Most Common Types of Grass

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Finding the perfect grass type for your lawn is essential. To raise a lovely lawn, you need to have a species that will thrive in your environment. Choosing the right one might seem challenging, but it becomes easy once you know about the most popular options out there and their respective characteristics.

There are many different species and varieties, but the most common species can be shortlisted into two main types for easy selection. They can be classified as two types: cool-season and warm-season grasses. Warm-season varieties survive easily in the southern environments while the cold season varieties thrive more in the northern climates.

Today we will cover all you need to know about different types so that you can choose the best one for your situation. We have many guides for each of these grasses, so make sure to click “types of grass” in our header navigation above to learn more about each particular species.

Identifying the type of grass will be reviewed in this guide.

Cool-Season

Kentucky Bluegrass

Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most popular cool-season options. Their seeds germinate quickly and grow into broad blades. The softness of its blades is ideal for family with young children or walking barefoot. The deep green color of its blades makes for one of the most attractive lawns. The excellent root penetration and strength make it suitable for both seed and sod.

A luscious lawn with kentucky bluegrass
Kentucky bluegrass

Fescue

Fescue grass is another cool-season variety, but there are many sub-types that fall under it, and some of these varieties can thrive in either warmer or cooler climates. The fine fescue, for example, is durable and is shade tolerant. It grows relatively fast and will give a lawn a subtle green color. It is also soft, which is great for families with kids and a barefoot barbecue evening.

An image showing a tuft of fine fescue
Fine fescue

Perennial Ryegrass

This species creates a lawn that is soft and can resist heavy foot traffic. Perennial ryegrass is one of the most tolerant of all cool-season varieties and is relatively low maintenance.

This image shows perennial ryegrass which is a type of ornamental
Perennial Ryegrass

Warm-Season

Centipede Grass

Centipede grass is grows horizontally and is suitable for all contour of the landscaping. It is an appropriate for backyards and lawns. The bright green blades will give your lawn an attractive look.

Centipede grass
Centipede

Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass requires extra care but can make a lawn look amazing. It is delicate, soft, and pointed. If you want a lawn that looks luxurious, you should consider this variety. That being said, you will need to be consistent with the fertilizing, watering, and mowing.

Bermuda grass being well taken care of
Bermuda

Zoysia grass

Zoysia grass has amazing warm weather resistance, and it can survive under limited water conditions. Its blades are pointed and can feel stiff. It grows very slowly and is great for a low-maintenance yard.

broad leaves of zoysia grass.
Zoysia

St. Augustine Grass

The blue-green blades of St. Augustine grass will make your lawn look aesthetically pleasing. This turf is firm and carpet-like. It is popular for its resistance to heat and its drought-tolerance.

Well maintained St. augustine grass
St. Augustine

Bahia Grass

Bahia grass is valued for its temperature and drought tolerance. The texture of the turf is coarse and durable. It can survive where some other grasses may struggle to grow. Additionally, the turf does not require frequent maintenance.

bahia grass with a couple weeds
Bahia

Buffalo Grass

Buffalo grass forms a uniform, attractive lawn that is soft and dense. The great thing about it is that it can also thrive in drought and high-temperature conditions. It forms a thick turf that can survive under the shade.

buffalo grass
Buffalo Grass

Pampas Grass

Pampas grass is a beautiful ornamental variety with large clumps of foliage and feathery plumes. They are hardy in USDA zones 7-11. It is tolerant of drought and wind, and can also survive in partial shade (although is best grown in full sun).

Healthy pampas ornamentals
Pampas

Overall, the best type of grass for your yard is determined by many factors. These factors include how attractive you want the lawn to be, how much foot traffic you will have, and your home’s weather condition. We hope that by knowing about these different types, the decision will become much more straightforward for you.

–The Green Pinky

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About the author: Jeffrey Douglas is a horticultural hobbyist that loves everything related to plants and gardening. He specializes in gardens and houseplants.

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Naha

Wonderful article. What types of grasses do you guys recommend growing in Florida?

The Green Pinky

I recommend St Augustine, Zoysia or Bermuda. What type do you have now?