How to Choose the Right Grass Seed for Your Lawn
We all want a beautiful, lush lawn, but achieving that picture-perfect lawn takes more than just mowing and watering. It also requires the right nutrients, which can be found in grass seed.
There are many different types of grass seed available, each suited for different climates, soil types and levels of sunlight. So how do you know which grass seed is right for you?
Keep reading to learn the different types of grass seed available and help you choose the right one for your lawn based on where you and your lawn are located!
Types of Grasses Based on Region
Grass seeds can be classified into three main categories: cool-season, warm-season, and transitional. Cool-season grasses are ideal for cooler regions and temperatures, and they grow most vigorously in the spring and fall.
Warm-season grasses excel in warmer climates, and they grow most vigorously in the summer and fall. Transitional grasses can adapt to both cool and warm conditions, and they are often used in areas with variable climates.
Cool Season Grass
Cool-season grasses are well-suited to cooler regions and begin their growth cycle in late winter to early spring. They establish new growth, flower, and set seed during spring to early summer before going dormant in late summer. Some common cool-season grasses include
- Kentucky Bluegrass
- Perennial Ryegrass
- Annual Ryegrass
- Fine Fescue
- Tall Fescue
Cool-season grasses are most often found in areas such as Washington, Northern Idaho, Montana, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
At Lush Lawn, we specialize in cool-season grass seeds for our Michigan climate. Our preferred choice is the Advanced Athletic Blue Rye Mix with Yellow Jacket. This seed blend includes perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and a unique yellow jacket coating.
The yellow jacket coating features a natural water-absorbent material derived from cornstarch. This coating serves a dual purpose by protecting the seed and ensuring it stays adequately moist during the germination process.
Warm-Season Grass
Warm-season grasses are specifically suited for regions with warmer climates. They have a growth pattern distinct from cool-season grasses. Instead of starting growth in early spring, warm-season grasses wait until late spring to early summer to begin growing.
During this period, they produce new growth, flower, and set seed, which primarily happens in the summer to early fall. As winter approaches and temperatures drop, warm-season grasses become dormant, conserving their energy until warmer conditions return.
- Bahiagrass
- Bermudagrass
- Buffalograss
- Carpetgrass
- Centipedegrass
- St. Augustinegrass
- Zoysiagrass
These grasses are well-suited for states like Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Georgia, where they can thrive in the hot and humid summer conditions and withstand the colder winters by going dormant.
Transition Grasses
In the world of grasses, we encounter a unique and somewhat complex zone known as the transition zone. Unlike the clear distinctions between cool and warm climates, this area resides in the middle, marked by seasonal temperatures that can fluctuate from year to year. The inconsistency in climate makes it challenging to decide between cool-season and warm-season grasses.
If you reside in the transition zone, encompassing regions like southern Illinois, southern California, eastern Oklahoma, eastern Kansas, and extending into eastern states such as Virginia, North Carolina, and northern Georgia, you're in a climate gray area.
Selecting the right type of grass for your lawn depends on understanding your lawn's unique needs. It's crucial to consider factors such as the amount and timing of sunlight your lawn receives, the level of foot traffic it experiences, and how often you can provide water. These details play a key role in making the best choice for your specific lawn.
Transform Your Michigan Lawn With Lush Lawn's Expertise
Are you fed up with your uneven lawn and tired of throwing money away on ineffective store-bought grass seed? It's time to connect with Lush Lawn!
We are Michigan’s leading lawn care experts with nearly 20 years of experience. Our Michigan-based teams have the expertise to understand our unique lawn and climate.
Contact us today to assist you in providing you with high-quality grass seed to ensure a green lawn for years to come!