A beautiful, lush lawn can greatly enhance the curb appeal and enjoyment of any home. But not all types of grass are suited for every climate and yard condition. Choosing the right grass variety is crucial to growing and maintaining a healthy, attractive lawn. Here we discuss the top 10 grass types perfect for lawns in different regions and situations. With the right grass selection and proper care, you can achieve a showcase-worthy lawn.
Warm Season Grasses
Warm season grasses thrive in hot, humid climates and do best in southern regions of the United States. They grow vigorously in summer but go dormant and turn brown in winter. Warm season varieties include:
Bermudagrass
Known for its tolerance of heat, drought, and foot traffic, Bermudagrass is ideal for southern lawns. This aggressive spreader forms a dense, weed-resistant turf with fine texture and medium green color. Bermudagrass adapts well to various soil types and requires full sun exposure. It needs frequent fertilization and watering for optimal growth.
Some popular Bermudagrass cultivars include Tifway, TifTuf, Celebration, and Princess. Improved hybrid Bermudagrasses offer better disease resistance, durability, and aesthetic appeal compared to common types. However, Bermuda’s fast growth rate means more frequent mowing is needed.
Zoysiagrass
A warm season alternative to Bermuda, Zoysiagrass forms a lush carpet of stiff, coarse blades ranging from emerald green to grey-green tones. Growth is slower than Bermuda, so mowing frequency can be less. Zoysia tolerates light shade and holds up well to foot traffic.
On the downside, Zoysia may develop rust, a fungal disease, in humid climates. Popular cultivars like Meyer Zoysia, Emerald, and Zeon offer good density and texture for lawns. Zoysia needs dethatching every few years to recycle excess thatch buildup.
St. Augustinegrass
Known for its broad coarse blades and vivid blue-green color, St. Augustinegrass creates a lush, thick lawn with superior shade tolerance. Growth habit is aggressive by stolons and requires moisture retention. St. Augustine flourishes in southern coastal climates but is not cold hardy.
Cultivars like Floratam and Palmetto offer better insect and disease resistance. Raleigh is one newer hybrid with better shade and cold tolerance. St. Augustine lawns demand frequent watering and fertilization for health and vigor.
Centipedegrass
Slow growing Centipedegrass has a coarse texture yet forms a dense, weed-free lawn. Lime green in color, Centipede thrives in acidic, low fertility soils. It tolerates partial shade well. Centipede does not recover quickly from heavy foot traffic and requires very little mowing due to slow growth habit.
This grass needs little fertilization but adequate moisture and does not perform well in salty coastal areas. Common, Tifblair, and Tenn Hardy are some Centipede cultivars suitable for southern lawns. Centipedegrass makes a low maintenance lawn once established.
Carpetgrass
For low maintenance lawns, Carpetgrass offers an attractive coarse-textured, bright green turf. Rapidly spreading by above ground stolons, this grass chokes out weeds and tolerates compacted poor soils. Carpetgrass needs moisture and regular mowing but handles partial shade well.
While durable and fairly drought resistant, Carpetgrass can become weedy and invasive in ideal growing conditions. It is susceptible to dollar spot fungus. Carpetgrass grows mainly in the deep south but certain varieties can adapt further north. Standing water breeds disease problems with Carpetgrass.
Cool Season Grasses
These grasses thrive in cooler northern climates and can tolerate cold winters. They grow best in spring and fall, going dormant and turning brown in peak summer. Cool season varieties include:
Kentucky Bluegrass
The classic lawn grass prized for beauty and soft texture, Kentucky Bluegrass forms a lush carpet of graceful, vivid green blades. Rhizomatous growth habit makes bluegrass self-spreading yet slower growing than warm season turfs.
Bluegrass prefers moderate fertility, a neutral pH, and adequate moisture for optimal health. Light weekly mowing keeps its manicured appearance. Improved Kentucky Bluegrass hybrids offer enhanced durability, disease resistance and deeper color over common types.
Popular cultivars include Midnight, Award, and Blueberry. Bluegrass can contract fungal diseases under humid conditions and benefits from aeration to reduce thatch.
Tall Fescue
A bunch-forming grass with stiff, upright blades, Tall Fescue tolerates cold, drought, heat, and wear. Rich green in color, Tall Fescue blends well with Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass in lawns. Growth is faster than bluegrass, requiring frequent mowing.
Tall Fescue flourishes in varying soil types and partial shade exposures. Improved cultivars like Titanium 2LS, Firecracker LS, and Bullseye offer superior turf density and lawn performance. Tall Fescue is prone to brown patch fungus requiring preventative fungicides.
Perennial Ryegrass
Valued for fine lush texture and vibrant dark green color, Perennial Ryegrass establishes quickly and offers good cold and shade tolerance. High shoot density provides good wear resistance for lawns and sports turfs. Perennial Ryegrass spreads by tillering versus rhizomes or stolons.
As a bunch grass, inclusion of other grasses boosts its spreading capacity. Perennial Ryegrass requires more mowing and water than other cool season types. Popular cultivars are described as turf-type versus forage types bred for optimal lawn performance.
Fine Fescue
Fine Fescue grasses encompass various low maintenance species including Red, Chewings and Hard Fescue. Fine texture, pleasing green tones, and shade tolerance make Fine Fescues ideal for northern lawns under trees or shrubs.
Growth habit is bunching with moderate spreading by short rhizomes or stolons. Soil fertility requirements are low but ample moisture and drainage are essential for health. Use blends with Bluegrass and Ryegrass rather than monostands. Popular mixes include Scotts Shademaster and Pennington Smart Seed Shady Mix.
Special Use & Alternative Grass Types
Beyond the main warm and cool season turfs, some special use and native grass varieties can serve unique lawn needs or applications:
Buffalo Grass
A warm season native prairie grass sporting gray-green hue, Buffalo Grass forms a soft, dense turf perfect for western or drought-prone regions. Slow spreading by stolons plus low fertility and water requirements make Buffalo Grass very low maintenance once established. Weekly mowing keeps its tidy appearance. Buffalo Grass goes dormant and turns straw brown after frost, greening up again in spring. Cultivars such as Legacy, Prestige and Density offer improved turf density and appearance over common types.
Bahiagrass
For coastal climates of the deep south, Bahiagrass forms a course textured, gray-green lawn resistant to salty conditions. Rapid spreading via seeds and stolons makes Bahia highly invasive, so use limited only to low care utility lawns. Bahia tolerates drought, infertile soils and requires minimal mowing. Significant thatch buildup can harbor pest and disease problems requiring periodic renovation. Improved Pensacola varieties offer finer leaf texture and denser matting than common Bahia.
Bentgrass
Prized for golf course putting greens, Bentgrass also makes an elegant fine bladed lawn grass. High shoot density provides premium dark green color and smooth carpet-like texture. However, Bentgrass requires intensive maintenance including frequent mowing and ample irrigation. Well drained, acidic soils are preferred to avoid disease issues. Use limited to north regions and not ideal for home lawns. Make sure local ordinances allow Bentgrass which can sometimes be classified as a noxious weed.
Seashore Paspalum
Salt tolerant Seashore Paspalum is ideal for coastal lawns subject to salt spray and sandy saline soils. Naturally found along tropical and sub-tropical shorelines, this warm season grass has an attractive medium green color and interesting rounded seed heads. Tolerant of low mowing, Seashore Paspalum grows in clumps and has minimal lateral spread. This limits its turf density and weed resistance. Newer Platinum varieties offer improved salt and drought tolerance.
Factors that Determine Ideal Grass Type
- Climate – Warm season versus cool season determines grass types for a given location based on average temperatures and weather.
- Sunlight – Full sun lovers like Bermuda versus shade tolerant types like Fine Fescue. Assess sun and shade patterns across the lawn area.
- Soil – Fertility needs, pH preference, drainage patterns and soil texture all factor into best grass selection. Improve poor soils before establishing lawn.
- Use – Consider foot traffic patterns and wear tolerance needed. Use turf-type Perennial Ryegrass for sports fields. Use hardy Zoysia or Bermuda for high traffic zones.
- Maintenance – Lower maintenance varieties like Centipede need less mowing and care than intensive types like Kentucky Bluegrass.
- Function – Utility lawns can use lower cost seed mixes versus showcase lawns visible to guests. Ornamental grasses can provide unique accents.
- Appearance – Finer grasses like Bermuda offer manicured look versus coarse Bahia for more casual landscape. Bluegrass has classic lawn appeal.
- Local Ordinances – Some grasses like St. Augustine are restricted in certain areas. Always check local municipal codes before planting new or alternative grass species.
Keys to Establishing the Ideal Lawn
Choosing the right grass type represents only part of creating a flawless landscape. Proper preparation, planting, care and maintenance are equally important. Here are some key steps for establishing a healthy, enduring lawn:
- Test soil and adjust nutrients or pH prior to seeding or laying sod. Improve drainage of soggy areas.
- Eliminate existing weeds, vegetation, and debris before planting. Fumigate if soil pests present.
- Select quality seeds, sod, or plugs from reputable suppliers for chosen grass type and cultivar.
- For seeding, prepare smooth seedbed and apply starter fertilizer. Use proper seeding methods for grass variety.
- When laying sod, stagger seams and water thoroughly for good rooting after install.
- Water new seed or sod consistently to keep top 2 inches of soil moist until established.
- Once sprouted, allow grass to reach optimum height before first mowing. Set mower height for grass species.
- Apply balanced granular fertilizer per grass requirements to promote healthy growth.
- Control any weeds, insects or diseases as needed during establishment phase.
- When grass is mature, continue proper mowing, watering, fertilization and treatment schedules specific to grass type.
- Fix soggy or compacted areas. Overseed or plug bare spots to maintain lawn integrity.
- Dethatch and aerate periodically. Topdress with compost to enrich soil.
- Adjust maintenance practices by season such as watering deeply and less often in peak summer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grass Types for Lawns
Below are answers to some common questions homeowners have about selecting the best grass varieties:
What is the best grass for a shady lawn?
Fine Fescues, Zoysia and St. Augustine perform best in partial to moderate shade. Avoid most other warm season types except Centipedegrass. For dense shade, use groundcovers as grass will thin and decline over time.
When is the best time to plant cool season grasses?
The optimal times are early fall (late August to September) or early spring (late March to May). Avoid summer heat and winter cold when seeding cool season grasses.
How do I know if I have a warm or cool season grass lawn?
Warm season grasses thrive in summer turning brown in winter upon frost. Cool season grasses flourish in spring and fall going dormant in peak summer heat and humidity. Identify grass when green and growing best.
What is the best low maintenance warm season grass?
For lowest care, Centipedegrass requires minimal mowing and fertilization once established. Zoysia is fairly low maintenance while Bermuda and St. Augustine require more attentive care.
Which grass type is most shade tolerant?
Among warm season varieties, St. Augustinegrass and Zoysia accept moderate shade. For cool season grasses, Fine Fescues excel in substantial shade. Avoid most other types in dense shade situations.
What are the different ways to establish a new lawn?
Choices include seeding, sodding, plugging or sprigging. Seeding is most economical but slower to establish. Sod offers instant gratification. Plugs and sprigs work for some grass varieties that don’t grow well from seed.
What factors should I consider when choosing a grass type?
The most important factors are climate zone, sunlight exposure, soil conditions, lawn function and use, desired appearance, maintenance expectations and any local restrictions. Select variety according to needs.
How do I get rid of my existing lawn to establish a new one?
Non-selective herbicides kill existing lawn and weeds without harming soil. An easier but slower method is smothering by covering with black plastic for a full growing season to solarize soil. Then prep seedbed.
What is the most shade tolerant cool season grass?
Among cool season varieties, Fine Fescues like Red or Chewings Fescue offer the best shade tolerance. Perennial Ryegrass and Bluegrass accept moderate shade. Avoid Tall Fescue in shady locations.
Conclusion
The ideal lawn begins with choosing the best grass variety or mix for your specific conditions and goals. The top warm season and cool season grasses highlighted here represent great options for lawns across various climates. Key considerations are climate adaptation, growth characteristics, usage, aesthetics, maintenance needs and personal preferences.
With the right grass selection matched to site conditions plus attentive establishment and care, you can enjoy a lush, healthy landscape that makes a lasting impression. Your lawn can provide the ideal canvas to implement creative designs using stonework, flowerbeds and other enhancements. But a proper visual showcase starts from the ground up. Do your homework in picking the perfect grass for your yard. Then give it the care required to flourish. With wise grass choice and diligent maintenance, you can showcase a flawless lawn that becomes the envy of neighbors.