Just think for a few seconds about how many types of grass you have ever found in many abundant places. Did all those grass look similar? I am sure they are not. Indeed, different types of grass look different, and even the color and texture are not the same as well.
Eventually, the grass for the lawn is not the same in different places. You cannot also use any type of grass seed to make a lawn. If you want to grow a beautiful lawn with grass seeds, you must be well aware of the types of grass. Choosing the appropriate grass seed is eventually a very important fact in this case.
That’s why we are going to discuss basic types of lawn grasses today. First, I will describe some of the most common grass types, and then I will give you some idea about how you can choose appropriate grass seed for your new lawn.
Common Types of Grass, Mostly Found on Lawns
Before we start learning about the types of grass, it is essential to think about the scientific identification of grass. Poaceae is the plant family where all the grasses belong. And there are more than 11,000 different types of grass in this plant family belongs. But we cannot grow all of them on our lawn.
Eventually, most grass types are not suitable for close contact with human skin. Indeed, you can only use a few types of grass in your yard to make a lawn. All around the region of North and South America, we only found a few types of grass on the lawns.
Here are the ten most common types of grass we find in this region. Please, make sure to check the description of each grass type to learn how to identify them and why they are suitable for your lawn or not.
1. Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is a very common choice for your home gardens and lawns. Also, it has a demand for golf courses as well. This type of grass requires very high maintenance along with frequent waterings. Moreover, you will have to mow the lawn with this grass at a low height, such as the pattern for high-traffic yards, so that pets and kids can easily go through.
This variety of grass is pretty dense in texture, and the color is deep green. And it is an ideal grass type to grow in the warmer seasons. However, many people recently succeeded in growing it in central states, especially in the southern part of the Midwest. And Bermuda grass just looks beautiful with its deep color.
2. Bluegrass
In Northern homes, Bluegrass is a highly popular grass requiring medium maintenance and the cold season. You will find it frequently assembled with fine Fescue and Ryegrass. In addition, this variety grows excellent both from sod and seed. That’s why you will often find this grass on the turf field.
However, the texture of the Bluegrass is very soft, and it is popular for its unique blueish deep green color. And, of course, It can tolerate color temperature very well. However, the growth of this grass does not go well in the shade. Besides, you can grow it well in the cold seasons too.
3. Bentgrass
Bentgrass is eminent for its soft texture and low growth potential, and it is the main grass used in the northern golf course. That’s because it is a cool-season grass, so you can choose it only if your region has a comparatively lower temperature. Initially, its saturated color and other qualities make this variety perfect for residential homes.
Then again, this type of grass requires very high maintenance. Indeed, you have to apply fertilizers on your lawn frequently, do lots of mowing, spray fungicides, and of course, water it daily. That’s why people tend to avoid this kind of grass only if they do not have a fairway. So, you should think twice before choosing Bentgrass and make sure that you have enough time to take care of it.
4. Centipede
If you are looking for a variety that provides a thick, mat-like turf with very low maintenance, then Centipede is fit for your lawn. This type is quite suitable in tepid and warm climates such as central states. Besides, it does not need to fall into any particular climate category. Still, it grows well in the warmer seasons.
Initially, it requires full sun, but you can also keep this growth in the shade. It comes in a short and thick texture and is light green in color. Last but not least, this variety of grass goes very well with some special soil qualities that are not particularly good for any other grass types. For instance, soil with high levels of nitrogen is not suitable for most grass types though Centipede grows well on it.
5. Fine Fescue
Fine Fescue is a special variety that comes in the shape of a soft, needle-like blade. This type of grass actually covers several other types of grass in the fescue family. Oftentimes, it is paired with Ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass. It doesn’t require high maintenance, but you have to take care of it regularly.
In addition, this type of grass can tolerate shade and grows very well in cooler temperatures. Indeed, it does not prefer heat at all. You will find various varieties of this species, especially in Northeastern states and North Central. Because of its full green color and excellent texture, it has become popular in the coldest season regions.
6. Ryegrass
Amidst the fast-growing grass varieties, Ryegrass is encyclopedic in northern lawns. Oftentimes, this variety is paired with fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass. The requisite part is that it does not need any high maintenance at all and grows excellent in germinates and cooler season states on almost all types of lawn soil.
Indeed, Ryegrass grows naturally in many abandoned places. And so, if you grow this kind of grass on your lawn, you don’t have to work much for it. Just water it regularly and apply some fertilizer are enough for it. Besides, it has a soft texture and a very dark green color. Ryegrass grows small flowers and seeds too.
7. Dichondra
Dichondra initially presents a different outer look compared to other grass varieties. And that’s why you can identify this grass easily. It comes as little round leaves and has a bright or pale green color. This type of grass covers the ground densely, which is why it is very popular in warm climates.
Furthermore, This variety is very amenable to insects and diseases. Indeed, it requires rapid watering and fertilization, and you can mow it like any other common type of grass. You will find it mostly in Arizona and California as it grows in the warm season.
8. Floratam
Floratam is a distinct type of St. Augustine grass, and you will find it frequently in arid regions. Because of its dark green color and softer texture, it is also found on most gulf coasts. Initially, this kind of grass doesn’t require much maintenance either. But, it needs regular watering and warm air to grow properly.
You will find it as a wide, coarse-textured blade that is very common in the south. You will certainly be familiar with this dark green grass if you live near any hot and humid area. It’s because it is warm-season grass. That’s why you will often find it in regions like Louisiana, Texsus, and Florida.
9. Zoysia
Zoysia appears to be a carpet-like variety of grass, so most turf producers try to grow this kind of grass on their fields. Initially, this kind of grass is mostly found in the central part of the country and what is more to the east in the Carolinas. This medium green grass grows to the top in warm temperatures and stands well in drought, high heat, and heavy foot traffic.
Additionally, it requires very minimal maintenance, and you do not need to water it daily. This prickly textured grass needs to be mowed properly, or it aggravates seed heads and very quickly turns out brown in cold weather. You will need to use a fungicide to keep it fresh, but most often, you don’t need to use any fertilizer to grow this kind of grass.
10. Tall Fescue
Last but not least, Tall Fescue is less popular, but it has a great ability to tolerate heat. This cool-season grass is mostly found in southern and northern states. This kind of grass grows so quickly that you will have to mow the lawn regularly.
Moreover, it can comprise weed-like qualities, so there is a high possibility that you will not find it in residential seed mixes. And it is chief on athletic fields and other areas where it is needed for heavy use. You will like its softer texture, and the dark green color will bring a beautiful look to your lawn.
Besides these ten types of grass, you can also find a few mixture types on our lawn and golf course. Some of the hybrid grass is also available in different places. From the descriptions of the grass, you must learn about how you can identify them. Now the question is, which one is perfect for your lawn, right? Check out the next section to learn about it.
The Best Types of Grass for Your Lawn
As you know, you can find different types of grass on your lawn. If you are moving to a new home and there is already a ready lawn, you don’t have to buy grass seed for it. But if you plan to make a new lawn on the ground, you must buy grass seeds or turf. In this case, you will get an option to choose the grass seeds or the turf.
You cannot just choose any type of grass because of a few particular reasons. If you sow the inappropriate seeds on your ground, you may end up making a big mistake. Remember that not all types of grass can grow in any temperature or weather. That’s why you must be careful when choosing the right grass types for your lawn.
If you are living in a cold-season area, you can choose Bentgrass, Bluegrass, Fine Fescue, tall Fescue, Ryegrass, or hybrid Bentgrass. But if you are living in a hot weather area, you have to buy any from the Zoysia, Floratam, centipedes, dichondra, or Bermuda grass. Besides, you must check how much sun exposure your ground gets and if it is perfect for the grass type.
FAQ
Q: Which type of grass is best for the lawn?
A: If you love a cold-season area, Fescue and Bluegrass are the best type of grass for your lawn. And if you are living in a hot-season area, St. Augustine-type grass, like Floratam, and Zoysia, must be the best one for your lawn. So, you have to choose the type of grass based on the temperature and the exposure to sunshine your lawn gets.
Q: How do I choose a grass type?
A: When choosing the best grass type, you must be careful about some essential factors. They are as follows.
- The temperature of the region.
- Sun exposure your lawn gets.
- Frequent rain in your area.
- Color of the grass you prefer.
- Required maintenance.
- Growth and disease resistance of the grass.
So, think about these factors and choose the appropriate types of grass for your lawn.
Q: What is the most durable type of grass?
A: Generally, Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Bluegrass, Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and Floratam are the most durable type of grass. These kinds of grass don’t die or turn brown so easily.
Q: What type of grass stays green all year?
A: Fescue is a cold season grass that stays green all around the year. Generally, grass turns brown in the cold season. And Fescue stays just perfect in winter. Besides, it stays alive and green in summer as well.
Q: What is the easiest grass to grow?
A: Bermudagrass is well-known to be the most durable and easy-to-grow type of grass. It doesn’t need high maintenance, and you can easily grow it on your lawn without so much trouble.
Q: What grass does not turn brown in winter?
A: Hybrid Bermuda and Fescue are the best type of grass that doesn’t turn brown in winter. Indeed, these kinds of grass grow well in winter, so it always stays green.
Final Verdict
I am sure that you have enough ideas to identify and choose the right types of grass for your lawn. Make sure to be careful about the temperature fact, rain frequency, Sun exposure, and your favorite color of grass while choosing the seeds. Also, never ever buy a type of grass that is not suitable for the temperature your area normally has. It can lead to a dead lawn, and all your money and effort can go in vain.
Remember that making and maintaining a lawn is not that much easier. Indeed, you have to be careful about so many things, and the grass type is one of them. So, choose the grass sincerely for the best result.
Thank you very much for staying with us till now. We will soon come back again with something new about your lawn. Till now, stay healthy near your green lawn. And take care of yourself and your lawn.