Best lawn irrigation specialists near Troy, MT

Lawn care is tough work—even when you hire pros, there’s no guarantee your grass won’t die (unless, of course, your company offers a guarantee). But lawn care companies don’t control the rain or watering restrictions. Your type of grass also impacts the type of care required to keep a lush lawn—and how much that care costs. Talk to a lawn care pro to determine the best times to treat your lawn based on type of grass and your climate.

The best time to plant grass seed depends on your local climate and whether you have cool-season or warm-season grass.

For cool-season grasses (like tall fescue), the ideal time to seed is late summer or early fall (typically August and September). During this period, the soil is still warm from the summer, but the air is cooler, creating optimal conditions for germination and root establishment before winter. There is also less competition from weeds. Spring is a secondary option, but cooler soil temperatures, the risk of a late frost, and less time for the grass to mature before summer heat can make it less successful.

For warm-season grasses (like St. Augustine), the best time to plant is from late spring through mid-summer (typically May and June), when temperatures are consistently between 75 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

In general, it is best to avoid seeding during winter or early spring, as cold soil and air can prevent seeds from germinating. For recommendations tailored to your specific grass type and climate, consider consulting a local lawn care professional.

It costs $1,500 on average to hydroseed a 1/2-acre lawn professionally. DIY hydroseeding costs about $300 to $500 for the machine rental, plus the cost of your seed, mulch, and fertilizer. Often, it makes sense to hire a local lawn seeding service to hydroseed for you to ensure the best coverage and growth.

The easiest way to rough up soil to accept grass seed and provide the best opportunity for its growth is to make several passes over the area with a garden tiller and rake away the loosened vegetation and debris. However, in some cases, very hard ground may require using a shovel or pick to break up pieces into smaller chunks that the tiller can handle more easily.