what type of grass grows best in charlotte nc

What is the easiest grass to grow in North Carolina?

Bermuda Grass Among grass species, bermudagrass is the best grass seed for North Carolina regions with warm temperatures. For starters, its deep root system provides resistance from heat, drought, and insects.

When should I plant grass seed in Charlotte NC?

Early fall (late August to early October) is the best time to overseed your lawn. Soil temperatures in the fall are still warm, which promotes optimum seed germination, and cooler air temperatures are better for grass growth. Warm-season weeds are also much less active at this time of year.

What grass is native to Charlotte North Carolina?

Nearly three-fourths of North Carolina's grasses are native. Of the native grasses in the state, the largest number belongs to the tribe Paniceae. The most abundant coastal grass is smooth cordgrass, though other species such as sea oats and American beach grass also grow on dunes and sandy beaches.

What grass stays green year round in North Carolina?

Tall fescue is best adapted to the mountains and piedmont but can be successfully maintained on the heavy silt loams in the coastal plain. It is a reliable performer and easily started from seed. It is the best grass to plant if you want a year-round green lawn. Tall fescue thrives in sun or medium shade.

Can you put too much grass seed?

Ignoring recommended seeding rates Don't overdo or cut corners. Too much grass seed causes undue competition for resources such as light, water and nutrients, and grass seedlings struggle as a result.

When Should I aerate my lawn in Charlotte NC?

Warm season grasses will benefit the most from being aerated later in the spring, while cool season grasses should be aerated at the beginning of spring for the best results.

What is best grass seed for Charlotte North Carolina?

Tall Fescue Tall Fescue, as well as Fine Fescue grass, is the ideal cool season grass for Charlotte's climate. Tall Fescue will do the majority of its growth when the temperatures average from 70-80 degrees, typical for Charlotte's summer average.

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.

Will Kentucky bluegrass take over lawn?

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescues coexist well together, so it's unlikely for one to choke out the other. Fescues will thrive in the shady portions of your yard, while your bluegrass will work to fill in bare spots where grass has been damaged. The two kinds of grass will coexist.

When should I fertilize my lawn in NC?

Late winter and early spring are the best times to fertilize, just in advance our prime grass growing season. A fertilizer containing 16 percent nitrogen, 4 percent phosphate and 8 percent potash is good for fescue according to the state Department of Agriculture Agronomic Division.

Is Kentucky bluegrass good for NC?

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is the second most widely grown cool-season species in North Carolina because it has a dark green color, a medium to fine texture, and, due to its aggressive rhizome system, can recover from stresses. It prefers fertile, well-limed soils and full sun to moderate shade.

What is the hardiest grass seed?

Perennial ryegrass thrives all over California and is also widely used all over the U.S. It germinates and establishes quickly with lush, long-lasting color, even in full or partial sun.

When can I plant grass seed in spring in NC?

Ideal seeding times for warm season grasses is April-May in the NC Piedmont.

When should I seed grass in spring?

Best time to attempt spring grass seeding The best time to seed in the spring is mid-March through early April. Like fall seeding, the soil must first be prepared. The recommended method is verticutting. A verticut slices grooves in the soil that allows for the necessary seed and soil contact for germination.

How do I seed my lawn in the spring?

How to Plant Grass Seed in SpringMow the Lawn Short. Short mow the lawn to a height of 1½ to 2 inches, being careful not to scalp the lawn. ... Rake and Remove Debris. ... Spread your Grass Seed. ... Apply Golf Course Starter or Renovator. ... Cover Bare Spots. ... Water the New Grass Seed. ... Apply Seed Safe. ... Mow the New Grass.More items...

Will grass seed grow if not covered?

Will grass seed grow if not covered? Yes; but there is more to know when seeding your lawn. Grass seed is resilient. Some seeds on the soil's surface will sprout in spite of harsh treatment, but the germination rate will diminish and you will waste your investment and hard work.

Can bluegrass survive in Charlotte?

This lawn is also susceptible to harsh, cold temperatures so it will be able to survive. Kentucky bluegrass will also be able to handle the excessive heat from hot Charlotte summers and if there is any chance of drought, the lawn will survive through that as well.

Can Zoysiagrass grow in shade?

Zoysiagrass can sustain Charlotte’s weather conditions and will also thrive in not only a sunny location but also one with little shade. Full shade isn’t recommended because it needs some sun to thrive. There are a few different species of Zoysiagrass, and many are only available in plugs, so you will want to research all of that before making your final decision. One of the best features of the Zoysiagrass that many homeowners really enjoy is that there are very few, if any, weeds, making this a beautiful low maintenance lawn.

Is Kentucky bluegrass good for a lawn?

Kentucky bluegrass has a very rich , green color and nice texture that makes it actually quite durable. If you have children or pets that may find their way onto the lawn, Kentucky bluegrass won’t get that “stomped” look and will actually bounce back quickly. This lawn is also susceptible to harsh, cold temperatures so it will be able to survive. Kentucky bluegrass will also be able to handle the excessive heat from hot Charlotte summers and if there is any chance of drought, the lawn will survive through that as well. During these excessive temperature changes, however, Kentucky bluegrass will look a bit dormant. Once it gets the correct temperature and water supply, the growth will take up right away. Kentucky bluegrass is available in sod sheets and bags of seeds so that you can choose which way you prefer.

Grass Types in Charlotte: Cool-Season and Warm-Season

All grass in Charlotte falls within two categories: cool-season grass and warm-season grass.

Which Grass Is Best in Charlotte?

Generally speaking, Charlotte residents lean towards cool-season grasses. That does not mean that cool-season grasses are the right choice for your particular lawn.

Tall Fescue Grass

Tall Fescue is a cool-season grass widely used in North Carolina. This grass is a bit more tolerant of heat and drought than other cool-season grasses, giving it the flexibility necessary to gain popularity in a transition zone.

Zoysiagrass

Zoysiagrass is a warm-season grass. However, it is more tolerant of cooler temperatures than other warm-season grasses. This grass is very low maintenance and will do well in the sun during Charlotte’s warmer months.

Bermudagrass

Like Zoysiagrass, Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass. It has exceptional heat and drought tolerance, making it an ideal choice for yards with little to no shade.

In Summary

As you can see, there are lots of Charlotte grass types to choose from, but the characteristics of your landscape, like temperature, water levels, and shade, will determine which is best for you. If you’re unsure, talk to a pro at MetroGreenscape. No one understands the grass types better than us. We also know how to care for it properly.

The Western Mountain Region

The Western tail of the state is known as the Mountain region, home to the Appalachian Mountains. This part of the state has the highest mountain range this side of the Mississippi, so your grass needs to be able to endure colder temperatures.

The Central Piedmont Region

North Carolina’s Piedmont region is the largest out of the three. This area consists of low rolling hills set on top of a wide plateau. Temperatures are somewhat mild and very humid, so the grass you choose will need to do well in a high-moisture environment. The best grasses for this include both cool-season and warm-season types.

The Eastern Coastal Plain Region

Below are the four best grass types for the Coastal Plan region. It’s somewhat difficult to grow a lawn near the ocean because of the soil and climate, so the choices are limited compared to the Piedmont.

Tending to Your North Carolina Grass

Choosing an appropriate grass species and taking good care of it is a fine art. You need to think about maintenance like mowing, water levels, fertilization, aeration, and so on to keep your North Carolina grass happy and healthy year-round.

What type of grass is best for transition zones?

Fescue – There are a number of types of fescue. Tall fescue, tall turf-type fescue and fine fescue are especially popular. Despite being cool season grasses, fescues do very well in transition zones because they are more tolerant of high temperatures than other cool season grasses.

Why is centipede grass so popular?

Centipede – Centipede grass is popular in coastal areas because it adapts to salt and sand better than others. The laid back beach culture is also well suited to it because it takes little upkeep.

What is the transition zone in North Carolina?

Grass Types. The state of North Carolina is commonly called a “transition zone” in terms of what grasses will best flourish here. North of us, cool season grasses which cannot survive high temperatures predominate. South of us, warm season grasses which cannot survive harsh winters are preferred. Here, we can experience both extremes ...

Is it better to grow grass in the mountains or in the mountains?

While cool season grasses do better in the mountains, and warm season grasses on the coastal plain, the Piedmont area can support both. When choosing among the ones mentioned above though, consider the moisture level, shade, foot traffic and style preferences.

Is Kentucky bluegrass a real grass?

Kentucky Bluegrass – This is not just a music style but also a real type of grass, which isn’t blue. Also known as common meadow grass, this variety does well in cool, moist areas of the country.

Is Raleigh part of the Triangle?

Raleigh, Durham and the rest of the Triangle area is part of the wider Piedmont region of North Carolina. This includes the area between the mountains and the coastal plain, containing Charlotte, the Triad and the Triangle. While cool season grasses do better in the mountains, and warm season grasses on the coastal plain, ...

What is the best temperature for grass in North Carolina?

Each of these types of grasses responds differently to hot, dry periods. The cool-season, cool-climate grasses (such as Tall Fescue) grow best at temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees and have a difficult time adjusting to hot, dry periods; they typically go dormant quickly during drought times. They also can only survive drought periods for approximately 3 weeks, after which they die.

What grasses are drought resistant?

Warm-season, warm-climate grasses (such as Bermuda Grass) are much more drought resistant, thriving in periods of temperatures between 80 and 95 degrees. These grasses can survive long periods of drought, although they will typically look dry and brown during these periods.

What is Bermuda grass?

Bermuda grass is a dark green, dense and low growing type of turf that spreads through rhizomes and stolons. These grasses tend to have an extensive and deep root system, making them resistant to the pressure that come from heat and drought.

Why is understanding the characteristics of each type of grass important?

For one, it helps homeowners in North and South Carolina to know which types of grass to plant to establish or re-establish a lawn. Understanding the grass types also provides important information for maintaining the health and vitality of the primary turf types.

What are the two types of grass?

With that in mind, let’s look at two common grass-types: one a cool-season, cool-climate grass, and the other a warm-season, warm-climate grass. Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea): Cool-Season, Cool-Climate Grass.

Does Bermuda grass grow well in the shade?

One major drawback of bermuda grass is that it does not grow well in the shade – to the degree that if a lawn is primarily shaded, bermuda grass is not recommended as the turf of choice. Bermuda grass also grows aggressively, meaning it can take over an entire established lawn, spreading by above-ground and below-ground runners. Bermuda grass also will invade flower and shrub beds and gardens, typically resulting in the need to weed these areas often.

Is Bermuda grass drought resistant?

Bermuda grasses are extremely drought-resistant, thriving during periods of high temperature. They also handle wear-and-tear well, making them the choice for high traffic areas. They also tolerate salt spray well, meaning they can be planted on the coast of North and South Carolina without a concern about salt spray.

What is the best grass seed for a lawn?

For the best lawn you need the best seed. We recommend our genetically superior Black Beauty Ultra. It is a mix of elite and exclusive varieties of tall fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. Planted by leading sod growers in North Carolina and across the country, Black Beauty grass seed creates a lawn full of grass that: 1 Is deeply rooted (can grow roots up to 4 feet deep); 2 Exhibits an invisible waxy coating (like the waxy skin on an apple) that wards off disease and locks in moisture; 3 Has leaves that are dark green, lush, and uniform in texture; 4 Grows well in both full sun as well as partial shade; 5 Is endophyte-bred for natural insect resistance.

What is the best fertilizer for a newly seeded lawn?

For fertilizing your newly seeded lawn we recommend Green Up Lawn Food for Seeding and Sodding. It is safe for new seeds and will ensure that they sprout quickly and develop a strong root system. It will feed your lawn for up to two months and develop a thicker, fuller lawn. Its formula contains 1% iron to fortify the grass and give it a deep shade of natural green color and 30% slow release nitrogen to give your lawn the nutrients it needs in a time-released formula.

Is it better to plant grass in the fall or winter?

Soil temperatures are still warm in the fall, which is necessary for optimum seed germination, and cooler air temperatures are better for grass growth. There will also be fewer weeds for the grass to compete with at this time of the year. With adequate sunlight, rainwater and fertilizer, you can expect your new grass seedlings to be well-established before the colder winter weather arrives.