11 Popular Types of Grass for Your Lawn: Characteristics, Ideal Conditions, and Tips for Each

Whether you just bought your home and want to spruce up the lawn or hope to redo your existing yard, you’ve likely started looking at grass. And that may feel like a daunting task. There are so many options out there, so where do you start? This guide is the perfect place! We’ve gathered information about eleven of the most popular types of grass for lawns. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make a solid choice for your home!

1. Fine Fescue

Fine fescue (Festuca spp.) is actually a group of grasses rather than a single grass type. They get characterized by their slender shape and finer texture. The five fine fescues typically found in lawns include hard fescue, slender creeping red fescue, chewings fescue, strong creeping red fescue, and sheep fescue. They each have their own unique attributes. However, in general, they share several traits.

This collection of grasses is known for being low-maintenance and tolerant of several soil types (including those with low fertility). They are all shade tolerant, fast-growing, and require less mowing than other grass species.

Since these five grasses are difficult to tell apart at a glance, your local supplier may group them all together. But it doesn’t hurt to ask to ensure you provide your lawn with the appropriate care.

2. Bermuda Grass

This extremely popular warm-season grass is drought and heat tolerant, which is part of what adds to its appeal. However, bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) has many other positive attributes that keep homeowners returning to it again and again. 

It is a dense sod, which helps with erosion control. Bermuda grass can tolerate nearly any type of soil and is very low-maintenance. Homeowners preferring a tidier-looking yard love that it can get mowed low to the ground. However, keep in mind that Bermuda grass needs full sun to thrive.

3. Perennial Ryegrass

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is a cool-season grass with some significant benefits and potential challenges. It is quick to germinate, which makes it great for weed suppression in the yard. The only downside to this rapid growth is that perennial ryegrass will need extra mowing. So it may not be the best option if you don’t have time in your schedule for more chores.

This grass can tolerate moderate to heavy foot traffic. That is fantastic news for families who like to make the most of their yards. But one important note is that perennial ryegrass isn’t low-maintenance. It requires extra watering and fertilizer during the growing season.

4. Bahia Grass

If you are on the hunt for dense, dark-green grass, look no further. Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum) is a warm-season grass that is very popular for these reasons. 

Bahia grass is highly tolerant of a range of soils. And its deep roots will help anchor it for the long term. It is drought-tolerant, low maintenance, and can get mowed close to the ground. 

5. St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is a warm-season grass that is native to Central America and southeastern North America. It is known for its broad blades and quick-growing nature. This popular grass can tolerate shaded areas or spots that receive full sun exposure.

However, St. Augustine grass does need fertile soil to thrive and cannot handle heavy traffic. Since it is quickly growing, it will also need more regular mowing than some other warm-season grasses.

6. Bentgrass

What’s not to love about the soft blades of bentgrass (Agrostis)? The flat, slender blades feel fantastic underfoot. It is a solid choice for those who like to go barefoot on their lush lawn. 

However, bentgrass does have some possible cons. It is extremely high-maintenance. That means it requires extra fertilizer, watering, and mowing throughout the entire growing season. 

7. Buffalo Grass

Buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) is a warm-season grass that makes excellent natural food for deer and bison. One of the reasons it is popular among homeowners is that it is highly drought-tolerant. 

Unfortunately, it is better in low-traffic areas. So if your yard gets heavy use, you may want to opt for a different grass species.

8. Kentucky Bluegrass

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) works well in much of the United States as a cold-season grass. While it originated in Europe, it rapidly became one of the more popular grasses stateside. These days, it accounts for roughly 10% of all sod sold in the United States. And it is easy to see why.

This grass is self-repairing after getting damaged, making it tolerant to heavy traffic. Its dense sod offers fantastic erosion control. Plus, wildlife and livestock can eat it! The only significant downside is that Kentucky bluegrass is not drought-tolerant and needs extra water during the growing season. 

9. Zoysia Grass

This warm-season grass is especially heat and drought-tolerant. Zoysia grass (Zoysia japonica) can also withstand significant foot traffic. That makes this the ideal grass for lawns that get a lot of use. It is slow growing, so keeping on top of the yardwork is a little easier. 

However, it doesn’t feel as nice underfoot since it is a little spikey. And, unfortunately, zoysia grass browns in cold weather. That may be a deal breaker if you live in a colder environment.

10. Centipede Grass

Centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) is a warm-season grass readily found in the Southeastern United States. One of the major advantages of this type is that it can tolerate soil with lower fertility. Its dense sod makes it erosion-resistant. Additionally, centipede grass does not require much mowing or fertilizer. 

However, the possible downsides are that it does have a relatively short growing season. So you will have a luscious, light green lawn, but not for an extended period. Centipede grass also requires lots of water in higher heat areas. And it is not suitable for high-traffic areas.

11. Tall Fescue

This cool-season grass is native to Europe but has gained popularity in the United States. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is a cool-season grass, low-maintenance, and adaptable to many different environments. On top of that, it tolerates heavy-foot traffic and clay-based or compact soil.

The only possible downside is that it does require extra mowing. So your chores may increase if you lay down this sod.

Which Grass Is Right for You?

Finding the best grass for your needs is important and doesn’t have to be difficult. Start by assessing your needs and the time you have to care for your lawn. If you are busy, choosing a high-maintenance grass may not work for your schedule. Another thing to consider is how much use your lawn will get. You don’t want to damage your stunning lawn after so much work and care.

From there, narrow your choices down based on where you live. Cold-season grasses are better adapted to colder winters and wide temperature fluctuations. On the other hand, warm-season grasses are better for the southeast, southern states, and Gulf Coast region.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © NicholasGeraldinePhotos/Shutterstock.com