Are you looking for the best type of grass to use on your lawn in Middle Tennessee?
Tennessee is in what is considered the transitional zone. We have really hot summers and cold winters. We mostly see fescue lawns in this area however a warm season bermuda grass is also commonly used here.
Typically, grass is divided into two categories – warm season grass and cool season grass. Below we have gone into details on each of the most common types of grass in Middle Tennessee allowing it to be an easier process for you to choose which type of grass you want for your lawn.
Bermuda grass is considered a warm season grass. Bermuda grass is hearty and can withstand heavy traffic and abuse. Of all of the warm season grasses, Bermuda grass is the most cold tolerant. The drought resistant grass grows well and should be kept between one half of an inch and two inches high.
Bermuda grass is sold in several different planting options. You can purchase Bermuda grass seeds, sprigs, or plugs. For those who wish to get an immediate lawn, Bermuda grass sod is also available. The common pests for Bermuda grass include mole armyworms, dollar spot, mole crickets, and sod webworms.
If you are looking for a low maintenance cool season grass, Tall Fescue may be the answer. This drought tolerant grass has a coarse texture and is often used on playgrounds, parks, and athletic fields. Many people combine tall fescue with Perennial Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass to create a beautiful lawn.
Tall Fescue is available in both seed and sod. The common pests that affect this type of grass include leaf spot and brown patch. The recommended mowing height for Tall Fescue is two and a half to three inches high.
Zoysia is a warm season grass. This Southeast Asian grass was first introduced to the United States in 1911. Zoysia has remained one of the top grasses for Middle Tennessee. This grass has a deep root system. The thick grass provides a beautiful green color that is loved by many. Zoysia Grass plugs are the most common way of sodding a lawn; however, Zoysia Grass seeds are also available.
Much like Bermuda Grass, Zoysia Grass does not require a lot of maintenance. The grass should be kept between three quarters of an inch and two inches high. The common pests for this type of grass include armyworms, grubs, mole crickets, sod webworms, and Zoysia patch.
Kentucky Bluegrass is a cool season grass. Kentucky Bluegrass is not as hearty as some of the other types of grasses; however, it has very few common pests. The two most common pests are leaf spot and dollar spot. Kentucky Bluegrass is not very drought tolerant due to its shallow root system.
Kentucky Bluegrass should be kept at a height ranging from one and a half inches to two and a half inches high. In order to keep your lawn green, you will need to water your lawn for it to be able to withstand the high summer temperatures in Middle Tennessee. Kentucky Bluegrass can be purchased as seed or sod.
Of the five types of grass, Perennial Ryegrass needs the most maintenance. This cool weather grass requires frequent watering throughout the spring and the summer. Unlike other grasses, Perennial Ryegrass is only sold as seed.
The most common pests for this type of grass are billbugs, gray leaf spot, and leaf spot. You can help keep your Perennial Ryegrass healthy and looking good by mowing at a height of one and a half inches to two and a half inches high.
There are several different types of grasses that can withstand the climate of Middle Tennessee. Each of the grasses listed above have different advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a type of grass for your lawn, you should consider the amount of maintenance required to keep your lawn looking great.
Are you ready for a lawn transformation? We can help! We will discuss your needs, the amount of maintenance you want to do, and how you will use your lawn. Then, we will recommend the best grass based on your unique needs. After we have planted your lawn, we can help you care for your lawn with our lawn fertilization and weed control services, allowing you to sit back and enjoy those warm summer days.
