Best Grass Types for Riverside, CA

In Riverside, where our summers are hot and winters bring much-needed rain, it helps to have a grass that can tolerate our weather. The best grass types for Riverside include tall fescue and St. Augustine, as they’re well-suited to our semi-arid climate.

Why does your grass type matter? These grass types will ensure your lawn stays green and gorgeous, no matter the season.

Tall Fescue

Although tall fescue is a cool-season grass, it’s a popular choice in Southern California and Riverside because it tolerates heat and remains green throughout the year.

Tall fescue also is highly adaptable and can thrive in various soil types, including compacted and salty soils. Its drought tolerance also makes it well-suited to Riverside’s semi-arid climate, requiring less water than many other grass types.

See Related: Tall Fescue Lawn Maintenance Guide

Grass Seed Options:
– Triple-Play Tall Fescue Grass Seed Blend (5000 sq ft)
– Eretz Kentucky 31 K31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed (choose your size)
– Pennington The Rebels Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix (7 lb.)

St. Augustinegrass

St. Augustine is a warm-season grass that’s an excellent choice for lawns with partial or even heavy shade. This grass is well-suited for Riverside’s semi-arid climate, as it’s not ideal for areas with harsh winters but can handle the milder winters in Southern California. In fact, it stays green longer than Bermudagrass during the cooler months.

However, this grass does have its limitations. If your lawn experiences a lot of foot traffic, whether from kids, pets, or outdoor activities, St. Augustine may struggle to hold up over time.

See Related:
— How to Care for St. Augustinegrass
— Best Fertilizers for St. Augustinegrass

Grass Plug Options:
– Seed Ranch St Augustine Seville Grass Plugs (2 Trays)
– Seed Ranch St Augustine Floratam Grass Plugs (2 Trays)

Bermudagrass

Bermudagrass is a top contender for Riverside lawns because it is one of the most resilient and adaptable grass types. It has a high tolerance for heat, drought, salinity, and heavy foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for busy yards with kids, pets, or outdoor activities.

However, Bermudagrass does have its drawbacks. It turns brown during colder temperatures, so it won’t stay green throughout the winter. Additionally, it doesn’t tolerate shade well, making it less ideal if your yard includes a few orange trees or other sources of shade.

See Related:
— Bermudagrass Guide: Types, Traits, and Care
— Best Fertilizers for Bermuagrass
— How and When to Fertilize Bermudagrass Lawns

Grass Seed Options:
– Pennington Bermudagrass Bare Spot (5 lb. bag)
– Pennington Smart Seed Bermudagrass Mix (8.75-lb. bag)
– Scotts Turf Builder Bermudagrass (10-lb. bag)
– Hancock Seed Co. Bermudagrass (50-lb. bag)

Zoysiagrass

Zoysiagrass is a warm-season grass that’s a great choice for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance lawn. With its high drought tolerance, low nitrogen needs, and minimal pest problems, Zoysia requires less time and effort to keep it looking its best.

This grass also has the advantage of withstanding partial shade, making it a versatile option for lawns with a mix of sun and shade. However, Zoysia does not tolerate cold temperatures and goes dormant during winter, which can be off-putting for some Riverside homeowners.

See Related:
— Growing Zoysiagrass: Everything You Need to Know
— How Much Water Does Zoysiagrass Need?
— How and When to Fertilize Zoysiagrass

Grass Plug and Seed Options:
– Zoysia Plugs (50 Large Grass Plugs)
– Zoysia Plugs (50 Full & Lush Grass Plugs)
– Zoysia Plugs (100 Plugs)
– Zoysia Emerald Grass Seeds (1/8 lb. of seeds)
– Zenith Zenith Grass Seeds (1/8 lb. of seeds)

Grass Alternatives

With California facing ongoing drought conditions, it’s worth considering alternatives to traditional turfgrasses, which require significant amounts of water. Before committing to a grass type, explore these eco-friendly and water-wise options:

• Native ground covers: Options like beach strawberry, Kurapia, and common yarrow are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and can create a lush, green look without the water demands of turfgrass.
• California native grasses: Grasses like blue grama and California fescue are well-adapted to the region’s climate and require less water than traditional lawns.
• Xeriscaping: This landscaping approach replaces grass with drought-tolerant plants, rocks, and mulch, reducing water usage while maintaining visual appeal.
• Clover lawns: Clover is a low-growing plant that stays green with less water, fixes nitrogen in the soil, and creates a soft, walkable surface.

See Related:
— Should You Plant a Clover Lawn in California?
— Can a Clover Lawn Grow in Southern California?
— Native Plants for California
— What is Xeriscaping? It’s Drought-Friendly Landscaping
— Xeriscaping Ideas for Your Yard

Find the Perfect Grass for Riverside

Choosing the right grass — or even a grass alternative — is essential for maintaining a beautiful and sustainable lawn in Riverside’s climate. If you’re unsure which option is best for your yard, we can help.

Visit our Riverside lawn care page to get in touch with a professional. In addition to Riverside, we provide lawn care services in other California cities, including Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Fresno.

Read More Next:
— Best Types of Grass for California
— When to Fertilize Your Lawn in California
— Southern California Landscape Ideas for Your Yard
— Common California Weeds
— California’s Green Lawn Care Law: How It Affects You

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Main Image Credit: Photo of a lawn mowed by a LawnStarter Pro in Riverside, CA