Knowledgebase
Asked August 10, 2020, 3:35 PM EDT
Benzie County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
Kentucky blue grass, fine fescue and perennial rye mix is a good start for Michigan lawns. Considering you are planting an acre of grass you may want to consider some of the area as a utility turf and use the tougher utility type species, with the traditional lawn being closer to your home and other buildings.
As time goes on lawn growing conditions will favor one or more over the other species and the types of grass that are happiest in your growing conditions will thrive. Start with a soil test , first—. It will tell you what soil amendments are recommended- https://homesoiltest.msu.edu
Here are the steps for establishing turf—
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/tips_for_seeding_lawns_in_september
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/turfgrass_species_and_cultivar_selection_e2912
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/purchasing_quality_turfgrass_seed_read_the_label
Follow the best lawn practices that research shows work well in Michigan: Mow no shorter than 3 inches, mulch clippings, fertilize 2 to 4 times per year in amounts according to a soil test; irrigate 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week including rainfall, divided across 3 to 5 doses; irrigate early in the day so grass leaves are dry by sunset; soil test performed every 3 years to determine how much fertilizer your lawn needs, your soil type and your organic matter percentage. Aeration once per year usually in fall, especially on clay soil, helps with compacted soil and can be top dressed with ¼ inch compost to increase organic matter in the soil. Aeration also helps when you are over seeding the lawn to get good soil to seed the contact.
References:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/lawns/
Commercial and utility types-
https://extension.psu.edu/turfgrass-seed-and-seed-mixtures
http://safesportsfields.cals.cornell.edu/grasses-for-sports-fields