what is the best grass type for my area

What is the best grass type for my area?

• 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.

Full Answer

Which grass is best for your area?

Tips for growing a gorgeous lawn: Newer varieties of old favorites are often more resistant to diseases and pests. Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) do best in Northern climates, while warm-season grasses (St. Augustine, zoysia) fare better in Southern ... A grass variety recommended for one ...

What is the easiest grass to grow?

The best shade tolerant grass to choose from include St. Augustine grass and Zoysia (warm-season grass). Cool-season grass types for low light conditions would be Ryegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescue. Instead of planting just one species, you could also choose to mix grass seed to get a sun and shade balance. Table of Contents show

What's the best type of grass for your backyard?

Jul 02, 2020 · Transition states, such as Tennessee, Missouri and the Carolinas, will find that Tall Fescue is their best option for a lawn that gets alot of use. This grass type is well-adapted to either sunny or partially shaded areas and is known for its durability as well as its tolerance to traffic, heat and drought.

What is the best looking grass?

Apr 10, 2022 · The best grass types for high-traffic areas are warm-season grasses like Bermuda. This tough grass holds up well against high footfall levels. Also, consider aerating your soil in places where your...

What kind of grass is best for my yard?

Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) do best in Northern climates, while warm-season grasses (St. Augustine, zoysia) fare better in Southern climates. A grass variety recommended for one area of the country may be discouraged for use in another area.

How do I choose a grass type?

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 region (the blue area on the map) where cool-season grasses thrive. Deep South/Gulf region (tan) where warm-season grasses grow best.

What is the easiest grass to maintain?

Low-Maintenance Grass Types: The Easiest Lawn for Busy FamiliesKentucky Bluegrass.Tall Fescue.Fine Fescue — chewing fescue, creeping red fescue, hard fescue, sheep fescue.Bahiagrass.UC Verde Buffalograss.Fleur de Lawn — perennial ryegrass.Zoysia grass.Apr 7, 2022

What is the most durable type of 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.Sep 16, 2021

What kind of grass stays green all year long?

fescueThis popular grass variety adapts well to diverse environments, including damp or shady areas and colder climates. And unlike warm season varieties, fescue maintains its rich green color year round.Sep 17, 2020

What is the softest grass to walk on?

Fine fescues, as the name suggests, have fine-bladed leaves and are among the softest and most lush grasses for bare feet. These finely-bladed grasses are known for doing well in shady areas but aren't great for a lawn with high traffic needs.Nov 28, 2021

What grass takes the least amount of water?

These types of lawns will require less frequent watering, which can help reduce your water bill, and maintain its health all summer long.Bermudagrass. ... Zoysia grass. ... Fescuegrass. ... Buffalograss. ... St. ... Bahiagrass.Apr 22, 2015

Which is better fescue or Bermuda grass?

Fescues have relatively fine leaves and perform well in areas where winters are cold. Bermudagrass has a coarser texture, is better suited to warm climates and has an aggressive growth habit that can get out of control if not managed properly.

Which is better sod or grass seed?

One of the leading reasons why sod is better than grass seed is because it provides us with an instant lawn and instant gratification. It can take all season or even several seasons to get a thick, lush lawn from grass seeds, but sod takes root in only a couple, short weeks.Feb 5, 2019

How do I grow grass in heavy traffic areas?

Use a grass seed mix labeled Durable or Play Mix indicating it is designed for high traffic areas. Keep the soil surface moist until grass begins to grow. Cover with mulch to help keep the soil moist and reduce watering frequency. Gradually reduce watering frequency as the grass begins to grow.

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.

Which grass is better Bermuda or St Augustine?

Bermuda grass does well in zones 7, 8, 9 and 10, while St. Augustine grass really only performs well in zones 8 through 10. So, if you live along the Gulf Coast or warm coastal areas of the country, St. Augustine grass is a better choice.Oct 4, 2019

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:

What is the best grass to 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.

What grasses are common in the Gulf Coast?

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.

What is the Midwest?

Midwest Region. The Midwest heartland is a cool-season growing region with humidity levels that vary. The Midwest's eastern states experience humidity similar to the Northeast, but in western states encounter arid conditions. Seasonal fluctuations across the region demand grasses that thrive in cool climates.

What is the climate of the Southeast?

Heat and humidity in the Southeast region create a warm, humid zone that stretches from the Atlantic Coast into Texas. Warm-season grasses dominate in this climate. Bermudagrass is the leading lawn grass in the Southeast and across the U.S. southern tier. Its tolerance for salt, heat and drought meet the challenging conditions of the region well.

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.

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 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 best grass for a lawn?

Tips for growing a gorgeous lawn: 1 Newer varieties of old favorites are often more resistant to diseases and pests. 2 Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) do best in Northern climates, while warm-season grasses (St. Augustine, zoysia) fare better in Southern climates. 3 A grass variety recommended for one area of the country may be discouraged for use in another area. 4 Take the time to prepare the soil properly before installing your grass. 5 Know if your selected grass type is best started by sod pieces or by seed, and what time of year is best to get the lawn started in your area. In general, seed should be sown either in spring or fall; sod can be laid year-round if you live in a Southern climate. 6 Consider a blend of grasses to promote a healthy, disease-resistant ecosystem. 7 Strongly consider using your area’s native grass type — it will be naturally adapted to your specific growing conditions.

Where can I find tall fescue?

Although not native to the United States, it is well adapted and widely found in low-lying pasture areas of the Pacific Northwest and South. Tall fescue should not be used in areas that require grass to be mowed to less than 1½ inches during the summer. Suggested varieties: Alta, Kentucky-31.

What is St. Augustine grass?

Augustine ( Stenotaphrum secundatum, USDA zones 8 to 10; find your zone ). This grass has a coarse texture and is adapted to moist, coastal areas with mild winter temperatures. It’s also adapted to a wide range of soil types, does fairly well in moderate shade and provides good coverage with minimal mowing. St.

How tall does a sage grass grow?

It will grow up to 10 feet tall if left unmowed, but can be kept at a height of 2 to 3 inches.

Where is St. Augustine grass native to?

It’s native to the Gulf Coast regions, West Indies and Western Africa.St. Augustine does not handle high foot traffic well and is not recommended for areas with drought issues.Suggested varieties: Floratam, Raleigh, Seville.

What is a Zoysia grass?

Zoysia ( Zoysia spp, zones 6 to 9). This warm-season perennial grass can have either coarse or fine texture, and is adapted to a wide range of soils. In southern climates it performs fairly well in semishaded areas, but the farther north you go, it’ll need more sun.

Does Kentucky bluegrass need fertilizer?

One of the main features that makes bluegrass such a popular choice is that it is adapted to a very wide variety of uses: lawns, play areas, golf courses, sports fields etc.. Kentucky bluegrass will not perform in areas of deeper shade, and will need regular fertilizing to look its best.

What grasses grow in shade?

The best solution is to plant good grass that grows in shade. The best shade tolerant grass to choose from include St. Augustine grass and Zoysia (warm-season grass). Cool-season grass types for low light conditions would be Ryegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescue. Instead of planting just one species, you could also choose to mix grass seed ...

What grasses are shade resistant?

Here are the best shade resistant grasses to grow in a lawn with low light conditions: 1. St. Augustine Grass. St. Augustine grass is a warm-season lawn grass that is known to do well in shaded areas. This does not mean that it will always thrive in long, deep-shaded areas.

How much sunlight does fescue need?

Fescues require 4 – 6 hours of filtered or dappled sunlight for healthy growth. However, even this alone may not be enough to make it grow well near trees. Ensure proper care, such as mowing higher, watering adequately whenever the ground is dry and applying moderate amounts of nitrogen fertilizers to give fescue grass a better chance of surviving low sunlight conditions.

How to reduce stress on grass?

Reduce stress on the grass – minimize foot traffic in areas of your lawn that receive less sunlight per day. Increase the mowing height – Mow your grass higher than you normally would to allow more surface area on the grass blades for maximum absorption of the limited sunlight.

Can grass grow in full sun?

Some lawn grass types do well in full sunlight while others can withstand shade and thrive. Tall trees and buildings near your yard are a clear sign there will be some sort of shade covering your lawn for a considerable amount of time per day. Therefore, it is very important to know the sunlight requirements for different lawn grasses ...

How much grass seed should I use per 1000 sq ft?

I would recommend you overseed with 6 – 8 lbs of grass seed per 1000 square feet to achieve a great cover in low light conditions. Plant a dense shade mix grass seed – Even if your lawn receives dappled sunlight each day, one of the best ways to get grass to grow in shade is to use a shade mix grass seed.

Is Zoysia grass shade tolerant?

Zoysia Grass. You can grow Zoysiagrass as a shade-tolerant species. However, it still prefers sun and we cannot say that it is a shade-loving grass. Its low-light tolerance is better than that of Bermuda grass, so between the two, it would be the right pick.

What is the best grass for a lawn?

In the southern states, Bermudagrass is ...

How does traffic affect grass?

There’s no way to get around it, high traffic compacts your lawn's soil. This crushes air pockets and decreases grass health by limiting the amount of oxygen, nutrients and water that can move through the soil and in turn limits the grass' ability to take in air, minerals and water. Luckily, there are ways you can help your lawn.

What is the purpose of soil nutrition?

Soil nutrition for turf grass is all about applying the right nutrient at the right time—in the right amount—and is one of the main tenets of turf grass management. Aeration is also an important item on your list to maintaining your busy lawn, as it helps relieve compaction from traffic.

What type of grass is best for the Southeastern United States?

St. Augustine is another popular grass type for the Southeastern United States. It’s a wide-blade grass that works best in high-temperature, sunny areas, especially along coastal landscapes. When it comes to cold weather, St. Augustine isn’t the most tolerant, but it will survive the mild Atlanta winters. Most people will lay down sod or use plugs when adding St. Augustine to their lawns.

What type of grass is used in Atlanta?

Bermudagrass. Bermudagrass is the most common grass type you’ll find in Atlanta yards. It’s also used on golf courses, sports fields, and high-trafficked areas due to its tolerance to foot traffic, drought, and cold.

Where is centipede grass grown?

Centipedegrass is best used in the southern part of Atlanta. It’s an extremely low-maintenance grass type that grows best in warm climates, included drought-stricken areas. When it’s healthy, Centipedegrass is great at fighting off weeds and other grass types.

What is a transition zone?

Geographically, it sits right on a transition zone, which means that both warm and cool grass types can be used on lawns. Typically, living in transition zones means you will use a blend of warm and cool grass types to ensure that you’ll have a healthy, lush lawn year-round.

Can Zoysia grow in shade?

Zoysia thrives in direct sunlight, but can also grow well in partial shade. You’ll find that Zoysia typically has a fine texture, much less than that of St. Augustine. Recommended: Zenith Zoysia Grass Seed -100% Pure Seed.

Is Zoysia grass drought resistant?

Zoysia is a warm season grass that is fairly tolerant of cold temperatures, which is great for yards residing in transition zones. The grass is drought resistant, although it will need more watering during the hotter months compared to other warm grass types.

Northeast Region

Midwest Region

Southeast Region

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, leads research and development of new gras...

See more on pennington.com

Southwest Region

Pacific Northwest Region

Transition Region