- Montana\u2019s Climate<\/a><\/li>
- Cool-Season Grasses<\/a>
- Kentucky Bluegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Fine Fescues\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- Tall Fescue<\/a><\/li>
- Perennial Ryegrass<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Warm-Season Grasses<\/a>
- Buffalograss<\/a><\/li>
- Blue Grama<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Check out our section on choosing the best grass type for your Montana lawn<\/a> if you\u2019re short on time.<\/p>
Montana\u2019s Climate<\/h2>
![\"Map](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Map-of-Continental-Divide-in-North-America.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USGS<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Montana\u2019s climate is affected by its geographical diversity, most notably the Continental Divide. This mountainous range runs along the border of Montana and Idaho, then turns north towards Glacier National Park and Canada.
<\/p>The mountainous western side has warmer, if more snowy winters, cooler summers, and more precipitation. The central and eastern portions, part of the Northern Great Plains, are drier, with hotter, though less-humid, summers and winters that can be bitterly cold.<\/p>
We\u2019ll explain which grasses work best on either side of the Divide to grow a healthy lawn in the Treasure State.<\/p>
![\"Map](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1.jpg\")
<\/figure> Cool-Season Grasses<\/h2>
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>One of the most popular grasses in the United States, Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) has a high tolerance for Montana\u2019s cold winters and tolerates foot traffic well. It\u2019s also a good choice for fire-resistant landscaping if you live near woodlands. However, it needs more water than other grasses, so KBG is not a good choice for semi-dry areas in the east.<\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/p>
Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Rhizomes<\/p>
Shade tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Low<\/p>
Drought tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>Moderate<\/p>
Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>Moderate<\/p>
Maintenance needs<\/strong>:<\/strong> Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs. <\/p>
Mowing height<\/strong>:<\/strong> Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3 inches. <\/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 general use, Montana State University\u2019s planting guide<\/a> suggests a mixture of Kentucky bluegrass, creeping red or Chewings fescue, and perennial ryegrass.<\/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.)
\u2013 Jacklin Seed – Biltmore Blue Blend – 100% Kentucky Bluegrass<\/a> (5 lbs.) <\/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>These fine-leaved cool-season turfgrasses<\/a> are a good choice for a low-maintenance, shady yard. Fine fescues, like creeping red and Chewings, are typically mixed with Kentucky bluegrass. However, in the semi-dryland areas of eastern Montana, sheep and hard fescues are the best choices, as they have a high tolerance for drought. <\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> <\/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>:<\/strong> Moderate to High, depending on species<\/p>
Drought tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Moderate to High, depending on species<\/p>
Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Low to Moderate, depending on species<\/p>
Maintenance needs<\/strong>: <\/strong>Low fertilizer and mowing needs <\/p>
Mowing height<\/strong>:<\/strong> Set mowing height around 3 inches, depending on species. <\/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> If your yard has sun and partial shade, use a fine fescue-heavy seed mix with Kentucky bluegrass. <\/p>
Grass Seed Options: <\/strong>
<\/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<\/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 bunch-type grass that produces a relatively low-maintenance lawn. It\u2019s also a great choice for a high-traffic yard<\/a> with kids and pets running around. Turf-type tall fescue\u2019s deep roots help it tolerate heat and drought, and thus it\u2019s a good choice for dry areas in both eastern and western Montana.<\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/p>
Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit<\/p>
Shade tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Moderate<\/p>
Drought tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>Moderate to <\/strong>High<\/p>
Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>Moderate<\/p>
Maintenance needs<\/strong>:<\/strong> Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch. <\/p>
Mowing height<\/strong>:<\/strong> Set mowing height to 2.5 to 3 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> Don\u2019t mix tall fescue<\/a> with other turfgrasses; differing textures and growth will produce an unevenly growing lawn. As tall fescue is a bunch grass, seed heavily to produce a uniform lawn.<\/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>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>This bunch-type lawn grass germinates quickly and will be the first to go green each spring. Its fast germination makes it a good companion to slower-growing grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass. It also will stand up to your kids, pets, and Wiffle Ball games.<\/p>
However, it needs more frequent watering, so it works well with the wetter climate of western Montana. Also, some varieties won\u2019t hold up to Montana\u2019s winter cold, so it\u2019s best to keep perennial ryegrass in a grass mix with other cool-season grasses.<\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/p>
Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Has a bunch-type growth habit<\/p>
Shade tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Low<\/p>
Drought tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>Low<\/p>
Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>High<\/p>
Maintenance needs<\/strong>:<\/strong> Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant. <\/p>
Mowing height<\/strong>:<\/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>Montana State\u2019s revegetation guide<\/a> says perennial ryegrass is used to seed areas hit by wildfire. The grass\u2019 quick growth stabilizes the soil to halt erosion. <\/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>Warm-Season Grasses<\/h2>
Buffalograss<\/h3>
![\"Closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/PIXNIO-4149-800x600-1.jpg\")
Buffalograss
Photo Credit: Pixnio<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>This warm-season grass may seem to be an odd choice, but the USDA says buffalograss<\/a> can be found as far south as Louisiana. This native grass of the Great Plains needs little moisture to grow, so it\u2019s perfect for the semi-dryland areas of eastern Montana. It also has a high tolerance for Montana\u2019s winter temperatures. <\/p>
One downside: Buffalograss can be overtaken by weeds in higher rainfall areas.<\/p>
Classification: <\/strong>Warm-season grass<\/a><\/p>
Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons<\/p>
Shade tolerance: <\/strong>Low<\/p>
Drought tolerance: <\/strong>High <\/p>
Foot traffic tolerance: <\/strong>Low <\/p>
Maintenance needs: <\/strong>Low fertilizer and mowing needs. Requires weed control. <\/p>
Mowing height: <\/strong>Set the mowing height at 2.5 inches.<\/p>
Potential for disease: <\/strong>Good tolerance against diseases and insects<\/p>
Soil pH:<\/strong> 6.5-7.5<\/p>
Soil type: <\/strong>Native clay soils, not sandy soils<\/p>
Other notes:<\/strong> If you live near wooded areas, buffalograss is a good choice for fire-resistant landscaping<\/a>. <\/p>
Grass Seed Options: <\/strong>
<\/strong>\u2013 <\/strong>Everwilde Farms Buffalograss Seeds<\/a> (1 lb. of seeds)
\u2013 Scotts Pursue Buffalograss with Natural Seed<\/a> (1 lb. of seeds)<\/p>Blue Grama<\/h3>
![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Blue-grama-800.jpg\")
Blue grama
Photo credit: Matt Lavin<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Blue Grama is another native grass<\/a> found throughout the Great Plains. It is a slow-growing grass but needs little water to grow, making it a good choice for dry areas of eastern Montana or a low-water-use lawn. While it is tolerant of Montana winters, it doesn\u2019t do well with heavy foot traffic or shady areas. <\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season<\/p>
Spreads by:<\/strong> Rhizomes<\/p>
Shade Tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/p>
Drought Tolerance:<\/strong> High<\/p>
Foot Traffic Tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/p>
Maintenance Needs:<\/strong> Low maintenance requirements<\/p>
Mowing Height:<\/strong> Set mowing height at 2.5 inches<\/p>
Potential for Disease:<\/strong> Low to Moderate. Its most prevalent disease is fungal rust. <\/p>
Soil pH:<\/strong> 6.6-8.4<\/p>
Soil Type:<\/strong> Tolerates a wide range of soil textures, including clays and sandy or gravelly loams. Does not perform well in wet, poorly drained soils. <\/p>
Other notes:<\/strong> Blue grama is often mixed with buffalograss for lawns; the USDA<\/a> suggests seeding in the spring.<\/p>
- Blue Grama<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
- Fine Fescues\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- Cool-Season Grasses<\/a>