Choosing the Right Grass Type: Warm vs Cool Season Grasses

Published on
March 25, 2024

When it comes to having a lush, healthy lawn, selecting the proper grass type is crucial. Grasses are commonly categorized as either warm season or cool season varieties based on the temperature ranges they prefer. Making the wrong choice can leave you struggling with an underperforming lawn. Here's a guide to understanding warm and cool season grasses so you can make an informed decision.

Cool Season Grass Varieties

If you live in a northern region with four distinct seasons, cool season grasses like tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescue are ideal choices. These grass types thrive when temperatures range between 60-75°F. Cool season grasses grow most vigorously in spring and fall, entering dormancy during hot summers and cold winters. Featuring a fine, lush texture, they create a plush, green lawn—but require more frequent mowing (every 5-7 days) to maintain a tidy appearance.

Benefits of Cool Season Grasses:

  • Lush, dense growth
  • Vibrant green color
  • Tolerates foot traffic well
  • Variety of seed and sod options

Warm Season Grass Varieties

For southern regions with long, hot summers, warm season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipedegrass, and St. Augustinegrass are top options. These warm season grasses thrive once temperatures rise above 80°F. During winter's cooler months they go dormant (brown), then green up again in spring. Warm season varieties have a more coarse, thick-bladed texture and require less frequent mowing than cool season grasses—typically every 10-14 days.

Benefits of Warm Season Grasses:

  • Drought and heat tolerant
  • Survives high traffic
  • Lower water and maintenance needs
  • Variety of sod and seed options

No matter which grass type suits your climate, our team of turf experts can guide you in selecting the perfect warm or cool season sod or seed to create your dream lawn. We offer premium grass varieties bred for quality, health, and resilience. Contact us today for a free consultation!

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