Planting a lawn seems like it should be pretty straightforward: just seed, fertilize, water, and enjoy. While the actual process may be that simple, there’s also one crucial step in the process that cannot be skipped: determining the best lawn type for your yard. After all, if you choose the wrong type, your lawn may be more difficult (or even impossible) to maintain and enjoy.
While the most foolproof way to determine the best lawn type for your yard will be to talk to a local nursery or landscape designer, here are a couple questions to ask yourself when trying to choose the right grass for your situation.
What is your climate?
The biggest factor to consider when determining what type of grass to plant is your climate. If you live in a humid area, for example, you’ll need to plant different grass than if you live in a dry area. You’ll also want to take into account your most extreme seasons (that is, do you have extremely cold winters? Or extremely hot summers?).
- Warm, humid climates try centipede, zoysia, or bahia grass
- Warm, dry climates try bermuda or buffalo grass
- Cold, humid climates try rye grass, fine fescue, or tall fescue grass
- Cold, dry climates try wheatgrass or Canadian bluegrass
How much sun will your grass get?
Most common grass types will do just fine in full sun, but others do best when they have time in the shade as well. Once you’ve determined a grass type that works for your climate, check how much sun it needs to thrive, and compare that to your front and backyard sun exposure to help you make a smart choice.
How much water will the grass need?
If you live in an area that is prone to drought, then a grass that needs a lot of water may not be your best bet. Some grasses, like bahia, fescue, or buffalo, are drought-tolerant and have lower water needs, making them a water-smart option.
Will your grass be planted in a high-traffic area?
Some grass types are hardier than others, and will withstand high traffic. Others do better when left alone. Before making your final decision on which type of grass to plant, consider how much time you, your kids, and/or your pets will spend on your grass.
Do you really want real grass?
Before you go through all the work of determining the right type of grass for your lawn, make sure you actually want to plant real grass! Other alternatives, including turf or xeriscaping, are eco friendly, easy to maintain, and increasingly popular. Check out these options before committing to real grass.
A beautiful, functional yard helps make your home feel truly finished. Create an outdoor area that works for you, your lifestyle, and your climate by taking the time to make sure you choose the right type of lawn for your yard.
