NJ Lawns Community

Hey neighbors! First time homeowner in Hackensack here and I'm done with my backyard lookingsplotchyandbrown despite watering CONSTANTLY. My perennial ryegrass just can't handle these dry spells we get and I'm thinking about ripping it out and starting fresh. What's everyone else using around here? I've heard tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass mentioned but not sure what works best in Bergen County. Any suggestions from the pros?

Omgggg YES ditch the ryegrass I made the switch two years ago and never looked back. Tall fescue is your best bet for this area - it's deep rooted and handles our summers MUCH better. I used a Jonathan Green blend from the garden center in Paramus, can't remember the exact mix but it was a fescue/bluegrass combo. Fall is prime time to seed though, so wait until September-October if you can. Worth the wait!

I'd actually go all-in on Kentucky bluegrass if you want something really tough. Yes it takes longer to establish but KBG spreads by rhizomes and fills in bare spots on its own. I've got a pure KBG lawn in Rutherford and it's survived the last two dry summers with minimal watering compared to my old rye mix. Downside is it does need more sun than fescue so keep that in mind.

Don't forget the soil health angle! I've been organic for 10 years and honestly any grass will struggle if your soil is compacted or lacking organic matter. Get a soil test first - Rutgers cooperative extension does them cheap. Add several inches of good compost before you seed, and consider going with a native buffalo grass variety if you really want low water input. Way less maintenance long term.

@CompostQueen you had me until buffalo grass - that's more for the plains, doesn't do well in our humid NJ summers/falls. Fungal issues kill it. Stick with the cool season turfs that work here. And +1 on the soil test though, great advice.

@GreenThumb thanks! Yeah my yard gets pretty good sun most of the day. Would you say I could do a fescue blend and be okay? Also what's a fair price to pay for professional installation vs doing it myself? Trying to budget here as a new homeowner 😅

DIY is totally doable if you're handy with a broadcaster and rake. Cheggers on Route 4 has decent seed mixes for reasonable prices. Expect to spend maybe $200-300 in materials for a medium yard if you do it yourself vs $800-1500 for pro installation. I'd get at least 3 quotes if you go pro though, some of these landscaping companies overshoot.