Choosing Grass Types by Location
The simplest way to decide which of the different types 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
- Transition zone (green) in the middle of the country.
- Deep South/Gulf region (tan) where warm-season grasses grow best
We list popular grass types for these areas below, followed by details about their features and tips to keep the grasses healthy and green.
To learn more about other plants that grow well in your area, check out Learn Your Hardiness Zone and the Lowe’s Plant Guide.
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:
- Ryegrass
- Fescue
- Bluegrass
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:
- Sun and shade
- Bermuda
- Fescue
- Zoysia
Additional factors — such as altitude, the amount of sun or shade, the amount of foot traffic and the availability of water — may affect the success of a turfgrass variety.
Deep South/Gulf Grass Types
Deep South/Gulf grasses (warm-season grasses) are more tolerant of hot temperatures, but they aren’t as cold hardy as Northern varieties. These types include:
- Bermuda
- St. Augustine
- Centipede
- Bahia
How to Grow Healthy Lawns: Types of Grass, Care and Features
Just like any plant, grass needs specific conditions and care to perform at its best. Here are the most common types of turfgrass with specific mowing, soil and sunlight requirements, as well as tolerances for traffic and drought conditions. Keep in mind, this is general information and may vary by the cultivar or variety of a grass type. Check the grass seed packaging for specific information.
Once you find the perfect grass, use our grass seed calculator to estimate how much you need for your yard. Then read our how-to on planting and overseeding grass. We’ve also got tips on how to lay sod.
Popular Cool-Season Grasses
These common cool-season grasses tend to thrive in northern parts of the country.
Kentucky Bluegrass
For cool Northern areas, Kentucky bluegrass is the best grass seed, provided that the proper conditions are met. These include sunlight, good soil and a regular water supply. This is a cool-season grass that thrives in places like Washington state. Kentucky bluegrass grows tremendously during the spring and fall months. The rate of growth decreases with the colder months; however, this grass seed is cold tolerant.
- Mowing Height: 2 to 2-1/2 inches
- Traffic Tolerance: Medium to high
- Drought Tolerance: Medium
- Soil Type: pH 6.5 to 7
- Sun Requirements: 4 to 8 hours of sun per day
Perennial Ryegrass
To keep a warm-season lawn looking green all year, consider overseeding it with a winter grass seed like perennial ryegrass to maintain healthy growth during the colder months. It’s also great for adding to cool-season grass mixes due to its quick germination. Perennial ryegrass can withstand moderate to high foot traffic.
- Mowing Height: 2 to 3 inches
- Traffic Tolerance: High
- Drought Tolerance: Medium to high
- Soil Type: Most types
- Sun Requirement: 4 or more hours of sun per day
Fescue Grass
The turf-type fescue family is the best grass seed for variation. Members include fine fescue, creeping fescue, hard fescue and tall fescue grasses (such as Kentucky 31 tall fescue). Due to the variety, tolerance of certain conditions varies. It’s important to check the label for the following: heat, drought and cold tolerance, as well as lighting specifics (such as direct sunlight, partial sunlight or shade) and durability. Fine fescue and tall fescue are common turfgrasses for lawns.
Fine Fescue Grass
- Mowing Height: 2 to 3 inches
- Traffic Tolerance: Light
- Drought Tolerance: Medium to high
- Soil Type: Most types
- Sun Requirement: Shade to 8 hours of sun per day
Tall Fescue Grass
- Mowing Height: 2 to 3 inches
- Traffic Tolerance: Medium
- Drought Tolerance: Medium to high
- Soil Type: Most types
- Sun Requirement: 4 or more hours of sun per day
Popular Warm-Season Grasses
If you live in the warmer southern areas, these grasses can perform well in a lawn.
Bahia Grass
Due to its ability to withstand the heat and humidity of the South, Bahia grass is best suited for Southern states such as Louisiana or Florida. This type of grass is a warm-season variety and has a rough texture. It can endure heavy foot traffic. This can be the best grass seed for college campuses in the region because of its toughness.
- Mowing Height: 2 to 2-1/2 inches
- Traffic Tolerance: Medium to high
- Drought Tolerance: High
- Soil Type: Most types
- Sun Requirement: 8 or more hours of sun per day
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass, a warm-season grass, has an aggressive growth habit, so it’s not ideal for areas near flower beds. This grass is also weed resistant. Since Bermuda grass loses its color in winter, consider overseeding it with ryegrass.
- Mowing Height: 1-1/2 to 2 inches
- Traffic Tolerance: High
- Drought Tolerance: High
- Soil Type: Light-textured soil
- Sun Requirement: 4 or more hours of sun per day
Centipede Grass
Centipede grass is the best grass seed if you want a low-maintenance, low-growing lawn. This is a warm-season grass with a rough texture. It’s ideal for dealing with and controlling weeds, and it’s resistant to pests. Centipede grass isn’t cold tolerant and thrives in hot temperatures, making it ideal for places like Alabama or South Carolina. With proper care, this grass seed will flourish year-round.
- Mowing Height: 1-1/2 to 2 inches
- Traffic Tolerance: Medium to high
- Drought Tolerance: Medium
- Soil Type: Tolerates acidic soil (pH below 7)
- Sun Requirement: 4 or more hours of sun per day
St. Augustine Grass
St. Augustine grass is a warm-season grass that keeps its blue-green color into the fall season. It’s a great option in regions where the climate is warm and where sandy soil is prevalent. This grass seed is best for places in the Deep South or Gulf regions such as southern Texas.
- Mowing Height: 2 to 3 inches
- Traffic Tolerance: High
- Drought Tolerance: High
- Soil Type: Prefers sandy soil
- Sun Requirement: 4 or more hours of sun per day
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia grass is a more high-maintenance grass seed, but the results are worth it. This grass seed is ideal for warm climates and requires a well-drained growing site. This type requires more work; however, when treated properly it results in a lush and luxurious lawn. You might find this grass seed best suited for places like Georgia or South Carolina.
- Mowing Height: 1-1/2 to 2 inches
- Traffic Tolerance: High
- Drought Tolerance: Medium to high
- Soil Type: pH 5.8 to 6.5
- Sun Requirement: 4 or more hours of sun per day
Many types of popular turfgrasses are available for planting as grass seed, plugs and sod grass.
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 refers to 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. Bunch grasses, such as fescue and ryegrass, spread from the crown of the plant. Mow high to protect the crown and ensure the survival of the grass.
Choosing Lawn Fertilizer
Keep your lawn green and healthy by fertilizing it according to the season:
See our fertilizer guide and our tips on how to fertilize your lawn to give your grass the nutrients it needs.
Find the Grass Seed You Need at Lowe’s
Finding the best grass for your lawn starts with choosing a grass suited to your part of the country. In the north, cool-season grasses perform best. In the south, look for warm-season grasses. In the central US or the transition zone, a mixture of cool- and warm-season grass works well. Once you match your options to your location, pay attention to care and maintenance requirements and look for features, like tolerance for foot traffic and shade, that fit your needs. Shop Lowes.com to find grass for your region and look at our lawn care guides for instructions on planting, fertilizing, mowing and more. Or visit your local Lowe’s to find grasses suited to your area. Talk to a Red Vest associate for help finding the perfect grass for your lawn and tips to help you keep your landscape looking great.