Planting Grass Seed in the Spring in Reno

Key Takeaways

Insights on spring grass seeding in Reno:

• Cool-season grass selection: Ideal for Reno's extreme weather, with choices like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue.
• Optimal planting times: Fall might outperform spring due to more favorable soil temperatures.
• Seed preparation and care: Steps include lawn dethatching, soil aeration and fertilization, mulch covering, and consistent watering.

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When it comes to planting new grass, this process can be tricky for residents of Nevada, including those who live in Reno. Because this area is considered a high desert climate, several things should be considered when planting new grass seeds. 

What is the best type of grass to use for new seeds?

Northern Nevada requires cool-season grass since these grasses can grow in a climate marked by long, hot, dry summers and freezing cold winters. Cool-season grasses are hardy enough to withstand temperature extremes but often require irrigation to ensure sufficient water for growth and maintenance. They are ideal for the unique weather conditions found in Reno. Cool season grasses include:

• Kentucky bluegrass

• Tall fescue

• Perennial ryegrass

• Fine fescue

Consider researching the traits of each of these grasses before deciding. For example, they have different sun, shade, and cold tolerances, and slightly different appearances. Knowing these differences will help you make the right choice for your lawn. 

Determine when to plant your new grass seeds.

While most people automatically assume spring is the best time to plant grass seed, that’s not necessarily the best time. Given the unique climate in Reno, fall may be a better option. The temperature at the beginning of September is especially conducive to planting new seeds. The evening and overnight temperatures are mild, unlike the overnight temps in early spring. The temperature is usually milder, ranging from the low 60s to the mid-70s.

This time of year ensures that soil temperatures are ideal for the seedlings throughout the day and evening. And it also provides enough time for the new grass to grow sufficiently to withstand the coming winter. The seeds will usually germinate within one to two weeks after seeding and will continue growing if they have sufficient water.

If you miss the window for grass seeding in the fall, you can still plant grass seed in the spring in the Reno area. However, you may want to plant later in the spring than would be acceptable for more southern areas. Thus, ensuring more successful spring seeding.

Steps for Successful Seeding

When you have the right seed and know when you want to seed, you can go through the steps for seeding, which include:

• Prepare or dethatch the lawn: This involves raking to remove all of the debris, dead organic material, branches, and leaves. These materials accumulate over the winter, preventing air and water from reaching the root system. Preparing the lawn ensures new seeds and seedlings can access sufficient air and water. 

• Aerate and fertilize the soil: In addition to removing dead material and debris from the lawn, you can boost the chances of successful seeding by aerating and fertilizing your lawn. A good quality fertilizer will provide sufficient nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the correct ratio to support growth.

• Cover with mulch: If you plant in the spring, your seeds may benefit from the protection a layer of mulch can provide. Mulch holds moisture, provides weed control and pest control, and protects the seeds from freezing temperatures. You can also use tree bark, woodchips, leaves, grass clippings, straw, newspaper, or compost as mulch. These organic materials will decompose and provide organic material back into the soil.

• Water daily: Frequent watering helps your seeds germinate, and the new shoots grow. Watering early in the morning is the best time as it is still cool, which limits evaporation. Seed needs to stay damp for germination and should NOT dry out during early germination.

Planting grass seed in the spring is easy, but growing grass in Reno can be tricky. If you decide to do this yourself, be sure to distribute the seeds evenly. If you are in doubt, it’s best to consult with a lawn care professional to determine the best services or options for your lawn.

How Often Should I Water My Lawn During The Summer?

Key Takeaways

Optimal lawn watering techniques:

• Watering Timing: Watering early in the morning reduces evaporation and fungal growth.
• Frequency and Depth: Less frequent, deep watering encourages deeper root growth and drought resistance.
• Adapting to Weather: Adjust watering based on rainfall and temperature to prevent overwatering or drought stress.

Check out our sprinkler services.

If you live in Reno, Nevada (or any other semiarid climate location), you know how hot and dry the summer months are. Some families choose stone and gravel landscaping due to the extremely dry temperatures, and others want the look and feel of a traditional grass lawn.

This brings us to the question: how often should you water the lawn during the summer? There are a few factors to consider when deciding how often and how much to water your lawn. 

What Type of Grass Do You Have?

Knowing what type of grass you have to begin with is essential. If you are just starting to plant new grass seed, you will want to research to determine what type of grass will thrive. Cool-season grasses are typically found in Northern Nevada, including Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue. Cool-season grasses have adapted to thrive in areas with extreme seasonal temperature changes (cold winters, hot summers). 

Time of Day

Living in a dry climate means that water restrictions may be put into place for when you can and cannot water your lawn. Your local water utility company can provide you with your assigned water days. 

When it’s time to water, doing so during the cool summer mornings means that more of the water will reach the roots before evaporating. Then, as the sun comes out and the air warms up, the newly watered grass will slowly dry out over the course of the day.

If you only water your lawn during the afternoon's peak, then a lot of that water will evaporate immediately and never actually reach the root system of the lawn.

If you cannot water in the mornings, early evening is the next best time. Remember, in Reno/Sparks, we can have strong afternoon winds, which may blow the water away from the areas you are trying to reach. So check weather conditions before turning on those sprinklers. Additionally, leaving the lawn damp during the nighttime hours can promote possible disease. Be mindful of the potential hazards of watering the lawn at night.

How Much and How Often?

A general rule of thumb is to water your lawn one inch of water per week. You can use a rain gauge to measure an inch of water or grab a can and place it in the yard. Be sure to place the rain gauge (or can) in a shaded part of the yard so that the water does not evaporate in the sun. 

An early sign of stress to the lawn is noticing the grass turning from rich green color to more of a dark and dull green before it starts to lighten up and go dormant/brown. Additionally, if you notice that you do not need to mow the lawn as often as previously, there could be a problem with how much water it receives. 

These are signs that you may need to water your grass for more extended periods or check to ensure that your sprinklers are reaching all lawn areas. 

What Type of Sprinkler Should You Use?

The best sprinkler system is a programmable irrigation system. This allows you to set the days of the week, times of day, and length you want to water your lawn. An irrigation system provides you with the best coverage and ensures even watering. In addition, you can ensure your lawn is watered when you leave for vacation. 

If you don’t have an irrigation system, your best choice for an established rectangular lawn is an oscillating sprinkler. This will give you even coverage for a large area. 

If your lawn has lots of objects around it (sheds, a pool, decks, etc.), you will want to use an impact sprinkler. These sprinklers go around in a circle, spraying a continuous stream of water. You can set up impact sprinklers in different places around your yard to hit the grassy areas without soaking others areas of your yard.

The Best Lawn Care Service In Reno & Sparks

Are you looking to spend time on your favorite things and skip the grueling yard work?

Cory’s Lawn Service can help with that. Whether for general cleanup, weekly mowing, aeration, or fertilization and weed control, we're ready to help you get your weekend back. Our team has provided quality, expertise, and gets-done-right-the-first-time lawn care services since 2006, and we’re not stopping anytime soon. So reach out to us today for a free consultation!

What Is a Drip Irrigation System and How Does it Work?

Key Takeaways

Drip irrigation maximizes efficiency:

• Water Efficiency: Directly waters plant roots, minimizing waste.
• Flexibility: Suitable for various landscapes including raised beds and irregular areas.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Offers a more economical option compared to traditional irrigation systems.
• Disease Reduction: Lowers the risk of fungal diseases by keeping foliage dry.

Check out our sprinkler services.

When considering different irrigation systems, one option is a drip irrigation system. A drip irrigation system leverages technological innovation and maximizes water efficiency. This method works by exposing the plant roots to a direct water supply. 

What is a drip irrigation system?

Drip irrigation uses a mechanical system attached to a water source that can be arranged throughout the area you want to water. These systems disperse water slowly and evenly, which minimizes water waste. 

There are four main types of drip irrigation systems: 

1. Soaker hoses: This system uses hoses with holes spaced evenly and spread throughout row crops, hedges, shrubs, lawns, or vegetable gardens.

2. Emitter system: This drip irrigation system is specific to your water pressure needs. It uses a series of small hoses with evenly-spaced nozzles that slowly drip water.

3. Drip tape: Drip tape is cost-efficient and easy to use, although it doesn’t last long. You can bury the tape or cover it with mulch to hide it. 

4. Micro-misting system: This device attaches to your irrigation hose system to disperse water slowly and evenly over root zones. 

Every drip irrigation system needs a water source, and the steps to install a drip irrigation system will depend on your water source. 

What are the benefits of installing a drip irrigation system?

Drip irrigation provides a consistent water supply that can cover a large area. It is popular because it can reduce the amount of water used to grow plants. It saves the grower a lot of time. In addition to these benefits, drip irrigation systems also:

• Provide flexibility and can be used in raised beds, irregularly shaped areas, and containers.

• Reduce soil erosion.

• Potential to send fertilizer directly to the roots of your plants.

• Provide a more cost-effective option than other irrigation systems.

• Give plants a direct water source and nutrients, ensuring they grow well.

• Reduce disease, especially fungal diseases, by keeping foliage dry. 

These benefits are part of the reason drip irrigation systems are becoming increasingly popular. However, you should know a few other things before installing a drip irrigation system. They can sometimes cost more and take more time to install than other irrigation methods. 

Additionally, the tubes and hoses may become damaged easily if stepped on or run over with a mower or tiller. They may also become damaged after a long time in the sun. 

Drip irrigation systems can be used in many soil types. They often provide great benefits to plants you would like to grow, such as trees and shrubs or garden plants. However, they are not recommended for turf unless you install an underground system, which could prevent the usage of core aeration and potentially damage the underground drip hose.

Drip irrigation systems also require regular maintenance to ensure they function well and continue to optimize water use. They can make your life easier and ensure your plants grow well. Learning about these systems can help you make the right decision when determining which system is best for you.