what is the best grass for your lawn

What is the best type of grass for a lawn?

WATCH: The Best Types of Grass for Your Lawn

• Bahia Grass. The Southern Living Garden Book describes this drought-tolerant warm-season grass as a "tough, rather coarse grass used for lawns."
• Bermuda Grass. ...
• Buffalo Grass. ...
• Carpet Grass. ...
• Centipede Grass. ...
• Seashore Paspalum. ...
• St. ...
• Zoysia Grass. ...
• Kentucky Bluegrass. ...
• Perennial Ryegrass. ...

More items...

What grass should I grow for my lawn?

Types of Grass and Their Features

• Bahia Grass. Bahia grass is a tough, warm-season turfgrass especially suited to the heat and humidity of the South.
• Bermuda Grass. Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass that has an aggressive growth habit and excellent weed resistance.
• Kentucky Bluegrass. ...
• Centipede Grass. ...
• Fescue Grass. ...
• Perennial Ryegrass. ...
• St. ...
• Zoysia Grass. ...

Which Zoysia grass type is right for my lawn?

Zeon Zoysia

• Ideal Use: Golf, parks, commercial landscapes and home lawns
• Mow Height: 1.5 inches
• Wear Tolerance: Excellent
• Injury Recovery: Good
• Shade Tolerance: Very Good
• Drought Tolerance: Good

What is the best grass in California?

What grass is best for Northern California?

• St. Augustine Grass. …
• Bermuda Grass. This medium to coarse textured grass is a reliable bet for surviving the heat. …
• Tall Fescue Grass. Tall Fescue grasses tend to grow well in most climates, and Sacramento is no exception. …
• Perennial Grass. …
• Kentucky Bluegrass.

What type of grass should I use for my lawn?

Cool Season Grass Options The most popular of options that can be found throughout many Southern California home lawns is a 90 percent fescue and 10 percent bluegrass seeded blend. When looking for a cool season variety, you will usually find blends of fescue, bluegrass and ryegrass.

What is the best grass to stay green all year?

For sunny areas where year-round green is a must, consider hardy grasses like tall fescues and dwarf tall fescues. These types of grasses are referred to as "cool-season" grasses and stay green year-round in temperate climates.

What is the nicest type of grass?

Then, choose from these options:North: Kentucky Bluegrass. Cool season grasses do best in more moderate temperatures, and this grass is ideal. ... North: Perennial Ryegrass. ... North: Fine Fescue. ... North/Transition: Tall Fescue. ... Transition: Zoysia Grass. ... Transition: Bermuda Grass. ... South: Centipede Grass.

What is the easiest type of grass to grow?

Bermuda grass is the fastest-growing warm season grass, germinating in as little as 10 days. Ryegrass, which grows in cool climates, also germinates that quickly.

What is the most low maintenance grass?

Hard fescue and fescue mixes (cool-season) Fine fescue is the most popular low-maintenance cool-season grass. Hard fescue and fine fescue mixes require very little maintenance. You'll only have to mow your lawn once or twice a year.

Which is better Zoysia or Bermuda grass?

While both Zoysia and Bermuda are known to be traffic tolerant, Bermuda grass is particularly more sturdy and can tolerate heavier traffic including children regularly playing on the lawn. Zoysia on the other hand, although resilient, may not be able to tolerate regular foot traffic.

What is the most durable grass?

Best high-traffic grass typesTall fescue. Tall fescue has coarse, sturdy blades and deep roots, making it a great option for high-traffic lawns. ... Perennial ryegrass. Perennial ryegrass is so durable that it is a popular grass type for golf courses in northern climates. ... Kentucky bluegrass. ... Bermudagrass. ... Zoysiagrass.

Which is better fescue or bluegrass?

While Kentucky bluegrass is vulnerable to weeds and diseases during summer and in generally hot climates, tall fescue is rather heat-tolerant and is resistant to summertime disease and weed invasions such as crabgrass.

Which is better fescue or Bermuda grass?

Bermuda will do better in a drought during high heat conditions (temperatures above 90F) than tall fescue and will stay green longer if water is withheld under average weather conditions. However, tall fescue can handle weeks of drought without going dormant (or going brown) as long as temperatures cap at about 85F.

Is there a type of grass that doesn't need mowing?

Fine fescue is the most popular cool-season grass for a no-mow or low-mow lawn. Fescues require very little maintenance: They're hardy and they'll naturally crowd out weeds, so you don't have to worry about fertilizer or herbicide.

Which grass spreads the fastest?

Bermuda grass is the fastest-growing warm season grass, germinating in as little as 10 days. Ryegrass, which grows in cool climates, also germinates that quickly.

What grass Grows Faster Than Rest lawn?

Quackgrass is a perennial grass that is one of the first grasses to come out of dormancy each spring and it grows a lot faster than the rest of the lawn.

Choosing Grass Types by Location

The simplest way to decide what type of grass is best for your lawn is by location. There are three basic climate areas to consider:

Northern Grass Types

Northern grasses (cool-season grasses) are more cold tolerant than other types and grow fairly quickly in the spring and fall. However, their growth does slow down some during the warmer seasons. Options include:

Transitional Grass Types

The Transition Zone sometimes requires mixtures or blends of warm- and cool-season grasses. In general, the Transition Zone has more success with cool-season grasses than warm-season varieties. Here are some that do well in this region:

How to Grow and Maintain a Healthy Lawn

Just like any plant, grass needs specific conditions and care to perform at its best. Here are the mowing, soil and sunlight requirements for some common varieties of turfgrass.

Types of Grass and Their Features

Find the best grass for your lawn by comparing the features and characteristics of some of the most popular turfgrasses.

Identifying Creeping Grass and Bunch Grass

Creeping grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and most warm-season varieties, spread by above- or below-ground runners. They're more prone to lawn thatch, which are the tough stems and roots that don't break down or decompose as easily as grass. If this layer becomes too thick, it can damage your grass by not letting enough nutrients into the soil.

Choosing Lawn Fertilizer

Keep your lawn green and healthy by fertilizing it according to the season:

Which Grass is Best for Your Area?

Choose types adapted to your local climate and soil conditions. The newest varieties have greater resistance to drought and disease and need less maintenance

Zone 1: Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea)

Traits: A cool-season perennial from Europe. Deep roots help it survive foot traffic and drought.

Zone 2: Zoysia grass (Zoysia spp.)

Traits: This Asian import can tolerate shade, insects, disease, and dryness but goes brown at the first hint of cold weather. Grows slowly; patch damaged areas with sod.

Zone 3: St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum)

Traits: This plug- or sod-grown species does best in sandy soil and bright sun. Sensitive to foot traffic and chewing insects.

Zone 4: Bermuda grass (Cynodon spp.)

Traits: Originally from Africa, it thrives in full sun, spreads aggressively, and needs lots of fertilizer. Mow 1 to 2 inches high.

Zone 5: Buffalo Grass (Buchloe dactyloides)

Traits: This American native needs little water and almost no fertilizer. Too much of either encourages weeds.

Zone 6: Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis)

Traits: Recovers well from drought, cold, and foot traffic. Popular for sod; seeds take up to 30 days to sprout. In hot weather, water twice as much as fescue.

What grass is best for a Northern lawn?

However, they do not enjoy summer heat and will often turn brown without plenty of supplemental water. 1. Kentucky Bluegrass. This is the most common grass for Northern lawns; it also is planted in the Transition Zone and on the West Coast (where the ocean's influence moderates summer heat).

What grasses are good for the Northern Zone?

Northern Zone In the Northern United States and in Canada, where summers are moderate and winters often are cold, cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue are the primary choices.

What type of grass is used in high traffic areas?

Perennial Border. High-Traffic Sites: In the North, blends of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass work well for high-traffic areas. In the South, Bermudagrass is preferred for its ability to recover rapidly from wear.

Which grasses are in the transition zone?

Southern Zone The Southern Zone, with hot summers and moderate winters, provides a climate where warm-season grasses thrive. St. Augustinegrass, Bermudagrass, centipedegrass, and zoysiagrass are the most common varieties. Transition Zone This region has hot summers as well as cold winters, making it the most challenging region for lawns: ...

What is fine leaf fescue?

2. Fine-leaf Fescue. This group includes several distinct species, all with the thin-blade, wispy appearances. These grasses are problem-solvers -- they're often added to seed mixes to give lawns more adaptability to shade and drought, and they're low-maintenance.

What type of grass is best for Kentucky?

Kentucky bluegrass has dark color and medium texture. For best results, plant a mix of several varieties or blend with perennial ryegrass. High Points: Fills in bare spots on its own; creates a highly attractive lawn; tolerates harsh winters.

How long does it take for grass to grow from seed?

Seed saves you money up front, and you may find a wider selection of varieties in garden centers. However, lawn planted from seed may take a year to develop a thick strand, and you may find yourself reseeding areas that didn't establish well. Also, weeds may be problematic until the young grass thickens.

What is the best grass for a yard?

As it determines the kind of weather conditions, the grass will have to face all year. For warmer regions, the best options are St. Augustine grass or zoysia grass.

What grass should I plant in the summer?

For warmer regions, the best options are St. Augustine grass or zoysia grass. But it’s not a hard and fast rule. Even in warmer areas, some summer grasses may not do well because of their shade needs. Some grasses can sustain shades, and some cannot.

What is tall fescue grass?

Tall fescue is a bunch type grass that sprouts from seeds. It’s super dense and coarsely bladed. It’s the perfect pick for shady lawns. Tall fescue comes with a deeply penetrating root system, which makes it resilient to drought.

What is the name of the grass that grows in the winter?

Cool-season grasses are also referred to as northern grasses. Cool-season grasses actively grow during the winter season. Their growth slows down when the chilly weather starts to shift to icy cold weather. In areas where the winter season is extreme, and the soil freezes up, northern grasses become dormant.

Why is it important to choose the right grass for your lawn?

Choosing the right grass type for your lawn is important, because if you fail to make the right call, you might have to scrape the entire field. All kinds of grass need some amount of TLC (tender love and care); but some might need more than others. Therefore, you can’t expect them to sway on their own.

Where is Bermuda grass found?

Bermuda grass. Since it’s a type of summer grass, it’s found in the southern regions of the United States of America. Bermuda grass cannot just survive scorching heat, but it can also stand cooler temperatures. One of the most attractive features of Bermuda grass is the ability to go through intense trimming sessions.

What are the two main categories of grass?

There are most two broad and basic categories of grass, which are based on the climate. Warm Season Grasses. Cool Season Grasses. Apart from these two categories, there is a third category as well. However, there are not a lot of choices in the third category, which is transitional zone grass.

What grasses can tolerate drought?

Cool Season Drought-Tolerant Grasses 1 Tall fescue is an adaptable, bunch-type grass with a coarse texture. Each plant grows from a single seed, so it needs to be seeded heavily. With regular mowing, tall fescue can provides a "carpet" effect of a traditional lawn. It prefers 3/4 inch of water per week preferably in one deep watering. It is very traffic-tolerant. 2 Sheep fescue is a bunch grass that grows in clumps. It provides more of a natural look and needs very little water. It only needs fertilizing every other year and requires infrequent mowing, but the bumpy surface is not recommended for backyard activities. 3 Buffalograss is native to the Midwest and gaining popularity for its thick, lush turf, infrequent mowing needs, and hardiness. It only needs 1/4 inch of water per week in the summer but can survive on less. Buffalo is very slow to start from seed, so it must be purchased in plugs and planted about 5 inches apart. Buffalograss should be mowed high (5 inches) or not at all. It makes a bumpy surface, so it would not be good for backyard activities. 4 Wheatgrass varieties are coarse-looking, all-purpose grasses that need very little water or fertilizer. They are easy to start from seed and great for low maintenance areas.

What is drought resistant grass?

Drought-resistant grasses are one part of a drought-tolerant lawn, along with healthy soil and proper cultural practices.

How to increase drought tolerance in lawn?

Breeding, plant health, and cultural practices need to work together to provide drought resistance in a lawn. Deep infrequent watering, healthy soil, and mowing at a species-appropriate height can increase the drought tolerance of any plant, including lawn grass.

How much water does buffalo grass need?

It only needs 1/4 inch of water per week in the summer but can survive on less. Buffalo is very slow to start from seed, so it must be purchased in plugs and planted about 5 inches apart.

What is the best time to grow grass in the summer?

Unlike their cool-season counterparts, warm-season grasses love the heat. Their peak growing time is mid-summer when the temperatures are the hottest. Drought-tolerant warm-season grasses have the ability to survive on little water during these peak growing times. Many, but not all, varieties of warm-season species are considered drought-tolerant. Certain cultivars have been bred specifically for their drought resistance while others may be bred for their color, disease resistance, or geographic location. Before choosing a warm season turf for a drought-tolerant lawn, ensure that its cultivar is indeed drought-resistant and suitable for your area.

What is the color of centipede grass?

Centipede grass is "apple-green" or "lime-green" in color and although slow growing, makes an attractive, low maintenance lawn once established. It prefers full sun or partial shade and tolerates acidic soil, so it is commonly found growing in the dappled shade under pine trees.

Is Tall Fescue grass a bunch?

Featured Video. Tall fescue is an adaptable, bunch-type grass with a coarse texture. Each plant grows from a single seed, so it needs to be seeded heavily.

What grasses grow in the Northeast?

Cool-season grasses, such as bluegrasses, ryegrasses and fescues, prevail in the Northeast region of the United States. Cold winters, cool summers and high humidity create challenging conditions for many plants, including lawn grasses. Northeast lawns need grasses that prefer cool temperatures and naturally resist diseases prevalent in this region.

What grasses are common in the Deep South?

Deep South and Gulf Coast Region. Where high heat and humidity intensify in the Deep South and Gulf Coast, Bahiagrass and Centipede grass are common. Extremely drought and heat tolerant, these grasses stand up to the region's climate and water restrictions. Grass research at the University of Georgia, another Pennington university partner, ...

What is tall fescue?

Tall fescue, which is used extensively in the transition region, is a low-maintenance, heat-tolerant, cool-season grass with fine to medium blade texture. Its deep roots deliver drought and heat protection. In this zone, tall fescue can add season-long color to Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass mixes.

What is the transition zone for grass?

Known to lawn care professionals and enthusiasts as the transition zone, this area covers the central tier of states from the Atlantic Coast west through Kansas. Different climatic zones —cool, warm, humid and arid — collide in this region. Winters are too cold for warm-season grass survival, and summers are too hot for cool-season types. Pennington university partners at the University of Arkansas Agriculture Research and Extension lead research and development of heat-tolerant cool-season grasses and cold-tolerant warm-season grasses suitable for transition zone rigors.

What is centipede grass?

Centipede grass earns accolades for low and slow growth, medium texture and its medium- to light-green color. Very low-maintenance, this warm-season grass out competes weeds and tolerates nutrient-poor soil, so less mowing and less fertilizer are needed.

Where is Bahiagrass grass research?

Grass research at the University of Georgia, another Pennington university partner, leads research and development of new grass varieties for coastal conditions. Bahiagrass provides homeowners in the Deep South and Coastal regions with low-maintenance, all-purpose lawns.

Does Kentucky bluegrass grow in the spring?

Though some are slow to green in spring, Kentucky bluegrass blends well with ryegrass for faster greening. However, perennial ryegrasses can sometimes overtake Kentucky bluegrass, so minimize mixing.

How to help grass grow in drought?

Giving the grass a good long soak is another way to encourage roots to grow deeply into the soil, which strengthens the lawn and helps it survive during times of drought. When the grass has started to look a little grayish and the blades don’t bounce back when you walk on them, it’s time to water.

How to keep grubs from growing in lawn?

To keep grubs from growing in your lawn for up to 4 months, apply Scotts® GrubEx® as directed from spring to early summer. Bonus: Grubs are a food source for moles, which are a close second to grubs when it comes to lawn destruction. Take away the grubs and the moles will have less reason to hang out in your yard.

Can lawn pros do anything?

After all, lawn pros don’t do anything to your grass that you can’t do yourself—they just know precisely what to use on your lawn, plus how and when to use it. While they may not want to share their secrets, we’re happy to do just that. Read on to discover the 6 things you can do to create a gorgeous lawn that will have your neighbors clamoring ...