Types of Turf in NC

If you live in the Piedmont or Coastal area of North Carolina, you may be wondering which type of grass is best for your lawn. The most common grass types grown in our region are:

Ryegrass
Fescue
St. Augustine
Bermuda
Zoysia
Centipede

Each type has its own unique characteristics and requirements for care. In this post, we’ll discuss the differences between cool weather and warm weather grasses, the specific care needed for each type, and the reasons why a homeowner might choose each particular grass.

Cool vs. Warm Season Grasses

Cool weather grasses, such as ryegrass and fescue, thrive in temperatures between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. These grasses typically have a longer growing season, from early fall to late spring.

In contrast, warm weather grasses, such as St. Augustine, Bermuda, Zoysia, and centipede, grow best in temperatures between 80-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Their growing season typically runs from late spring to early fall.

In terms of maintenance, warm season grasses like St. Augustine, Zoysia, and centipede are often considered the easiest to maintain. These grasses require less water, fertilizer, and mowing than cool season grasses like fescue. However, Bermuda grass may require more frequent mowing due to its fast growth rate.

BenefitS of Each Grass Type

Ryegrass is lush and establishes quickly. It’s often used as a winter overseed for warm season grasses to maintain a green lawn year-round.

Fescue is relatively low maintenance, hardy, and soft. It’s chosen for it’s cool season growing habits and lush green appearance.

St. Augustine is lush and tolerant to heat and salt. It’s a popular choice for its low maintenance requirements and ability to tolerate shade.

Bermuda is drought and heat tolerant, and handles high usage. It’s often chosen for its ability to withstand heavy foot traffic and drought conditions.

Zoysia is thick and hardy. It’s chosen for its low maintenance requirements and dense growth, which can help choke out weeds.

Centipede is low maintenance and slow growing. It’s often selected for its low fertilizer requirements and ability to grow in acidic soils.

Maintenance for Each Grass Type

Ryegrass is a cool season grass that is often used as a winter overseed for warm season grasses. It requires regular watering and should be mowed to a height of 2-3 inches.

Fescue is a cool season grass that requires frequent watering and regular fertilization to thrive. It’s best to plant fescue in the fall or early spring, and it should be mowed to a height of 3-4 inches. Fescue is beautiful in the cooler season, and a great fescue lawn is the envy of every neighborhood. However, fescue fertilization and weed control can be very high maintenance. Fescue requires the most fertilization, weed control, fungicides, etc. to keep it beautiful.

St. Augustine is a warm season grass that requires less water and maintenance than cool season grasses. It should be planted in the spring or early summer and mowed to a height of 2-3 inches.

Bermuda is a warm season grass that is drought-tolerant and can withstand heavy foot traffic. It is best planted in the late spring or early summer and mowed to a height of 1-2 inches.

Zoysia is a warm season grass that is low-maintenance and drought-resistant. It is best planted in the spring or early summer and mowed to a height of 1-2 inches.

Centipede is a warm season grass that is low-maintenance and requires little fertilizer. It is best planted in the late spring or early summer and mowed to a height of 1-2 inches.

Cost Analysis

When considering overall costs, it’s important to consider these key factors:

Cost of the initial install (sod for most warm season grasses, and seed for most cold season grasses)
Frequency of mowing and maintenance
Amendments and applications necessary to keep the lawn thriving

Our analysis is as follows, from most expensive to least expensive:

$$$$ Fescue - the longest mowing season, greatest need for amendments, and has a requirement for seeding every year.
$$$ Bermuda - requires frequent mowing during the hot season, frequent fertilization, and is invasive and fast spreading into garden areas.
$$ Zoysia and St. Augustine - are tied…these grasses are thick spreading which helps keep weeds out, and have a relatively short mowing season.
$ Centipede - the lowest mowing requirements, lowest fertilization requirements, and thick roots that keep weeds out.
Ryegrass is not included in our analysis because it is for temporary over seeding only.

Email info@tlgturfcare.com for further questions and information.