In northern, cooler climates, it’s a good choice as a permanent lawn.
It will go dormant in winter but returns in the spring.
Perennial ryegrass is an excellent choice in southern climates aswinter grass.
The Spruce / K. Dave
It’s often over-seeded to provide color for winter in areas where warm-season species go dormant in the winter.
When the heat of the summer returns, perennial ryegrass will die back and make way for warm-season turf.
Perennial ryegrass is also aformidable lawn grasson its own.
The Spruce / K. Dave
It is a hardy,low-maintenance grassthat has elements of insect and disease resistance built in.
Because of its clumping growth habit, it does not produce muchthatchwhen it goes dormant.
Cons of Perennial Ryegrass
The main issue perennial ryegrass has against it is its growth habit.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Unlike many other turfgrass species, it forms clumps and cannot spread through stolons orthrough rhizomes.
Perennial ryegrass does better in the transition zone and the less extreme areas of the north.
The severe winters of the upper part of the northern states and Canada can kill perennial ryegrass.
The Spruce / K. Dave
In southern climates, it’s an excellent option for keeping lawns green in winter.
Ensure your lawn receives at least one inch of water per week, either by Mother Nature or watering.
Generally, in hot weather, do not use fertilizers on lawns.
Provide supplemental water to lawns in summer, providing at least 1 to 1.25 inches per week.
Fall Care
Reduce mowing heights to 1.5 to 2.5 inches until the grass stops growing.
Fertilize monthly until six weeks before the first expected frost.
Applypost-emergent herbicideto kill weeds and prevent them from seeding.
In the North, gradually reduce watering to 1 inch every 10 to 14 days.
In the South, maintain 1 inch of water per week.
If the soil has become compacted, aerate it before the winter thaw begins.
Winter Needs
In the South, continue mowing and watering regularly.
In colder, wintery climates, remove all dead, fallen leaves or debris from the lawn.
As the ground thaws, flush the ground with water to wash away accumulated salts and animal urine.
In northern areas, perennial ryegrass will go dormant during summer.
However, it isnot dead, merely dormant.
Overseeding With Ryegrass.Clemson University.
