- Grass in the Transition Zone<\/a><\/li>
- Cool-Season Grasses<\/a>
- Kentucky Bluegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Perennial Ryegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Tall Fescue<\/a><\/li>
- Fine Fescues<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Warm-Season Grasses<\/a>
- Bermudagrass<\/a><\/li>
- Zoysiagrass<\/a><\/li>
- St. Augustinegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Centipedegrass<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Best Grass Types for the Mountain Region<\/a><\/li>
- Best Grass Types for the Piedmont Region<\/a><\/li>
- Best Grass Types for the Coastal Plain Region<\/a><\/li>
- How to Choose the Best Grass Type for North Carolina<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Grass in the Transition Zone<\/h2>
![\"Map](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1.jpg\")
<\/figure> One of the unique things about North Carolina is that it falls within what’s known as the “transition zone<\/a>” when it comes to grasses. This means that both cool-season and warm-season grasses can thrive in different parts of the state, depending on the specific region. <\/p>
While this can make choosing the best grass seed for North Carolina a bit more challenging, it also means that you have a wider variety of options to choose from. <\/p>
![\"coastal](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/North-Carolina-Coastal-plain-map.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USGS<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Cool-Season Grasses<\/h2>
Cool-season grasses are popular for many North Carolinians, particularly those in the mountain and piedmont regions. These grasses are known for their ability to grow during the year’s cooler months. This means they typically do best in the spring and fall when temperatures are milder and there is plenty of moisture.<\/p>
The following are the best cool-season grasses<\/a> for North Carolina:<\/p>
Kentucky Bluegrass<\/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 is often the first choice for many homeowners in the mountain regions of North Carolina. This type of grass is known for its hardiness in the face of winter conditions and is often the last cool-season grass to go dormant as the temperatures start to drop.<\/p>
Kentucky bluegrass forms a lush lawn with a dense appearance and a beautiful blue-green color. If cared for properly, it will look amazing on your lawn.<\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/p>
Spreads by: <\/strong>Rhizomes<\/p>
Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/p>
Drought tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate<\/p>
Foot traffic tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate<\/p>
Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs. <\/p>
Mowing height:<\/strong> Set mowing height between 1.5 and 2.5 inches when planted alone, and 2.5 to 3.5 when mixed with tall fescue. <\/p>
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. <\/p>
Soil pH:<\/strong> 6-7.5<\/p>
Soil type: <\/strong>Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility. <\/p>
Other notes:<\/strong> For the piedmont area, mix it with tall fescue for increased drought and heat tolerance.<\/p>
Grass Seed Options:<\/strong>
<\/strong>\u2013 Jonathan Green (11970) Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed<\/a> (3 lbs.)
\u2013 SeedRanch Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed<\/a> (5 lbs.) <\/p>Perennial Ryegrass<\/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>If you’re looking for a cool-season grass that will quickly establish a lush, green lawn, perennial ryegrass may be the way to go. This grass spreads rapidly, filling in bare spots and creating a dense, even lawn in no time. <\/p>
It’s important to note that perennial ryegrass is never seeded alone in North Carolina. Instead, it’s typically mixed with other grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass, since they look similar. By combining the two types of grass, homeowners can enjoy the quick establishment of perennial ryegrass and the hardiness of Kentucky bluegrass resulting in a fantastic lawn.<\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/p>
Spreads by: <\/strong>Has a bunch-type growth habit<\/p>
Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/p>
Drought tolerance: <\/strong>Low<\/p>
Foot traffic tolerance: <\/strong>High<\/p>
Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant. <\/p>
Mowing height:<\/strong> Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches<\/p>
Potential for disease: <\/strong>High. Common diseases include gray leaf spot, red thread, and leaf spot\/melting-out. <\/p>
Soil pH:<\/strong> Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8, but prefers between 6 and 7. <\/p>
Soil type: <\/strong>Prefers good drainage and fertility, but can tolerate some poor drainage. <\/p>
Other notes:<\/strong> To achieve the best balance and visual appeal, the Kentucky bluegrass should make up 60% of the grass seed mixture by weight.<\/p>
Grass Seed Options: <\/strong>
<\/strong>\u2013 Outsidepride Perennial Ryegrass Seed<\/a> (5 lbs.)
\u2013 Eretz ProTurf Perennial Ryegrass Fine Lawn Seed<\/a> (choose your size) <\/p>Tall Fescue<\/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>Tall fescue is a popular cool-season grass in North Carolina, particularly in the mountain and piedmont regions. This type of grass is known for its relatively low maintenance requirements, making it a great choice for homeowners who want a beautiful lawn without the upkeep. It also tolerates a wide range of soil types and growing conditions.<\/p>
Another advantage of tall fescue grass<\/a> is that it can be mixed with other grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass or fine fescues, to create a diverse, resistant, and visually appealing lawn.<\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/p>
Spreads by: <\/strong>Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit<\/p>
Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate<\/p>
Drought tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate to <\/strong>High<\/p>
Foot traffic tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate<\/p>
Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch. <\/p>
Mowing height:<\/strong> Set mowing height to 3 to 3.5 inches. <\/p>
Potential for disease: <\/strong>Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained. <\/p>
Soil pH:<\/strong> 5.5-6.5<\/p>
Soil type: <\/strong>Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage. <\/p>
Other notes:<\/strong> Since it is a bunch-type grass, any damaged areas or bare spots will need to be re-seeded.<\/p>
Fine Fescues<\/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>Fine fescues are a group of cool-season grasses that include varieties such as creeping red fescue, chewings fescue, and hard fescue. They are known for their very finely textured and delicate appearance, but don’t be mistaken \u2014 they can tolerate moderate drought conditions.<\/p>
Fine fescues are particularly well-suited to the mountain regions of North Carolina, where the cooler temperatures and moister soils provide ideal growing conditions. However, they can also be grown in the piedmont regions of the state. <\/p>
Classification: <\/strong>Cool-season grass<\/p>
Spreads by:<\/strong> Creeping red fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as Chewings, hard, and sheep fescues. <\/p>
Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate to High, depending on species<\/p>
Drought tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate to High, depending on species<\/p>
Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> Low to Moderate, depending on species<\/p>
Maintenance needs: <\/strong>Low fertilizer and mowing needs <\/p>
Mowing height:<\/strong> Set mowing height between 1.5 and 2.5 inches when mixed with Kentucky bluegrass, and between 2.5 inches and higher when mixed with tall fescue.<\/p>
Potential for disease: <\/strong>Moderate. Common diseases include red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, and powdery mildew. <\/p>
Soil pH:<\/strong> 6-6.5<\/p>
Soil type: <\/strong>Will not perform well in wet soil conditions. Prefers drier soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types and fertility. <\/p>
Other notes:<\/strong> Most fine fescue species grow in bunches and can\u2019t spread on their own. By mixing in Kentucky bluegrass, which has a spreading growth habit, you can help ensure that your lawn is filled in evenly and quickly.<\/p>
Grass Seed Options:<\/strong>
<\/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>Warm-Season Grasses<\/h2>
Warm-season grasses are typically used in the coastal plain and the piedmont region of North Carolina. These grasses prefer warm temperatures and can thrive in this state’s high temperatures during summer. However, when temperatures drop, they enter dormancy and brown until the next growing season.<\/p>
The following are the best warm-season grasses<\/a> for North Carolina:<\/p>
Bermudagrass<\/h3>
![\"Bermudagrass](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/pexels-rovenimagescom-949584-1.jpg\")
Bermudagrass
Photo Credit: Pexels<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>If you love hosting outdoor gatherings or barbecues (whether an Eastern or Lexington-style barbecue), then Bermudagrass<\/a> may be the perfect grass type for you. This warm-season grass is known for being excellent in high-traffic areas, meaning it can handle the wear and tear that comes with frequent use.<\/p>
One of the unique features of Bermuda is its fast growth rate, which is why it is often used on athletic fields and golf courses. However, this rapid growth can also make it a bit of a nuisance at times, as it may invade flower beds<\/a> or other areas where it’s not wanted. <\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/p>
Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/p>
Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Low; thrives in full sun<\/p>
Drought tolerance:<\/strong> High <\/p>
Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> High <\/p>
Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization <\/p>
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.<\/p>
Potential for disease: <\/strong>Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects<\/p>
Soil pH:<\/strong> 6-6.5<\/p>
Soil type: <\/strong>Tolerates most soil types, including sandy soil.<\/p>
Other notes:<\/strong> Common Bermudagrass can be seeded, but finely textured varieties are available in sod, sprigs, or plugs. <\/p>
Grass Seed Options: <\/strong>
\u2013 Scotts Turf Builder Bermudagrass<\/a> (10-lb. bag)
\u2013 Hancock Seed Co. Bermudagrass<\/a> (50-lb. bag)<\/p>Zoysiagrass<\/h3>
![\"close-up](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_1280px-starr-070906-8519-zoysia_sp-turf-kula_ace_hardware_and_nursery-maui_24264641643.jpg\")
Zoysiagrass
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 3.0 US<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Zoysiagrass forms a dense lawn and is a very drought-resistant grass, meaning it can survive with minimal irrigation after it has become established. This is particularly important in the coastal plain, where hot and dry summers can be challenging for many grasses.<\/p>
One thing to remember when caring for Zoysia is that the blades are stiff, so your lawn mower blades should be sharp<\/a> to avoid damaging the grass. But with the right care, this grass can be an excellent choice for North Carolina homeowners who want a visually appealing, carpeted lawn.<\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/p>
Spreads by: <\/strong>Stolons and rhizomes<\/p>
Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate<\/p>
Drought tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate to High<\/p>
Foot traffic tolerance: <\/strong>High, but recovers slowly from damage<\/p>
Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Low nitrogen fertilization requirements, although, it\u2019s prone to thatch build-up. <\/p>
Mowing height:<\/strong> Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.<\/p>
Potential for disease: <\/strong>Good disease tolerance overall<\/p>
Soil pH:<\/strong> 6-6.5<\/p>
Soil type: <\/strong>Well-draining, some cultivars are more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others.<\/p>
Other notes:<\/strong> Zoysia usually has to be mowed with a rotary mower due to its coarse texture. <\/p>
Grass Plug and Seed Options: <\/strong>
<\/strong>\u2013 Zoysia Plugs (50 Large Grass Plugs)
<\/a>\u2013 Zoysia Plugs (50 Full & Lush Grass Plugs)
<\/a>\u2013 Zoysia Plugs (100 Plugs)
<\/a>\u2013 Zenith Zoysia Grass Seeds<\/a> (1\/8 lb. of seeds)<\/p>St. Augustinegrass<\/h3>
![\"St.](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_800px-stenotaphrum_secundatum_variegatum-1-the_regent_hill-yercaud-salem-india.jpg\")
St. Augustinegrass
Photo Credit: Yercaud-elango<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>If you’re a North Carolina homeowner with trees that cast shade on your backyard, then St. Augustine may be the perfect grass type for you. This warm-season grass is known for being the most shade-tolerant of its kind, meaning it can grow well in areas with moderate sunlight.<\/p>
- Zoysiagrass<\/a><\/li>
- Perennial Ryegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Cool-Season Grasses<\/a>