What Kind of Grass Seed Should I Plant?

When you are trying to decide what kind of grass seed to grow there are a lot of factors to consider. Not only should you consider the area you are planting, but also what look and maintenance level you would prefer. There are a few main types of grass that make up a typical mix. These include fescues, ryegrasses, and bluegrass which all have a different overall look and growing habits. 

Fescues 

Two different types of fescue can be found in grass seed mixes. Tall fescue and Fine fescue. 

Tall Fescue 

Tall fescue is one of the most common types of grass. Oftentimes, there will at least be a small amount of tall fescue in a mix, as it is very tolerant. Although there are several different varieties of tall fescue, for the most part, they all share a specific set of characteristics. 

• Drought tolerant- Tall fescues thrive in several different environments but are most commonly known for being able to handle the driest and hottest parts of the summer better than other grasses. 
• Traffic Tolerant- Holds up well even with a lot of human and pet traffic. 
• Disease Resistance- In later summer when many kinds of grass are susceptible to disease, tall fescues are much more resistant.

If you feel these characteristics are important to you, check out our Overtime Grass Seed, it is a mix of three different tall fescue varieties. 

Fine Fescue 

Compared to other types of fescue, “fine” refers to the width of the leaf and as well as the texture compared to the traditional tall fescue. Fine fescues are typically found in a mix for a shadier area or an area that will not be mowed on a normal basis throughout the growing season. Fine fescues can be broken down into other sub-categories including hard, creeping, and chewing fescues that all have different uses. If you are looking for a fine fescue mix for your lawn check out the low-maintenance mix. 

Perennial Ryegrass 

Ryegrass is commonly found in grass seed mixes and is popular for its quick germination and plush appearance. If you plan on overseeding, ryegrass is often a popular option as it works well for filling in lawns that have suffered some damage through the summer. Ryegrass thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial sun areas. Perennial ryegrasses do not handle drought as well as tall fescue, but instead, prefer a more consistent amount of moisture. Several of our grass seed mixes include this type of grass, but if you are looking for a mix that is exclusively perennial rye the Sports Turf grass blend is the way to go. 

Bluegrass 

The last of the common grass types is bluegrass. Most commonly you will find Kentucky Bluegrass in seed mixes that are intended for use in lawns. This type of grass is often desired for its unique and distinct color. It tends to germinate at a much slower rate than other grasses but can still be a great option for your lawn. 

Kentucky bluegrass has a rich bluish-green color that is often a sought after look. Many grass mixes include just a small percentage of bluegrass, to bring in a hint of the color even if it is not the best fit for the growing conditions. A bluegrass lawn tends to go dormant if the temperatures are extremely high or there are extended periods of drought but will bounce back once it cools down in the late summer and fall. 

A few grass seed mixes that include Kentucky bluegrass are the Shade & Sun mix, Good Turf, and Supersport Grass Mix. 

When you are looking to buy grass seed for your lawn, always be sure to consider what look you are going for as well as what the growing conditions will be like. With the right type of grass and a good lawn care system you can have your yard looking great!