- 1. Kentucky Bluegrass<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Perennial Ryegrass<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Tall Fescue<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Fine Fescue<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Creeping Bentgrass<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
If you have only a New York minute to spare, skip to our guide on choosing the best grass for your New York lawn<\/a> for a quick overview.<\/p>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1.jpg\")
<\/figure> 1. Kentucky Bluegrass<\/h2>
![\"Kentucky](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Kentucky-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Kentucky Bluegrass
Photo Credit: Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>A popular lawn grass in New York, Kentucky bluegrass has a soft texture and a blue-green color. It can handle heavy foot traffic<\/a> and recover quickly from damage. Bluegrass prefers full sun or partial shade but may struggle in hot summers without regular watering. It will recover quickly once the weather cools and rainfall returns.<\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/a><\/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<\/a>, 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>: Though it is a cold-tolerant grass species, newer and improved varieties are becoming more drought and temperature-tolerant, making bluegrass a great year-round option for New York lawns.<\/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>2. Perennial Ryegrass<\/h2>
![\"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 an ideal choice for New York lawns that need to withstand wear and tear. It establishes quickly and is cold-tolerant, making it a popular option across the northern U.S. Perennial ryegrass is often blended with Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues for its soft texture and hardiness.<\/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<\/a>. <\/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>Perennial ryegrass is often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass in New York due to its fast germination. While it is not as cold-tolerant as bluegrass, it can still thrive in the Mid-Hudson, Long Island, Rochester, and Buffalo areas.<\/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>3. Tall Fescue<\/h2>
![\"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>In New York, turf-type tall fescue is popular because of its disease resistance and because it grows well in dry and infertile areas. This grass grows quickly, so frequent mowing and maintenance are necessary to help it thrive. However, tall fescue<\/a> cannot survive frigid winters like those above Westchester and Orange counties.<\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/p>
Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Produce short rhizomes but have 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> Mow frequently, but does not produce much thatch.<\/p>
Mowing height<\/strong>:<\/strong> Set mowing height to 2 inches when the grass reaches 3 inches tall. <\/p>
Potential for disease: <\/strong>Tolerant of most diseases when adequately maintained. <\/p>
Soil pH:<\/strong> 5.5-6.5<\/p>
Soil type: <\/strong>Adapted to various soil types<\/a> but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage. <\/p>
Other notes:<\/strong> Damage caused by pests can take a long time to recover on tall fescue lawns, even though infestations are uncommon. Overseeding<\/a> may be necessary to repair your lawn in the fall. Grubs<\/a> are the most common pests that harm tall fescue lawns.<\/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>4. Fine Fescue<\/h2>
![\"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 is an excellent low-maintenance option for lawns and shade landscaping<\/a> in New York. It can tolerate dense shade, slightly acidic soil, and resists drought and cold temperatures. Due to its thin leaves, it may not withstand heavy foot traffic but makes beautiful patterns if you want to stripe your lawn<\/a>.
<\/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 chewing, 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<\/a>, 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. It prefers drier soils and tolerates various soil types and fertility. <\/p>
Other notes:<\/strong> Over-fertilization, frequent watering, or planting on poorly drained soil can result in poor quality and stunted growth.<\/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>5. Creeping Bentgrass<\/h2>
![\"creeping](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/3820997510_5ae18bbfb3_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Creeping bentgrass is a cool-season grass commonly used in golf courses and high-end lawns throughout New York State, except in the North Country, where winters are too harsh. It is favored for its fine texture and lush green appearance but is high maintenance. It can tolerate salt more than the others, some shade and foot traffic, but not drought.<\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/p>
Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Stolons<\/p>
Shade tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Moderate<\/p>
Drought tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Low<\/p>
Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>Moderate<\/p>
Maintenance needs<\/strong>:<\/strong> Requires frequent watering, fertilizing, dethatching, and mowing. <\/p>
Mowing height<\/strong>:<\/strong> Set the mowing height between 0.125 and 0.5 inches. <\/p>
Potential for disease: <\/strong>High disease potential. Common infections include dollar spot, anthracnose<\/a>, and brown patch. <\/p>
Soil pH:<\/strong> 5.5-6.5<\/p>
Soil type: <\/strong>Prefers moist soils with good drainage. <\/p>
Other notes:<\/strong> Creeping bentgrass is highly susceptible to disease. This turfgrass requires frequent watering, fertilizing, dethatching<\/a>, and mowing.<\/p>
When Should I Plant Grass Seed in New York?<\/h2>
Late summer to early fall offers optimal conditions for seed germination and the best chance of success for cool-season grasses. Whether planting grass seed in a new lawn or over an existing one in upstate New York, plant between August 15th and September 15th. In southeastern New York, plant between August 15th and October 1st. <\/p>
Choosing the Best Grass for Your New York Lawn<\/h2>
No matter which grass you choose, it’s essential to follow proper planting<\/a> and care techniques to ensure your lawn grows healthy and strong. By selecting the right grass seed mix and being attentive to your lawn’s unique needs, you can create a beautiful, vibrant lawn that will thrive throughout the year.<\/p>
- 2. Perennial Ryegrass<\/a><\/li>