Grass Seed Prices

[WVH1977]

Went to buy some Mid-Atlantic fescue grass today. $$$ 159.99 for 50 lbs. How much are you paying? I was going to buy some annual winter rye as well,$ 69.99. I put that back. Hate to see what it costs next year.

 

[Sonny580]

Sounds average---- AND its only getting worse! Last year we did 5 miles of waterways for people and they freaked out at the seed price!

 

[TMGT]

There was a big jump this year, supposedly due to the drought in Oregon, according to my supplier the harvest was down about 60% this year.

I bought some seed in early July because he said there was going to be a slight price increase, when I went to buy a couple more bags in early Oct. (I was late getting it down this year) the seed I normally use had gone from $107 a bag to over $170!
I bought my second choice that had gone from about $87 to $134!

If i hadn't bought some seed early it would have cost me another $4-500 for my first order, glad i got it when I did. Because suppliers place orders out a couple years in advance I don't see prices coming down any time soon unfortunately.

Supplier said from the usual 6 truckloads they get this time of year they could only get 5 due to the shortage.

 

[s219]

I noticed prices were high down here near Williamsburg too.

If you don't mind Kentucky 31 fescue, check Tractor Supply. 50# uncoated is $85 and 50# coated is $70.

 

[GeneV]

They're higher here for some seed yeh. Over at TSC, the KY 31 stuff, 50 pounder bag, it's like 10 bux or so higher over last year. I only use that stuff way back in the yard. For the front, I bought a 50 lb bag of the turf type tall fescue for some patching and overseeding, it was like $90.

 

[TMGT]

I noticed prices were high down here near Williamsburg too.

If you don't mind Kentucky 31 fescue, check Tractor Supply. 50# uncoated is $85 and 50# coated is $70.

Did you look at the tag on the bags? A lot of the K31 I've been seeing at places like TSC, Lowes etc. are pretty garbage spec wise. 80% germination rate, only 50% pure seed, couple % noxious weed seed. Might be cheaper but not worth putting down for the slight savings. And at only 50% seed its not really any savings.

 

[ericm979]

TSC has two Ky 31 Fescues- one is coated and the other is not. The bags are different color. The coated one is 50% seed and 50% coating. The last two years when I have bought it, the uncoated version had better germination and weed % numbers on the tag in addition to twice as much seed per bag, but the price was similar. I'm sure there's a reason people would use the coated version but I don't know what it is. Maybe it broadcasts better?

 

[rswyan]

TSC has two Ky 31 Fescues- one is coated and the other is not. The bags are different color. The coated one is 50% seed and 50% coating. The last two years when I have bought it, the uncoated version had better germination and weed % numbers on the tag in addition to twice as much seed per bag, but the price was similar. I'm sure there's a reason people would use the coated version but I don't know what it is. Maybe it broadcasts better?

The coating retains moisture and helps to prevent the seed from drying out and dying if you can't water it and there is no/minimal rain once it's sown.

 

[Torvy]

How to Know the Difference Between Coated vs. Uncoated Grass Seed | Jonathan Green

When choosing the right grass seed for your lawn, you might find yourself overwhelmed by the many grass seed mixtures available. Here are the answers to the most common questions about coated and uncoated grass seed.

www.jonathangreen.com

 

[GeneV]

TSC has two Ky 31 Fescues- one is coated and the other is not. The bags are different color. The coated one is 50% seed and 50% coating. The last two years when I have bought it, the uncoated version had better germination and weed % numbers on the tag in addition to twice as much seed per bag, but the price was similar. I'm sure there's a reason people would use the coated version but I don't know what it is. Maybe it broadcasts better?

I've used both. The uncoated works in spring and fall with cooler temps and occasional rain. I've used the coated in the summer, just have to make sure to toss water on them.

 

[GeneV]

Did you look at the tag on the bags? A lot of the K31 I've been seeing at places like TSC, Lowes etc. are pretty garbage spec wise. 80% germination rate, only 50% pure seed, couple % noxious weed seed. Might be cheaper but not worth putting down for the slight savings. And at only 50% seed its not really any savings.

This is the turf type tall fescue I got from TSC.

 

[Frankenkubota]

this spring i looked into Zoysia seed from local ag store, the guy started laughing.

25 lb bag, with tax and shipping, just under $900

that's about $35 a Pound!

 

[Oaktree]

Did you look at the tag on the bags? A lot of the K31 I've been seeing at places like TSC, Lowes etc. are pretty garbage spec wise. 80% germination rate, only 50% pure seed, couple % noxious weed seed. Might be cheaper but not worth putting down for the slight savings. And at only 50% seed its not really any savings.

I never know how to read those grass seed labels, what does "50% pure seed" mean? What's the rest? As far as weeds, big whoop, I'd say half my lawn is "weeds". As long as it's green, that's all I really care. I live in the country, not some snooty suburb.

 

[TMGT]

I never know how to read those grass seed labels, what does "50% pure seed" mean? What's the rest? As far as weeds, big whoop, I'd say half my lawn is "weeds". As long as it's green, that's all I really care. I live in the country, not some snooty suburb.

It means you're paying for something other then grass seed like fillers/cellulose coating waste material from the sorting process etc. so yeah, to me it matters. I can get weeds for free all day, if I'm buying grass seed I want grass seed not weeds.

I don't live In snooty neighborhood, but that doesn't mean I want my place to look like garbage either.

Sent from my SM-G715U1 using TractorByNet mobile app

 

[Oaktree]

It means you're paying for something other then grass seed like fillers/cellulose coating waste material from the sorting process etc. so yeah, to me it matters. I can get weeds for free all day, if I'm buying grass seed I want grass seed not weeds.

I don't live In snooty neighborhood, but that doesn't mean I want my place to look like garbage either.

Well, I guess if only half the stuff in the bag is seed I guess that matters. Thanks for the clarification.
As far as weeds vs grass, it all looks the same 25' away, and sometimes the weeds stand up to unfavorable conditions (drought, poor soil, etc.) better than the grass does! My place doesn't look like garbage either, but I'm not going to obsess over a lawn.

 

[sixdogs]

The tall turf fescues are the rage because they have deep root systems that require less fertilizer and water. Little summer brownout. A problem, however, is that this is a "clumping" variety and one seed gets you one plant and they don't put out runners to spread the lawn.

For this reason, a 20% or so ratio of a finer fescue or perennial rye is often in the mix to give a more balanced blend. The price increases of late are not so much in the tall turfs but in the finer fescues. The fescues or perennial rye will spread itself and balance out the lawn with good resistance to drought and lesser fertility, yet a snazzy looking lawn if you care about that.

If I put KY31 on a yard lawn around here, I would likely be beat to death by the neighbors. It's great for fields and such but the extra wide blade and extra-clumping appearance detract from a front yard lawn.

 

[TMGT]

Well, I guess if only half the stuff in the bag is seed I guess that matters. Thanks for the clarification.
As far as weeds vs grass, it all looks the same 25' away, and sometimes the weeds stand up to unfavorable conditions (drought, poor soil, etc.) better than the grass does! My place doesn't look like garbage either, but I'm not going to obsess over a lawn.

Didn't mean to infer you're yard looked like garbage, we have some weeds here that stand out pretty well and can take over a lawn if not kept in check, your area might not have that problem if you're in an area that is cooler.

I like to maintain my grass, partly because I enjoy the challenge of it and partly because I do it for a side business for other people. If my yard looked bad it wouldn't be good for my business!

This is a picture of a property that I maintained for about 9years for someone and just ended up buying.

Sent from my SM-G715U1 using TractorByNet mobile app

 

[ericm979]

If it looks better than the seed I planted it's no longer a "weed". I haven't had that happen yet.

I got some Dallisgrass weed seed in some grass seed I overseeded with some years ago. I've been battling it since. It's more durable than fescue and grows faster but it looks terrible. The only way to kill it is to spray the heck out of it or dig it out, and you have to dig deep enough to get all the rhizomes.

 

[ailsworth]

I noticed prices were high down here near Williamsburg too.

If you don't mind Kentucky 31 fescue, check Tractor Supply. 50# uncoated is $85 and 50# coated is $70.

I am about 50 miles from you and find local knowledge to be the best. It's time to get my front lawn looking presentable. So, I will need a great front lawn seed and feed program.. What do you recommend? Thank you

 

[WVH1977]

I am about 50 miles from you and find local knowledge to be the best. It's time to get my front lawn looking presentable. So, I will need a great front lawn seed and feed program.. What do you recommend? Thank you

Try Trinity Turf in Richmond VA. Nice guy that has a warehouse full of seed and fertilizers. Very knowledgeable and he will have what you are looking for. I recommend calling him and explaining your situation and see what he says. I try and use a good mid-Atlantic fescue (5 blend fescue if you can find it). I lime and fertilize my yard everytime I plant grass and aerate. Best time around here to plant is usually in September to early fall for best results. You can also get your ground tested and find out exactly what it needs.