Find the perfect grass for your climate, soil, and lifestyle. We cover every major turfgrass species with expert maintenance advice.
Cool-season grasses thrive here. Best choices:
Both grass types can work. Best choices:
Warm-season grasses are best. Best choices:
Warm-season grasses thrive in temperatures between 80-95°F and go dormant (turn brown) during winter. They're best suited for USDA zones 7-11.
Zones 7-10 Cynodon dactylon
Best For: Full sun lawns in hot climates, sports fields
Maintenance: Medium-High
Zones 8-11 Stenotaphrum secundatum
Best For: Shaded lawns in coastal and southern areas
Maintenance: Medium-High
Zones 6-11 Zoysia japonica
Best For: Low-maintenance lawns in transition zones
Maintenance: Low-Medium
Zones 7-10 Eremochloa ophiuroides
Best For: Low-maintenance lawns in southeastern US
Maintenance: Very Low
Cool-season grasses thrive in temperatures between 60-75°F with active growth in spring and fall. They're best suited for USDA zones 2-7.
Zones 2-7 Poa pratensis
Best For: Northern lawns with full sun and regular watering
Maintenance: High
Zones 3-8 Festuca arundinacea
Best For: Transition zone lawns, variable conditions
Maintenance: Low-Medium
Zones 3-7 Festuca spp.
Best For: Shaded areas, low-traffic lawns, eco-lawns
Maintenance: Very Low
Zones 3-7 Lolium perenne
Best For: Quick repairs, overseeding, sports fields
Maintenance: Medium
| Grass Type | Season | Zones | Sun Needs | Drought | Traffic | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bermuda | Warm | 7-10 | Full Sun | Excellent | Excellent | Medium-High |
| St. Augustine | Warm | 8-11 | Sun-Shade | Moderate | Moderate | Medium-High |
| Zoysia | Warm | 6-11 | Sun-Part Shade | Excellent | Very High | Low-Medium |
| Centipede | Warm | 7-10 | Full Sun | Moderate | Poor | Very Low |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | Cool | 2-7 | Full Sun | Moderate | Excellent | High |
| Tall Fescue | Cool | 3-8 | Sun-Part Shade | Excellent | Very Good | Low-Medium |
| Fine Fescue | Cool | 3-7 | Part Shade-Shade | Excellent | Poor | Very Low |
| Perennial Ryegrass | Cool | 3-7 | Full Sun | Fair | Excellent | Medium |