states. In truth, it’s far larger than most people realize because, if you combine Texas, California, and Montana, Alaska is still larger. With over 663,300 square miles, there is plenty of space for people to live and have homes with yards. However, having acres of property doesn’t mean growing grass in Alaska is easy. With its frigid temperatures and drastic seasons, you need the right kind of grass seed that will survive the climate and terrain. As you prepare to plant your new lawn, there is some essential information you need to know regarding weather, terrain, planting season, and the best seeds for growing grass in Alaska.
Alaska has abnormal conditions most of the year, so it’s essential you know what to expect. Whether you’re new to Alaska or have lived here for years, growing a beautiful lawn takes time and research.
The most noticeable difference between Alaska and the rest of the United States is the split between day and night. Alaska experiences as little as 5.5 hours of daylight during the winter months and up to 19.5 hours during the summer months.
This means that whatever seed you plant needs to handle sunlight and shade very well because, throughout the year, the seed will experience extreme conditions.
Another essential consideration is precipitation. Alaska experiences 31 inches of rain during the year, significantly less than the US average of 38″. However, Alaska has a much more significant snowfall, experiencing 74 inches per year rather than the average 28 inches in the lower 48.
Your grass seed must be able to handle considerable rain and go through periods of drought. But even more so, the grass seed must do well in frozen temperatures and endure months of no sunlight when it’s under several feet of snow.
Depending on where you live in Alaska, your ecoregion determines the best times to grow grass and other plants. Since Alaska is so large, it has 32 ecoregions, all with vastly different environments and climates.
Understanding your ecoregion helps you determine the best seed and the optimal planting time. With a better grasp of the climate and conditions of Alaska, it’s time to consider when to plant grass seed so your grass will grow properly.
When to Plant Grass Seed in Alaska
Alaska’s planting season is an anomaly. Like most places, the weather dictates the best time to germinate, but it has to follow a different pattern because of how long Alaska’s winter season is. Whereas most states can plant grass seeds in mid-to-late April or early May, the ground is still frozen or covered in snow at this time.
Therefore, the optimal planting season is June to July because the ground is warming up, and the soil is loose enough to till and fertilize. Planting your grass seed too soon inhibits growth, and planting too late risks freezing the seed and young grass.
Best Types of Grass Seeds for Alaska
Now that you know how the climate, terrain, and time of year affect your grass, you must plant the right kind of seed. If you grow just any grass, you risk wasting all your time and effort on something that will die quickly.
The best grasses for Alaska are tough, drought-resistant, able to grow in sun and shade, and are cold tolerant grasses.
Although Alaska is not part of the grass growing zone map, you want to use cool-season grass seeds here. Use the Seed Selector tool to find the right grass seed varieties for your specific location in Alaska. Cool-season grasses handle cooler temperatures better and remain green even in the most dreadful weather.
Fine Fescue
By far the best choice for your Alaskan lawn, fine fescue excels in colder temperatures and minimal shade. With the harsh weather in Alaska, you need grass to handle it all. Fine fescue is tougher than its name shows–it is drought resistant, conserves water, and offers erosion control.
Creeping red fescue, a strand of fine fescue, will spend most of the year under snow, so you must plant it in time for the season. With its average growth rate, the seedlings might not have enough time to germinate and root if you grow it too late.
Kentucky Bluegrass
Kentucky bluegrass, one of the more popular grasses, is another excellent choice for your lawn. This grass species grows well in sunshine and shade, making it the perfect lawn seed for your Alaskan home. This seed is excellent for a lawn with families and pets in Alaska because it handles foot traffic very well.
Even though Alaska has less rainfall per year than other states, the amount of snow can help satisfy the high water requirement of Kentucky bluegrass. While the snow may not help while frozen, the grass absorbs the water for nutrients as the snow melts and the ground thaws.
Perennial Ryegrass
The final option for the Alaskan lawn is perennial ryegrass. This grass grows extremely fast, so it’s perfect if you forget to plant it earlier in the season. With its fast-acting germination, the seeds can establish roots in time for the cooler weather to come along.
Because this grass grows so quickly, it requires a lot of water. And yet, it has excellent drought tolerance, so you must plant it with enough water to give it time to prepare for a dry winter.