Types of lawn grass

Types of lawn grass

Lawn grasses can be identified by their texture, color, and growth habits. For instance, Kentucky Bluegrass has narrow, soft blades that are light to medium green and form a dense, lush lawn in cooler climates. Tall Fescue has broader, coarser blades with a dark green color and an upright growth, making it ideal for cooler, moderate-rainfall areas.

In comparison, Ryegrass is fine-textured and glossy, growing quickly with bright green blades. Bermuda Grass has fine, wiry blades and spreads aggressively via rhizomes and stolons, making it ideal for hot, dry climates. Zoysia Grass is slow-growing with dense, medium-textured blades, thriving in heat and moderate shade.

Choosing the best type of grass for your lawn requires careful consideration of your climate, soil type, sun exposure, and maintenance preferences. We examine the common types of grass, explain how to identify your lawn grass, and answer common questions about soil type.

What are the most common types of grass?

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis)

Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass that thrives in temperate climates, especially in northern U.S. states. It grows best in the spring and fall when temperatures are cooler. Although moderately drought-tolerant, Kentucky bluegrass likes regular moisture to stay nice and lush, particularly during the hotter summer months.

Kentucky bluegrass is a good choice for lawns with light to moderate foot traffic, though it's not quite as sturdy as some other grasses. It does best in loamy, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. As far as maintenance goes, it’s a bit of a commitment: regular mowing, fertilizing, and overseeding. Kentucky bluegrass is also pet-friendly but can attract pests, so care must be taken in lawn treatments.

Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon)

Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass that thrives in the heat, making it a go-to choice for hot climates like the southern U.S. With its deep roots, Bermuda Grass is highly drought-tolerant, making it perfect for areas where rainfall is scarce. This grass easily handles heavy foot traffic, so it’s commonly found on sports fields and lawns with a lot of activity.

Bermuda Grass prefers sandy, well-drained soil and does best when the conditions are slightly alkaline. Its maintenance is moderate to high: regular mowing and occasional fertilization are needed to keep it looking sharp.

Fescue (Festuca family)

Fescue is a cool-season grass that’s adaptable and thrives in cooler U.S. regions to temperate areas around the world. It does best in spring and fall when the weather is mild. It also holds up well under foot traffic, which makes it a great option for family lawns, parks, and sports fields. 

While it’s moderately drought-tolerant and can handle some dry spells, Fescue will need regular watering during hotter periods to keep looking its best. Maintenance is on the moderate side, with occasional mowing, overseeding, and fertilizing required to keep it looking healthy.

Zoysia grass (Zoysia spp.)

Zoysia is a warm-season grass that grows best in hot climates, particularly in the southeastern U.S. and tropical regions. Once established, it’s highly drought-tolerant and grows slowly, requiring less mowing. It thrives in well-drained, loamy soils and can tolerate various soil conditions. Zoysia grows best in well-drained soils and may need occasional fertilization.

Carpet grass (Axonopus fissifolius)

Carpet grass is a common warm-season grass that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, like parts of the southeastern U.S. and the Caribbean. It does well in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist conditions, although it’s relatively drought-tolerant once established. 

Carpet grass can handle light to moderate foot traffic but is not ideal for high-traffic areas. It grows best in acidic, sandy soils and requires minimal maintenance. Occasional mowing and trimming will keep it looking tidy, but overall, it’s a low-maintenance grass that works well in naturalized or low-maintenance landscapes. It’s also pet-safe.

Sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum)

Sweet vernal grass is a cool-season grass native to temperate regions like North America. It grows best in the spring and early summer when temperatures are mild. While it’s moderately drought-tolerant, Sweet vernal performs better with consistent moisture and well-drained, slightly acidic soils. It handles light foot traffic well, making it a great choice for natural meadows, prairies, or as part of a mixed grass landscape.

Bentgrass (Agrostis spp.)

Bentgrass is a fine-textured cool-season grass that thrives in temperate climates with cool summers and moist conditions. It grows best in full sun but doesn’t tolerate drought well. Bentgrass is often used for golf course greens, as it handles light foot traffic but requires high maintenance, like frequent mowing, aeration, and overseeding.

Rattlesnake grass (Glyceria canadensis)

Rattlesnake grass is a cool-season grass native to moist areas of North America. It grows best in wetlands, floodplains, and meadows, where it gets moderate moisture throughout the growing season. It’s not the best choice for high-traffic areas, as it’s a wetland species and not very resilient under heavy use. Maintenance is minimal, usually just occasional mowing or trimming to keep it looking natural. It’s pet-safe and works well in naturalized or water-adjacent landscaping.

Meadow grass (Glyceria maxima)

Meadow grass is a cool-season grass that naturally thrives in meadows, prairies, and other natural areas. It’s often used in wildflower meadows or naturalized lawns. Meadow Grass prefers moist, well-drained soils and does well in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. It can handle light to moderate foot traffic but isn’t suitable for high-traffic areas. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional mowing or trimming to maintain its natural look.

Ryegrass

Ryegrass is a cool-season grass that grows quickly and is often used for lawns and sports fields. Although moderately drought-tolerant, Ryegrass needs regular watering to stay green and lush. It handles moderate foot traffic well and is commonly used for overseeding warm-season grasses to keep lawns green in winter. Ryegrass prefers well-drained, fertile soils and benefits from frequent mowing and occasional fertilization.

What kind of grass do I have?

There are tens of grasses common to different parts of the US. Knowing your lawn's grass type helps you to know how best to care for it.

Seasonal growth

• Cool season (grows actively in spring/fall, dormant in summer): Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, Tall fescue, Fine fescue, Creeping bentgrass, Sweet vernal grass, Rattlesnake grass, Meadow grass.
• Warm season (grows actively in summer, dormant in winter): Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, St. Augustine grass, Centipede grass, Buffalo grass, Carpet grass.

Blade type

• Fine blades (thin, soft, smooth texture): Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, Fescue, Sweet vernal grass, Bentgrass, Rattlesnake grass, Meadow grass.
• Coarse blades (thicker, tougher texture): Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, St. Augustine grass, Carpet grass.

Growth type

• Clumping grass (grows in bunches): Fescue (all varieties), Ryegrass, Bentgrass, Buffalo grass. Sweet vernal grass, Rattlesnake grass, Meadow grass.
• Spreading grass (grows via runners): Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, Centipede grass, Carpet grass, Kentucky bluegrass.

Sun tolerance

• Full sun (needs lots of sunlight and thrives in full sun year-round): Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, St. Augustine grass, Buffalo grass, Centipede grass, Carpet grass.
• Shade-tolerant grass (handles some shade): Fine fescue, Tall Fescue, ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Rattlesnake grass, and Meadow grass.

Blade tip

• Pointed blade tips: Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, Bentgrass, Sweet vernal grass.
• Rounded or blunt blade tips: Zoysia grass, Rattlesnake grass, Centipede grass, Carpet grass, Meadow grass, Bermuda grass.

Best type of grass for dogs

The best type of grass for dogs depends on your climate, your dog’s level of activity, and how well the grass resists damage from dog urine. Generally, Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue, and Ryegrass are excellent options for dogs in cooler climates. In contrast, Bermuda and Zoysia grasses are great choices in hot regions.

Best type of grass for shade

Fine and tall fescue, Ryegrass, St. Augustine Grass, and Centipede Grass are the best types of grass for shade, as they thrive in low-light conditions and are drought-tolerant once established. Similarly, Kentucky Bluegrass can tolerate partial shade, particularly in cooler climates, offering a lush, dense lawn.

Best type of grass for wet clay soil

Tall Fescue is the best type of grass for wet clay soil. Its deep roots withstand moisture and compacted soil conditions. Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Zoysia, and Creeping Bentgrass also perform well in wet clay soil, but each requires amendment with organic matter, proper aeration, and regular watering.

Best type of grass for sandy soil

The best type of grass for sandy soil is drought-tolerant, able to establish deep roots, and resistant to nutrient leaching. A good example is Bermuda Grass. It excels because it’s highly drought-tolerant. Zoysia Grass, Buffalo Grass, Bahiagrass, Bentgrass, and Centipede grass are also well-suited to sandy soil.

Types of grass for your lawn

If you’re starting a new lawn, choose the type of grass that’s best suited to your climate, soil, and yard conditions. Selecting the right grass will ensure that your lawn thrives with minimal maintenance. Consider factors such as sunlight exposure, soil type, moisture levels, and foot traffic. Since sod and seed can be expensive, doing your research ahead of time will help you select the right variety for your lawn.