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Best Grass Seed For Northern Illinois (2023 Updated)

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When looking for grass seed for northern Illinois, there are several key points to consider. First, you need to be aware of the type of climate and soil in the area. Northern Illinois has a cool climate and clay soil, which means you need to select a grass seed that is designed to grow in these conditions. Second, you should consider the amount of sunlight the area receives. Different types of grass seed prefer different amounts of sunlight, so you need to know how much your lawn will be receiving. Third, you need to think about the amount of maintenance you want to do. Different grass types require different levels of maintenance, so you need to be sure you are choosing a variety that suits your lifestyle. Fourth, you should research the different types of grass seed available for northern Illinois. Different types of grass have different characteristics, so you should be sure to select the one that best suits your needs. Finally, you should consider the cost of the grass seed. Different types of grass seed have different prices, so you need to be sure you are selecting a seed that is within your budget.

By considering these five key points, you will be able to select the best grass seed for your northern Illinois lawn. With the right grass seed, you can enjoy a lush, green lawn all season long. So take the time to research the different types of grass seed available, and select the one that best suits your needs. With the right grass seed, you can create the perfect lawn for your northern Illinois home.

10 Best Grass Seed For Northern Illinois

1. Combat Extreme Turf Type Fescue & Ky. Bluegrass Lawn Seed (Northern Zone)

Combat Extreme Northern Zone Grass Seed is an ideal choice for lawns in USDA Zones 4-5. This turf type fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass mix produces fine to medium leaf blades, creating a dense and lush turf. The lower growing cultivars in this mix are designed to reduce mowing requirements and clipping yields by up to 30%, making it more time and cost effective.

Combat Extreme Northern Zone Grass Seed establishes rapidly when soil temperatures are above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has improved germination, allowing it to establish more quickly than other varieties. Additionally, its lower growth habit reduces the amount of top growth, further reducing mowing requirements.

The grass seed mix contains special varieties of turf type fescue grass for hot summer temperatures, as well as cold and harsh winters in USDA Zones 4-5. The addition of Kentucky Bluegrass provides extra cold tolerance and turf density. Combat Extreme Northern Zone Grass Seed is suitable for full sun or partial shade and should be planted at 6-8 lbs per 1,000 SF for maximum results.

Overall, Combat Extreme Northern Zone Grass Seed is a great choice for both professional and home use. It is designed to meet the needs of colder climates, while still providing a dense, lush turf. With its improved germination and lower growth habit, the time and money required to maintain the lawn is significantly reduced.

2. Pennington Smart Seed Sun And Shade Grass Mix 3 Lb

Pennington Smart Seed Sun and Shade Grass Mix 3 lb is the perfect solution for lawns that receive both sun and moderate shade. This grass seed mix contains Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue to ensure that your lawn survives in any environment. It also contains just the right amount of fertilizer to help the grass succeed.

This mix is ideal for lawns that get 4 to 6 hours of sun, and can help you save up to 30% more water year after year compared to ordinary grass seed. Its excellent disease resistance and very good drought tolerance make it a great choice for any lawn.

Pennington Smart Seed Sun and Shade Grass Mix 3 lb is guaranteed to grow and you can expect to see results in 8 to 21 days. One bag covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. and it's easy to use, so you can get your lawn looking great in no time. With this mix, you can have a lush, green lawn in any environment.

3. Northern Lawn Premium Grass Seed | Pronitro Coating | Rye, Fescue, Bluegrass | 1000 Sq. Ft.

MOOWY's Heat & Drought Premium Grass Seed for Northern Lawns is a revolutionary lawn seed solution for lawns in northern climates. Made in the USA, this grass seed is specially designed to be especially resistant to heat and drought, and is coated with the patented ProNitro Coating Technology. This advanced coating helps the grass seeds to germinate faster, with less resources and input, and helps to support an even, lush, and green lawn.

This unique blend of grass seeds includes 45% Perennial Ryegrass, 50% Turf Type Tall Fescue, and 5% Kentucky Bluegrass, making it ideal for northern lawns, where overseeding grass seeds are more resistant to cold weather conditions. This blend is also great for areas with watering restrictions, as the deep root system helps to conserve water.

For an existing lawn, just spread the grass seeds uniformly for a thicker, stronger lawn. For a completely new lawn, simply double the amount of seed. Germination usually starts within 4-7 days, and 95% of the seeds should sprout within 14 days. After 30-60 days, you should have a fully established lawn!

MOOWY's Heat & Drought Premium Grass Seed for Northern Lawns is 100% pure and undiluted, and 100% satisfaction guaranteed. If at any point you are unhappy with your new lawn seed grass, simply contact us and we will work with you to either provide a refund, a free replacement, or work with you until you are completely satisfied.

4. Scotts Turf Builder Thick'r Lawn Sun & Shade: Seed, Fertilizer, Soil Improver, 12 Lb. 2-Pack

The Scotts Turf Builder Thick'R Lawn Sun & Shade: Seed, Fertilizer, Soil Improver, 12 lb. 2-Pack is here to help you turn a weak, thin lawn into thick, green grass. It doesn’t matter what type of grass you have, this product can be applied to an entire lawn. With this product, you only need to apply twice, once in the spring and once in the late summer/early fall. It’s easy to use with a Scotts spreader and you just need to water daily or as needed for the first two weeks.

One 12-lb. bag is enough to cover 1,200 sq. ft. of your lawn. The seed, fertilizer and soil improver will provide your lawn with the best care available. It’s a great way to get the beautiful, lush lawn you’ve always wanted. It’s fast-acting and you’ll start to see results within a few weeks.

The Scotts Turf Builder Thick'R Lawn Sun & Shade: Seed, Fertilizer, Soil Improver, 12 lb. 2-Pack is a great way to get a healthy, green lawn. It’s designed to help provide your lawn with the nutrients it needs to thrive. It’s easy to apply and it’s fast-acting, so you can start to see results quickly. It’s suitable for any type of grass, so you don’t have to worry about using a different type of product for different types of grass. Plus, it’s enough to cover 1,200 sq. ft. of your lawn, so you can get the job done quickly.

5. Wildflower Seeds Collection (19 Varieties) – 80,000 Non-Gmo Seeds For Planting – Save The Bees.

This wildflower seed package is a beautiful selection of 19 annual and perennial wildflower varieties, guaranteed to bring colorful beauty to any garden. With over 80,000 seeds, it’s the perfect choice for any gardener looking to attract beneficial pollinators like honeybees, bumblebees, ladybugs, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Hand-crafted and designed in an 8" x 6" hand-illustrated package, this mix is an ideal choice for gifting or for use in community gardens.

This Mountain Valley Seed Company wildflower seed mix is 100% pure and non-GMO, and is designed for planting across North America. Included in the mix are Butterfly Milkweed, New England Aster, Wallflower, Coreopsis, Cosmos, Sweet Alyssum, Red Corn Poppy, California Orange Poppy, Purple Coneflower, Yellow Prairie Coneflower, Gaillardia, Lemon Queen, Gayfeather, Lupine, Bergamot, Primrose, Phacelia, Crimson Clover, and Baby Blue Eyes.

In addition to providing joy and beauty to your garden, planting this wildflower mix helps to promote the health and longevity of the wildflower patch. It’s perfect for any occasion, such as a Christmas gift for the gardener in your life, a Mother's Day Garden gift, or a wildflower mix for kids and families. And, it’s backed by personalized, US based customer service, so you can be sure you’re getting the best quality product.

Bring the beauty of wildflowers to your garden or community with the Save The Bees Wild Flower Seeds Collection. It’s sure to attract pollinators and bring years of joy to your outdoor space.

6. Scotts Ez Seed Patch & Repair Sun & Shade, 20 Lb.

Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade is a revolutionary grass seeding product designed to fill in bare spots and repair lawn damage quickly and easily. With a combination of high performance grass seed, mulch that expands to surround the seed, controlled release fertilizer, tackifier to help keep seed from washing away and a protectant to help keep seedlings safe, this product grows in even the toughest conditions, such as full sun, dense shade, high traffic areas and on slopes.

Planting the seed is easy and should be done in the spring or fall when daily average soil temperatures are consistently between 55°F and 70°F, or air temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. This combination of mulch, grass seed, and fertilizer covers up to 445 sq. ft. in just three easy steps.

First, make sure the area is free of weeds and debris. Then, spread a thin layer of Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade over the bare areas. Finally, add a light layer of soil over the entire area. Water regularly and the grass will begin to grow within 7-14 days.

For those looking to quickly repair bare spots, Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade is the perfect solution. With its combination of grass seed, mulch, fertilizer, tackifier and protectant, it's easy to use and helps bring life back to your lawn in no time.

7. Scott's Turf Builder Grass Seed Pa State Mix, 7 Lb.

Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Pennsylvania State Mix is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a grass seed that can handle the heat, humidity, and severe winters of the area. This mix is designed to stay green even in extreme sun and shade, with a fine bladed texture and medium drought resistance. The seeds start to germinate in just five to ten days, making it easy to get your lawn looking its best in no time. The exclusive 4 in 1 WaterSmart Plus Coating makes it even easier to get your lawn looking great, as it helps absorb more water, feed the seedlings with essential nutrients, and protect them from disease. It's a great choice for lawns up to 3,250 square feet. Unfortunately, this product cannot be shipped to California or Louisiana. Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Pennsylvania State Mix is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a grass seed that is hardy and quick to germinate.

8. Wildflower Seed Mix: Open-Pollinated, 4oz, Perennial/annual, No Fillers

This Drought Tolerant Wildflower Seeds Open-Pollinated Bulk Flower Seed Mix is a great choice for creating a beautiful perennial or annual garden. It is crafted with high quality seeds and expert guidance to ensure planting success. This mix contains a wide variety of heat tolerant xeric perennials and annuals that are specifically designed to attract beneficial pollinators like honey bees, native bees, butterflies, birds, and hummingbirds. The large 4oz packaging provides coverage for over 375 square feet, and is suitable for USDA hardiness growing zones 2-9.

Beauty Beyond Belief is a small, family-owned business that has been providing professional and amateur gardeners with premium seeds and growing advice for over 30 years, so you can be sure that you are getting the best quality product. This wildflower mix makes for a great gift for those gardeners in your life. With this drought tolerant wildflower seeds mix, your garden will be sure to be full of lush coverage and attract many pollinators.

9. Turf Blue Pro Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed With Yellow Jacket Coating, 10 Lb Bag

Barenbrug Turf Blue Pro Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed with Yellow Jacket Seed Coating is a perfect blend of seed varieties designed to provide superior turf performance in a variety of settings. This professional turf product is resistant to dollar spot, summer patch, stem rust, and more, making it ideal for golf courses, sports fields, parks, lawns, and yards.

The blend is specifically tailored for areas where color and/or drought tolerance are necessary traits. It includes genetics that provide equally effective results in many conditions, with the variety ‘Barserati’ being TWCA approved for drought. The stand should achieve high coverage by 35 days, depending on environmental conditions, and it is quick to green up in the spring after winter dormancy.

Turf Blue Pro is known for its strong performance and traffic tolerance, making it perfect for extended playability. It is recommended to mow at a height of 2-3 inches, although it can be cut as low as ¾ inch with high inputs. Germination begins in 10-12 days and peaks in 21 days, with 2-3 lbs./1,000 sq. ft. for seeding or 1-2 lbs./1,000 sq. ft. for overseeding.

For those looking for a professional turf product with superior performance, Barenbrug Turf Blue Pro Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed with Yellow Jacket Seed Coating is a great choice. It is resistant to common diseases, drought tolerant, and quick to establish, with a lush look that can hold up to extended playability.

Best Grass Seed For Northern Illinois FAQs

What grass is native to northern Illinois?

Grasses native to northern Illinois include big and little bluestem, switchgrass, Indian grass, and Canada wild rye. Big and little bluestem are two of the most common warm-season grasses in the region, and they are drought tolerant and provide excellent cover for wildlife. Switchgrass is another warm-season grass that is often planted for erosion control. Indian grass is a tall, clumping grass that grows in prairies and dry areas, and it provides food and shelter for birds and other wildlife. Finally, Canada wild rye is a cool-season grass that can be used for erosion control and provides seed for birds. All of these grasses are valuable for restoring native ecosystems and provide important habitat for wildlife.

What is the best grass seed for Illinois?

The best grass seed for Illinois depends on individual needs and preferences. For sunny areas, a drought-tolerant grass such as tall fescue is a good option. It is also tolerant of heat and humidity. For shady areas, a cool-season grass such as Kentucky bluegrass is recommended. It is more shade tolerant but may require more water and fertilizer than tall fescue. For areas that experience extreme temperatures, a warm-season grass such as Bermudagrass is a better option. It is very heat and drought tolerant but requires more maintenance. It is also important to consider the soil type when selecting a grass seed for Illinois. Depending on the pH of the soil, some grasses may not thrive. Lastly, consider mixtures of grasses when selecting a seed, as different varieties may have varying levels of drought, shade, and heat tolerance.

What is the best grass seed to use in northern Illinois?

The best grass seed for northern Illinois depends on the desired outcome. For a lush, green lawn, a combination of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass is recommended. These two varieties are ideal for cooler climates, and can tolerate both hot summers and cold winters. For a more drought-tolerant lawn, a blend of turf-type tall fescue and fine fescue varieties is suggested. This combination will provide a more durable and lower maintenance lawn. For areas receiving partial shade, a combination of fine fescue and creeping red fescue is ideal. This combination will provide a thicker, more lush lawn and will thrive in shadier areas. No matter the desired outcome, it is important to prepare the soil properly before planting any kind of seed. This includes tilling the soil, removing weeds and rocks, and adding organic matter. With the right soil preparation and grass seed selection, a beautiful lawn can be achieved in northern Illinois.

When can you plant grass seed in northern Illinois?

In Northern Illinois, the best time to plant grass seed is typically from late August to mid-September. This is when the soil temperatures are warmest and the risk of summer drought is low. Planting during the summer months can be risky because the seed may dry out or be scorched by the heat. If possible, it is recommended to wait until temperatures are cooler to ensure the seed has the best chance for germination. Before planting, it is important to prepare the soil by tilling and aerating to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Additionally, it is important to use a quality grass seed blend to ensure a healthy, lush lawn. Once planted, ensure that the seed is watered regularly to ensure germination and proper growth.

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