- The Best Grasses for West Virginia: Cool-Season<\/a>
- Fine Fescue<\/a><\/li>
- Kentucky Bluegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Perennial Ryegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Tall Fescue<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- The Best Grasses for West Virginia: Warm-Season<\/a>
- Bermudagrass<\/a><\/li>
- Zoysiagrass<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- The Best Grasses for West Virginia: Native Grasses<\/a><\/li>
- Challenges to Growing Grass in West Virginia<\/a><\/li>
- Growing Grass in the Transition Zone<\/a>
- What if it is in Shady Areas?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
If you want the main idea without mowing through the weeds, check out how to select the best grass type for West Virginia<\/a> for a fast overview.<\/p>
The Best Grasses for West Virginia: Cool-Season<\/h2>
The most common grasses in West Virginia, cool-season grasses<\/a> grow and thrive in the cooler spring and fall seasons. These grasses may go dormant in the hot summer months without regular irrigation.<\/p>
![\"Cool](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_1ls-cool-season-growth-1.jpg\")
<\/figure> Fine Fescue<\/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 fescue grows great in the acidic soil of West Virginia, and has a wonderful shade tolerance. It crowds out weeds on its own and doesn’t need fertilizer or herbicide. It germinates in only 7-14 days.<\/p>
But you can\u2019t really use it. Foot or paw traffic will wear it out. It is a grass to look at.<\/p>
And while you are looking at it, keep an eye out for pests. Fine fescue attracts a lot of them, especially white grubs, billbugs, and chinch bugs. <\/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 between 2.5 and 4 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>
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>Kentucky Bluegrass<\/h3>
![\"Kentucky](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Kentucky-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Kentucky Bluegrass
Photo Credit: Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Your feet will love Kentucky bluegrass. It feels so good to walk on. You will be tempted to take off your shoes just so you can feel it. You kids will love to roll around on it. Even your pets will seem happier.<\/p>
But it doesn\u2019t do well at all in the shade.<\/p>
Kentucky bluegrass has a slow germination rate of 14-21 days and is best planted in the fall. But Kentucky bluegrass requires more maintenance than other grasses, needing more water, fertilizer, and mowing to look its best.<\/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 3.5 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>
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>
![\"Close](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Perennial-Ryegrass-1.jpg\")
Perennial Ryegrass
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Perennial ryegrass is a great grass to use. It can handle all the foot traffic you can offer, from kids playing to pets romping to friends and neighbors coming over for a lawn party. It germinates quickly (5-10 days) and is often used in a mix with Kentucky bluegrass to prevent weeds and stabilize the soil while the slower-growing bluegrass grows in. <\/p>
But it doesn’t do well in acidic soil, which West Virginia is known for. It also struggles in the shade. A lot of landscaping professionals use it for overseeding warm-season turf in the fall to provide winter color.<\/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>
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 grass has a deep root system, making it hardy and drought-resistant. It grows well in the full sun and well enough in partial shade. Tall fescue<\/a> germinates in 7-12 days and has a lush, green color.<\/p>
But it isn\u2019t a grass to romp on, especially for the children; some varieties feel coarse or rougher than other grasses. It also needs a moderate level of maintenance. though it requires frequent mowing. But those things don\u2019t stand in the way of golf courses using it; it is a favorite of them.<\/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 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall. <\/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>
Pro Tip:<\/strong> To avoid a coarser feel underfoot, plant one of the improved, turf-type tall fescues for a finer-bladed 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>The Best Grasses for West Virginia: Warm-Season<\/h2>
If you want a green summer lawn in the southern parts of the state, warm-season grasses<\/a> may be your best bet. If you’re concerned about winter damage, choose a cultivar with good cold tolerance to minimize winterkill.<\/p>
![\"Warm](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_ls-warm-season-growth.jpg\")
<\/figure> Bermudagrass<\/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>Bermudagrass grows quickly, germinating in 3-7 days (or up to a few weeks in less than ideal conditions) and has an active root system in about 60 days. It spreads out and grows via stolons above the ground and rhizomes below it. It can handle West Virginia\u2019s acidic soil and is the type of grass that can handle all the foot traffic your kids or pets can produce.<\/p>
However, Bermudagrass<\/a> needs a lot of sun. It also struggles in shade, such as you get from mature trees or buildings. Bermuda is an aggressive grass, so be prepared to mow often, fertilize regularly, and dethatch<\/a> once thatch levels rise above about 1\/2 inch.<\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/p>
Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/p>
Shade tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Low; thrives in full sun<\/p>
Drought tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> High <\/p>
Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> High <\/p>
Maintenance needs<\/strong>:<\/strong> Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization <\/p>
Mowing height<\/strong>:<\/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<\/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 is a warm-season grass that can also grow in cooler weather, but it will turn brown with the first frost of fall and become dormant during the winter. This grass will grow well in the acidic soil of West Virginia and is often used on golf courses.<\/p>
Zoysiagrass is slow growing. Though it may take as few as 10 days to germinate, it may require three months or more to achieve full coverage on the lawn. It is usually recommended to use sod instead of seed to establish a Zoysia lawn due to its slow rate of growth.<\/p>
A pro\u2019s tip: <\/strong>Zoysiagrass has a wiry thickness that requires sharp blades on the mowers for a good cut. Be sure to sharpen your lawn mower blades<\/a> before you mow.<\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/p>
Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Stolons and rhizomes<\/p>
Shade tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Moderate<\/p>
Drought tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>Moderate to High<\/p>
Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>High, but recovers slowly from damage<\/p>
Maintenance needs<\/strong>:<\/strong> Low nitrogen fertilization requirements, although, it\u2019s prone to thatch build-up. <\/p>
Mowing height<\/strong>:<\/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>
Grass Plug and Seed Options: <\/strong>
<\/strong>\u2013 Zoysia Plugs (50 Large Grass Plugs)
- Zoysiagrass<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Kentucky Bluegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Fine Fescue<\/a><\/li>