The Best Grass Seed For Arkansas
With nearly 1.4 million housing units scattered throughout the Bear State, many homeowners and property owners are aware of how important the appearance and health of their lawns are.
But whether you’re brand new to the concept of seeding or have a seasoned green thumb, you probably know that you can’t throw just any seed onto your lawn. You need to choose from specific blends suited to your geographical location and soil condition.
So if you live in Arkansas and are looking to seed your lawn, here’s what you need to know about your area’s growing conditions and grass seed options.
Arkansas Grass Seed Growing Conditions and Characteristics
Arkansas is one of 19 heartland states, and its geography proves that it belongs: It’s home to mountains, valleys, and flatlands with plenty of rivers that run through.
Some famous sights are Hot Springs National Park, the Ozark Mountains, and the Arkansas Delta—but for Arkansans, the state is typically split into two halves: the highlands in the northwest and the lowlands in the southeast. The highlands are home to the Ozarks, while the lowlands are home to the Delta.
Stuttgart is the official state soil, so much of Arkansas has fertile lands and is primarily used for cropland. Moreover, Arkansas’ pH levels and plant hardiness zones are ideal for growth: With levels between 5.7 and 6.6 and zones between 6a and 8a, temperatures are suitable for most of the year for seeding.
When to Plant Grass Seed in Arkansas
As a South Atlantic Transitional state, Arkansas is in what the United States Department of Agriculture calls the “transition zone.” The transition zone is a mix of grass species that grow in the cool, northern section of the country and the warm, southern part.
The transition zone can healthily sustain both warm- and cool-season grasses. Generally, you should plant warm-season grasses in the spring and cool-season grasses in the fall. This timing gives the grass seed enough time to germinate and establish in time for the harsh winter and summer temperatures.
However, if you’re overseeding an existing lawn, you’ll want to consider replanting in early fall. The soil is still warm enough for seeds in fall and isn’t yet too cold for new grass to establish before winter. If you miss the fall deadline, you should seed in early spring before the summer heat begins.
Best Types of Lawn Grasses for Arkansas
Arkansans are lucky that they get to choose from such a variety of grass seeds when it comes to their properties. Many popular blends from northern and southern lawns can thrive for a long time in Arkansas, and the varieties listed here are some of the best species.
Warm-Season Grass Types
Warm-season grasses should be seeded in the spring, between March and May, when ground temperatures are around 50°F to 60°F.
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is a popular warm-season grass widely used in the southern United States because it’s drought-tolerant and has minimal water requirements. It’s ideal for properties with high traffic areas, like golf courses or places with children and pets.
Bermuda grass is an excellent turf choice for beautification because its bright green coloring remains healthy nearly year-round.
Buffalograss
Buffalograss is famous for its soft texture and rich emerald coloring recognizable from a mile away. This warm-season blend can be found on properties throughout the southern U.S., from California to West Virginia.
Buffalograss is a popular mix for property beautification because of its deep year-round coloring and water conservation, thanks to its drought resistance and minimal water requirements. However, it has poor wear tolerance, so this blend isn’t ideal for properties with high levels of activity.
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia grass is a warm-season grass favored by home and property owners for its medium-coarse, deep emerald coloring that is dependable throughout the year. As a southern species, zoysia grass prefers sunny to moderate shade and can withstand heat and drought very well.
It’s also is an excellent choice for high traffic areas and water conservation. Though slow-growing, this grass results in a beautiful lawn once it grows in.
Cool-Season Grass Types
Cool-season grasses should be planted in early to late fall between September and November (at least two weeks before the first frost) when ground temperatures are around 60°F to 40°F.
Kentucky Bluegrass
Although its name implies this species is found in Kentucky, this couldn’t be less true: Kentucky bluegrass is native to Europe and was brought to North America sometime after the 1600s when colonists arrived. However, Kentucky bluegrass remains a favorite, especially for northern Arkansas properties.
This cool-season grass provides a medium to finely-textured lawn with a deep pine color that beautifies any property and can withstand high traffic areas. Kentucky bluegrass does require plenty of water, so frequent watering or a sprinkler system is necessary to maintain its lush look.
Perennial Ryegrass
Perennial ryegrass is one of the most popular grass seed blends in the United States. This versatile yet durable mix is perfect for transitional areas since it can grow just about anywhere, ranging from the cold mountains of Colorado down to the beachside properties of Florida.
After quick establishment, it has a bright green coloring, does best in full sun, and tolerates shade. However, perennial ryegrass requires plenty of water since it’s so heat- and traffic-tolerant which means a sprinkler system or frequent watering will be necessary.