If you are dreaming of a lush, green lawn, then you need to install the right type of grass for your landscape. This means not just choosing a grass because it is known to grow well in your overall climate, but selecting grass that is well suited to the myriad of microclimates in your yard. The following information can help you make an informed decision.
Warm vs Cool Season Grasses
The first decision is based upon your general climate region. In the warmer half of the country where winter freezes are rare, a warm season grass is the ideal. It can withstand hot summers and periodic drought, although it may brown out when it enters winter dormancy.
In the areas of the country with more extreme seasonal differences, such as freezing winters and warm or hot summers, a cool season grass is better as it's usually hardier. These grasses grow best from spring to fall, although they may experience midsummer dormancy if temperatures are high and they don't receive sufficient water.
Shade vs Sun
Another thing to consider is how much shade a certain area of the lawn gets. A shade tolerant grass will provider a lusher lawn in areas that are under shade during the growing season, such as shade cast by trees or buildings. St. Augustine is a popular shade tolerant grass in warm season climates, while fine fescue is a good choice in cool season climates.
High sun areas can be just as challenging, since heat and drought is more likely to affect these grasses. In warm climates, consider buffalo or bermuda grasses. For cool climates, opt for Kentucky blue grass.
Low vs High Traffic
The final thing to consider when choosing a grass is how well it can survive your lawn usage. In lower traffic areas you don't need to worry about how well the grass handles heavy use, but it is a different story in areas that can see a lot of wear and tear.
In areas where there is lots of traffic, such as around a child's play set or where your dog likes to play, you need a grass that can withstand the extra use. Kentucky bluegrass and St. Augustine are good choices. For most homes, the backyard sees much higher usage than front yards.
The good news is you can plant a combination of grasses in your yard to meet your needs. Work with a grass landscaping installation service for more help.
