what type of grass grows best in tennessee

The 5 Best Grass Types In Tennessee

• Fescue The most common cool-season grass in the state is fescue. ...
• Kentucky Bluegrass Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass that’s best adapted for the fall and winter months. ...
• Ryegrass Ryegrass is the grass of choice for golf courses, parks, and other recreational areas because of its high tolerance to wear and tear. ...
• Bermudagrass ...
• Zoysiagrass ...

Full Answer

What kind of grass seed is best for your lawn?

• BEST OVERALL: Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R Lawn Sun & Shade
• BEST FOR SUNNY SPACES: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sunny Mix
• BEST FOR WARM SEASON: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Southern Gold Mix
• BEST FOR COOL SEASON: Jonathan Green 10323 Black Beauty Ultra Mixture
• BEST FOR HIGH TRAFFIC: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed High Traffic Mix

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What is the best grass for Tennessee?

What's the best grass seed for Middle Tennessee?

• Tall Fescue. Tall fescue is a perennial cold-season grass known for its durability and rapid growth during the spring and fall. …
• Perennial Ryegrass. Perennial ryegrass is a warm-season grass known for its durability. …
• Kentucky Bluegrass. …
• Zoysia.

When can you plant grass seed in Middle Tennessee?

Zoysia. Also asked, when can you plant grass seed in Middle Tennessee? In Tennessee, late August to mid-October is considered an ideal time to seed these cool-season turfgrasses.

Is seed or sod better for a new lawn?

Seed, on the other hand, can produce just as good if not better quality than sod. The downside is that weeds can infiltrate the lawn because it takes such a long time for the grass to fully mature. This often results in more maintenance with seed than sod, though there are other benefits to starting with seed.

What is the easiest grass to grow in Tennessee?

Tennessee is in what is called the transition zone. This means the winters are too cold for some warm-season grasses, but the summers are too hot for some cool-season grasses....5 Best Grass Types for NashvilleTurf-type tall fescue.Fine fescues.Bermudagrass.Centipedegrass.Zoysiagrass.

When should you plant grass seed in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, late August to mid-October is considered an ideal time to seed these cool-season turfgrasses. Although late summer and early fall plantings are preferred, and wet, rainy weather may make soil preparation difficult, fescues and ryegrasses are sometimes seeded in late winter or early spring.

What kind of grass grows in Tennessee?

Bermuda Grass, Tall Fescue, Creeping Red Fescue, Buffalo Grass, Zoysia Grass, Bluegrass, Centipede Grass, and Ryegrass tend to do best in Tennessee, depending on your region.

What is the best grass to grow in East Tennessee?

Most areas in Knoxville and Eastern Tennessee are better-suited for cool-season grasses....The 6 best grass types for your home in the Heart of the Valley are:Tall fescue.Kentucky bluegrass.Creeping red fescue.Buffalograss.Bermudagrass.Centipedegrass.

Will grass seed grow if you just throw it on the ground?

Will grass seed grow if I just throw it down? Probably not. Some seeds on the soil's surface will sprout, but the germination rate will diminish, and you will not be left with ideal results.

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.

Which is better fescue or zoysia?

If you need a grass variety to plant in partial shade, such as beneath a tree, fescue will probably do better. Zoysia tolerates more wear, salt and drought conditions than fescue, making zoysia a better choice for high-traffic areas and coastal locations that receive salt spray.

Do I have Bermuda or fescue?

Compared to blades of bermudagrass, tall fescue can be identified by its wide leaf blades that have equal-sized veins running parallel on the leaf. It has no prominent central vein, also known as a midrib.

Can you mix Bermuda and fescue?

Tall fescue is grown as an "all or none grass," in that it is not compatible with bermudagrass.

Will St Augustine grass grow in Tennessee?

Augustinegrass is often maintained in fertile, well-drained soils throughout the coastal regions along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The severely limited low- temperature hardiness of St. Augustinegrass limits its use as turf in Tennessee.

When should I fertilize my lawn in East Tennessee?

Fertilize at least twice a year, Spring (April 15) and Fall (Sept. 15), to keep it thick and healthy. If you have an irrigation system you may add an another application in early summer.

What grass is the toughest?

The "toughest" grasses (considering only that characteristic) are the sports-turf grasses like common Bermuda, hybrid Bermuda or zoysia. These grasses have a trailing growth habit and handle heavy foot traffic better than cool-season grasses (like fescues).

How early can you seed grass in the spring?

Aim to seed early in the season, but wait until daytime temperatures are in the 60 to 75 degree Fahrenheit range. This roughly corresponds to the optimal soil temperatures for cool-season grass seed germination. Spring sunshine and rain both contribute to strong grass growth.

How cold is too cold for grass seed?

50°FIf the daytime temperature is below 60°F then soil temperature is below 50°F, making it too cold; if there is frost or still a danger of frost, then it's too cold. If it's too cold, the grass seeds will likely rot.

Can you put grass seed and fertilizer down at the same time?

Applying fertilizer at the same time you seed your lawn is not a recommended idea. Many experts will tell you that doing so you could risk to destroy a large part of your lawn where the soil was heavily fertilized.

When can you overseed in East Tennessee?

In East Tennessee, you'll want to overseed your lawn a few times each year, in early spring and early fall. Overseeding in early spring will kickstart the process. When your lawn is overseeded correctly, you will reduce the fertilizer and water necessary to keep your lawn in peak condition throughout the year.

What type of grass is used in Tennessee?

Grasses used in Tennessee consist of warm season and cool season grasses. Tennessee lies in what turf professionals call the transition zone. What this means is that summer in Tennessee is too hot for cool-season grasses to perform well and winters are often cold enough to injure or kill warm-season grasses.

What is the best fescue for lawns?

Tall fescue is best suited to well-drained soils. Kentucky bluegrass - Kentucky bluegrass is a persistent and attractive species that is used in many home lawns, institutional grounds, parks, and athletic fields. This species has a medium to fine leaf texture and a medium- to dark-green color when properly fertilized.

What is fine fescue?

Fine fescues - The fine fescues are composed of narrow-leaved species in the genus Festuca. The most common turf-type fine fescues include creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra), Chewings fescue (Festuca rubra var. commutata), hard fescue (Festuca longifolia), and sheep fescue (Festuca ovina). These species are used extensively for lawns, grounds, and parks. They are ideal for low maintenance turfs, but, are not typically used for sports turfs. During cool weather (and when properly maintained), the fine fescues produce an attractive, uniform stand with a medium-green to dark-green color. These grasses are extremely fine-textured and are compatible in mixtures of most cool-season turfgrasses. As a group, the fine fescues tolerate soils of low fertility and low pH, droughty soils, and shaded conditions. They are not well adapted to hot, humid conditions; poorly drained soils; high-traffic areas such as athletic fields or playgrounds; and high rates of nitrogen fertilizer. Like Kentucky bluegrass, the fine fescues become semi-dormant under prolonged periods of heat and drought and recover quickly with the advent of cooler temperatures and adequate soil moisture.

What color is fescue grass?

During cool weather (and when properly maintained), the fine fescues produce an attractive, uniform stand with a medium-green to dark-green color . These grasses are extremely fine-textured and are compatible in mixtures of most cool-season turfgrasses.

How fast does ryegrass grow?

Its recuperative potential is not as strong as Kentucky bluegrass. Perennial ryegrass germinates rapidly (5 to 7 days) and establishes quickly.

What is ryegrass used for?

Perennial ryegrass - Ryegrass is a persistent, dark-green, fine to medium-textured turfgrass that is used for home lawns, parks, grounds, golf courses, and athletic fields.

What is Bermuda grass?

Bermuda Grass - Bermudagrass is the species most adapted to and most frequently used in southern Tennessee. Many new and improved seeded varieties have been developed and released during the last 10 years. Users now have a choice of varieties that are denser and finer textured than the almost extinct seed of common bermudagrass. Bermudagrass spreads aggressively by stolons (aboveground runners) and rhizomes (belowground runners) and can become a nuisance when it invades flower beds and gardens. Also, cold-tolerant seeded and vegetative varieties are available that withstand lower winter temperatures.

When should I plant grass seed in spring TN?

It is possible to plant grass seeds in Tennessee in the spring, between late February and early April, but cool-season grass seeds, such as Jonathan Green Black Beauty ®, fare best when planted in the early fall (late August to mid-October). The warm days and cool nights in fall are ideal for seed germination.

What grass stays green all year?

Sedges and Fescue Native species of sedges work well to keep your lawn green all year long. Sedges such as cedar, sand and Texas varieties work best in full sun to partial shade. Some fescue grasses, including Rana Creek fescue, can grow as evergreen grasses as long as they get extra water during the dry season.

When should I seed my lawn in the spring?

Aim to seed early in the season, but wait until daytime temperatures are in the 60 to 75 degree Fahrenheit range. This roughly corresponds to the optimal soil temperatures for cool-season grass seed germination.

What month do you put out grass seed?

Generally speaking, you can plant grass seed any time of the year, but fall is the best time to seed a lawn with a cool season turfgrass variety. Spring is the best time to plant warm season turfgrass seed.

Can you seed grass in May?

In many cases, planting grass seed in summer is not preferable, considering that many popular grasses are warm-season grasses. For these types, planting grass seed in May or around May is the last opportunity. However, there are many types of cool-season grasses that can be grown after the middle of May.

How long does it take grass seed to grow in April?

Assuming optimal weather and growing conditions, some seed can germinate in as quickly as 4-7 days, or it can take as long as 21 days before germination begins.

Is March too early to plant grass seed?

In nearly all regions, March is too early to plant grass seed. Temperature is a better barometer; wait until days average about 80 degrees before planting grass seed for summer. March is too late to sow cool-season grasses.

What grass is good for middle Tennessee?

Perennial rye grass is a good choice for middle Tennessee. Tennessee falls into what the U.S. Department of Agriculture defines as a transition zone in terms of its grass hardiness. This means both warm- and cold-season grasses can grow in the state.

What is perennial rye grass?

Perennial ryegrass is a warm-season grass known for its durability. Its eye-catching dark green color and medium texture has resulted in it often being used on golf courses, lawns, sports fields and in parks. It is a quick grower and, because of its versatility, is often mixed with other grasses.

Why is a stolons grass considered a drought resistant grass?

It is considered resistant to drought because it has deep roots that have the ability to draw water from the ground. It spreads with stolons and rhizomes, is a durable grass that forms a dense turf and turns brown following the first frost, but is one the first of the warm-weather grasses to turn green in the spring.

Is seedland ryegrass drought resistant?

Seedland also says it is highly resistant to diseases and insects. It can tolerate high heat, low temperatures and is drought-resistant. Ryegrass prefers full sun, but is tolerant of partial shade, and grows best in soil that has good drainage and at least average fertility. Advertisement.

Can bluegrass be planted in the summer?

It is a cold-season grass that thrives best in full sun, but will also tolerate partial shade. Bluegrass grows slows during the summer months, but usually quickly springs to life in the fall. It can be planted from both seed and sod, and mixes well with other types of grasses. Advertisement.

Is Kentucky bluegrass good for a lawn?

It is tolerant to cold, moderate heat and drought, and is also durable. Bluegrass provides an attractive lawn with its deep green color.

Is tall fescue drought resistant?

It can tolerate full sun and shaded areas, and is also considered drought-resistant, although watering may be required during extended arid periods.

1. Tall fescue

Tall fescue is one of Knoxville’s favorite grass types. It’s an extremely adaptable, cool-season grass, making it a great choice for the climate in Eastern Tennessee. What makes tall fescue adaptable is that it’s more tolerant to heat, drought, and shade compared to other cool-season grass types.

2. Kentucky bluegrass

Kentucky bluegrass is another favorite and is widely used across the country. It is durable and maintains a soft, smooth texture that is pleasant on bare feet. Kentucky bluegrass is what most people imagine when they’re thinking of turfgrass.

3. Creeping red fescue

Creeping red fescue is a variety of fine-leaf fescue that thrives in shaded environments. It can

4. Buffalograss

Buffalograss is a warm-season grass that can survive extreme heat, extended droughts and grow in low-nutrient soil. While it needs plenty of direct sunlight, overall it doesn’t require much maintenance. Beware of overwatering buffalograss — overwatering creates the perfect conditions for weeds and disease to thrive.

5. Bermudagrass

Bermudagrass is commonly used for athletic fields, and its durability is what makes it a great option for active families. Bermudagrass does not produce allergenic pollen and it can be invasive in backyard gardens. Look out for thatch buildup.

6. Centipedegrass

Centipedegrass is a low-maintenance warm-season grass, perfect for a busy household.

How to choose the best grass type for your Knoxville home

There are plenty of things to consider when figuring out which grass type is best for your property, especially when living in the transition zone. While tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, creeping red fescue, buffalograss, Bermudagrass, and centipedegrass can all do well in Knoxville, you should keep a few things in mind before coming to a decision: