- 4 Cool-Season Grasses\u00a0<\/a>
- Fine Fescues (Festuca sp.)<\/a><\/li>
- Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea)<\/a><\/li>
- Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis)<\/a><\/li>
- Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- 4 Warm-Season Grasses<\/a>
- Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon)<\/a><\/li>
- Centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides)\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum)<\/a><\/li>
- Zoysiagrass (Zoysia sp.)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
If you\u2019re looking for a short guide, we’ve included an overview at the end on how to choose the best grass type for your Raleigh lawn<\/a>.<\/p>
Interesting Fact:<\/strong> The Piedmont region of North Carolina, where Raleigh is located, is found along a rolling plateau between the eastern Coastal Plain and the mountains in the west. This unique topography earned the region its name (piedmont<\/em> is French for “foot of the mountain”). <\/p>
Unlike the mountain region, the elevation in the Piedmont doesn’t vary as much, providing ideal conditions for both warm- and cool-season grasses to grow and flourish.<\/p>
![\"Map](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1.jpg\")
<\/figure> 4 Cool-Season Grasses <\/h2>
Grasses that thrive in cooler temperatures are known as cool-season grasses. These grasses experience peak growth during the early spring and fall months when temperatures range from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, these grasses may become dormant during summer or grow less actively.<\/p>
Fine Fescues (Festuca<\/em> sp.)<\/h3>
![\"Close](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Fine-fescue-grass.jpg\")
Fine Fescue<\/a>
Aaron J. Patton, Ph.D. \/ Turfgrass Extension Specialist at Purdue University<\/figcaption><\/figure>If you are looking for grasses that can withstand shade, drought, and poor soil conditions, look no further than fine fescues. These grasses get their name from their very fine leaves, which are almost as thin as pine needles. Be wary of planting fine fescue seed in sunny locations exposed to high temperatures or areas with high soil moisture or heavy foot traffic. <\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Fine fescues are bunch-type grasses<\/li>
- Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate to High, depending on species<\/li>
- Drought tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate to High, depending on species<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> Low to Moderate, depending on species<\/li>
- Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Low fertilizer and mowing needs<\/li>
- Mowing height:<\/strong> Set mowing height between 2.5 and 4 inches, depending on species. <\/li>
- Potential for disease:<\/strong> Moderate. Common diseases include red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, and powdery mildew. <\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> 6-6.5<\/li>
- Soil type:<\/strong> The grass tolerates infertile and sandy soils. Will perform poorly in wet soil conditions. Prefers drier soils.<\/li> <\/ul>
Other notes: <\/strong>Fine fescue is often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass when planted in shade or for a low-maintenance lawn. This is because fine fescue loves shade, and Kentucky bluegrass is a sun worshipper. Also, fine fescue has a bunch-type habit and doesn\u2019t spread. This combination of these two grasses makes a great-looking, healthy lawn.<\/p>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Outsidepride Legacy Fine Fescue Grass Seed<\/a> (5 lbs.)
\u2013 Eretz Creeping Red Fine Fescue Seed<\/a> (choose your size)
\u2013 Outsidepride Creeping Red Fine Fescue Grass Seed<\/a> (25 lbs.)
\u2013 Outsidepride Hard Fine Fescue Grass Seed<\/a> (10 lbs.)<\/p>Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea)<\/em><\/h3>
![\"tall](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/tall-fescue-1.jpg\")
Tall Fescue<\/a>
Aaron J. Patton, Ph.D. \/ Turfgrass Extension Specialist at Purdue University<\/figcaption><\/figure>This cool-season grass is a popular choice for lawns in the transition zone due to its ability to withstand heat, cold, and drought. Tall fescue<\/a> is also tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained. In the Piedmont, this grass thrives in full sun or medium shade. <\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by: <\/strong>Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit<\/li>
- Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>
- Drought tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate to <\/strong>High<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate<\/li>
- Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch. <\/li>
- Mowing height:<\/strong> Set mowing height to 2 inches when the grass reaches 3 inches tall. <\/li>
- Potential for disease: <\/strong>Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained. <\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> 5.5-6.5<\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage. <\/li> <\/ul>
Other notes:<\/strong> Tall fescue is a bunch-type grass, so it will need to be re-seeded if bare spots or damage develop. This grass is often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass or fine fescue.<\/p>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Triple-Play Tall Fescue Grass Seed Blend<\/a> (5000 sq ft)
\u2013 Eretz Kentucky 31 K31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed<\/a> (choose your size)
\u2013 Pennington The Rebels Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix<\/a> (7 lb.) <\/p>Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis)<\/em><\/h3>
![\"Kentucky](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/800px-Poa_pratensis_lawn-1.jpg\")
Kentucky Bluegrass
Photo Credit: <\/a>Ethan2039<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Kentucky bluegrass, or KBG for short, is a perennial, cool-season grass. It’s often mixed with other grasses like fine fescue and tall fescue in the Piedmont. Kentucky bluegrass is known for its fine texture and ability to recover quickly from damage, while tall fescue helps the grass tolerate drought and heat. Fine fescue is sometimes added for sun-shade lawns.
<\/p>- Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by: <\/strong>Rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Drought tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate<\/li>
- Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Moderate mowing frequency, and high fertilization needs. <\/li>
- Mowing height:<\/strong> Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches. <\/li>
- Potential for disease:<\/strong> Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot, summer patch, and stripe smut. <\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> 6-7.5<\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility. <\/li> <\/ul>
Other notes:<\/strong> A KBG lawn is both beautiful to look at and comfortable for bare feet.<\/p>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Jonathan Green (11970) Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed<\/a> (3 lbs.)
\u2013 SeedRanch Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed<\/a> (5 lbs.)
\u2013 Jacklin Seed – Biltmore Blue Blend – 100% Kentucky Bluegrass<\/a> (5 lbs.) <\/p>Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)<\/em><\/h3>
![\"](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/26820162412_ef1f5cdbdb_h-1.jpg\")
Perennial Ryegrass
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>Perennial ryegrass is a cool-season grass<\/a> but is not a \u201cstand-alone\u201d grass in the Piedmont. It performs best when mixed with a \u201cpartner grass,\u201d such as Kentucky bluegrass. They complement each other because perennial ryegrass germinates faster than Kentucky bluegrass, giving KBG time to spread and fill in damaged areas. <\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by: <\/strong>Has a bunch-type growth habit<\/li>
- Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Drought tolerance: <\/strong>Low<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance: <\/strong>High<\/li>
- Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is insignificant. <\/li>
- Mowing height:<\/strong> Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches<\/li>
- Potential for disease: <\/strong>High. Common diseases include gray leaf spot, red thread, and leaf spot\/melting-out. <\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8 but prefers between 6 and 7. <\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Prefers good drainage and fertility but can tolerate some poor drainage. <\/li> <\/ul>
Other notes:<\/strong> It has shallow roots, which makes it one of the best fast-growing short-term erosion control grass seed. <\/p>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Outsidepride Perennial Ryegrass Seed<\/a> (5 lbs.)
\u2013 Eretz ProTurf Perennial Ryegrass Fine Lawn Seed<\/a> (choose your size) <\/p>4 Warm-Season Grasses<\/h2>
Grasses that thrive in warm weather are known as warm-season grasses. These grasses grow best during the late spring and summer months when temperatures range from 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter, they become dormant until the warmer weather returns.<\/p>
Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon)<\/em><\/h3>
![\"Bermuda](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_4080038677_f1faf335b3_c.jpg\")
Bermudagrass
Photo Credit: Matt Levin<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Despite its name, Bermudagrass<\/a> did not originate from Bermuda. It is believed to have come from Africa. However, this resilient turf is a good option for high-traffic areas such as backyards where children and pets play. Its durability has also made it a preferred choice for sports fields.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Low; thrives in full sun<\/li>
- Drought tolerance:<\/strong> High <\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> High <\/li>
- Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization <\/li>
- Mowing height:<\/strong> Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for hybrid bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common bermudagrass down to 1.5 to 2.5 inches.<\/li>
- Potential for disease: <\/strong>Good disease resistance, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects<\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> 6-6.5<\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Tolerates most soil types<\/li> <\/ul>
Other notes:<\/strong> Watch that this grass doesn\u2019t creep into your flower beds<\/a>. <\/p>
Grass Seed Options:
\u2013 <\/strong>Pennington Bermudagrass Bare Spot<\/a> (5 lb. bag)
\u2013 Pennington Smart Seed Bermudagrass Mix<\/a> (8.75-lb. bag)
\u2013 Scotts Turf Builder Bermudagrass<\/a> (10-lb. bag)
\u2013 Hancock Seed Co. Bermudagrass<\/a> (50-lb. bag)<\/p>Centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides)<\/em> <\/h3>
![\"Centipedegrass\"](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_centipedegrass-800-800-1-1.jpg\")
Centipedegrass
Photo credit: Michael Rivera<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>This coarse-textured perennial grass spreads by stolons with a creeping growth habit with short upright stems resembling a centipede — thus, the name centipedegrass. Centipedegrass<\/a> produces seed and is readily propagated by seed. It has a yellow-green color and is particularly sensitive to iron deficiency.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons<\/li>
- Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate <\/li>
- Drought tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>: Low. It requires infrequent mowing and 1 to 2 pounds of fertilizer per 1,000 square feet yearly, depending on soil test results. It can also tolerate acidic soil conditions. <\/li>
- Mowing height:<\/strong> Set the mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.<\/li>
- Potential for disease: <\/strong>Good resistance to diseases and insects<\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> 5-6<\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)<\/li> <\/ul>
Other notes:<\/strong> To determine your soil\u2019s fertilization and nutrient requirements, it\u2019s best to submit a soil sample. Contact your local Cooperative Extension center<\/a> for details. Lime is rarely needed for centipedegrass. Don\u2019t apply nitrogen before mid-May.<\/p>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 <\/strong>Gulf Kist Coated Centipedegrass Seeds<\/a> (1 lb.)
\u2013 Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Centipedegrass<\/a> (3.75 lbs.)
\u2013 TifBlair Centipedegrass<\/a> (5-lb. bag)
\u2013 Pennington Centipedegrass and Mulch<\/a> (5-lb. bag)<\/p>St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum)<\/em><\/h3>
![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_800px-stenotaphrum_secundatum_variegatum-1-the_regent_hill-yercaud-salem-india.jpg\")
St. Augustine Grass
Photo Credit: Yercaud-elango<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>St. Augustinegrass is a warm-season turfgrass widely used for its attractive green-blue color. It is known for tolerating salt and adapting to various soil types, making it a popular choice for homeowners and landscapers. However, St. Augustinegrass<\/a> requires frequent mowing, supplemental irrigation, and regular fertilization. <\/p>
- Classification: <\/strong>Warm-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons<\/li>
- Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate. It is the most shade-tolerant warm-season grass. <\/li>
- Drought tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate to High<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Maintenance needs: <\/strong>Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization <\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Spreads by: <\/strong>Has a bunch-type growth habit<\/li>
- Spreads by: <\/strong>Rhizomes<\/li>
- Spreads by: <\/strong>Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Fine fescues are bunch-type grasses<\/li>
- Centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides)\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea)<\/a><\/li>
- Fine Fescues (Festuca sp.)<\/a><\/li>