I am about to close on a house in the Conroe/ Willis area and was wondering what type of grass seed would be best to spread on the land. The builder will spread sod out on a portion but their is still going to be a significant amount of bare dirt surrounding the house (its on 2.5 acres).

What type of grass would be the most cost efficent and fastest grower for this time of year (I close at the end of September)? I am thinking rye but figured you all may have some other suggestions.

FWIW, depending on your soil I'd avoid sod at all costs. If you're on sand sodded grass (in my experience) doesn't seem to do as well. Dad and I used sod around their new house and seed (all centipede grass) farther away. In the rich sand on the lot (1.5 acres) the grass from seed quickly established healthy roots going down 6 to 10 inches. The grass that was sodded remains drought prone 4 years later with root penetration of just a few inches. The fine silt and clay in the sod is still creating a barrier to moisture transfer into the ground and keeping the roots shallow.

We're considering roto-tilling all of the sodded grass and starting over with seed.

The centipede that grew from seed has been quite drought resistant and continues to grow when the neighbors St. Augustine as wilted. It grows 6 - 8 inches tall then stops. Healthy St. Augustine however will choke it out.

[This message has been edited by Kenneth_2003 (edited 8/27/2008 9:52a).]

Kenneth, you need to airate (sp?)the sod.

depends on the type of grass you want. You can't seed St. Augustine, and if you want a different grass you better get it seeded now or be prepared to overseed with rye to avoid erosion this winter.

Any one used Turfallo? the hybrid that Tceh came out with that is drought resistant and grows short so it doesn't need much mowing.

I.Y.A.C.Y.A.S. '91

Have it hydromulched with perennial ryegrass and bermuda. Do not use annual ryegrass.

If the soil is clean and free of vegatation and it is in full sun I would suggest seeding it asap with a common hulled bermuda. Bermuda is very strong grass and is pretty drought tolerant once it is established. Do not mix with rye as the results can be very spotty. Only apply rye if it gets too late in the season like the middle of October then come back and reseed with bermuda next spring.
I am re seeding a commercial property in 2 weeks with a common bermuda and it will germ quick if you can pump the water to it and DO NOT let the seed dry out once it begins to imbibe fluids or it will be toast. Good luck!
As another poster said you could have a company shoot on a bermuda hydromulch and it will give you nice results as well.

I'm trying to get some grass established on that lovely sand soil we have in the conroe area. I went with Bermuda. It's pretty tough and low maintenance.

I'm sitting in DR doobles turf grass class right now.


Judging from what he's telling us, centipede grass, with WASHED sod on a sand base is your best bet.

BTW, the secret with sand is making sure your turf has zero soil, because it seals the sand off....

[This message has been edited by Ag_of_08 (edited 8/28/2008 11:52a).]