Common Types of Grass in North Carolina & Which One is Best for Your Lawn
North Carolina’s climate allows for a variety of grasses to thrive, but choosing the right type depends on your specific location, soil, and maintenance preferences. In Cary, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina and the surrounding NC areas we serve, homeowners typically have either warm-season or cool-season grasses. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types and how to care for them.
Warm-Season Grasses
These grasses thrive in hot summers and go dormant (turn brown) in colder months.
1. Bermuda Grass
Best for: Full sun, high-traffic areas
Pros: Drought-tolerant, fast-growing, durable
Cons: Needs frequent mowing, can invade flower beds
Bermuda grass is a popular choice in North Carolina due to its ability to withstand heavy foot traffic and hot, dry conditions. It requires full sun and grows aggressively, making it a great option for lawns that get a lot of use.
2. Zoysia Grass
Best for: Sun to partial shade, moderate traffic areas
Pros: Soft texture, drought-tolerant, low maintenance
Cons: Slow to establish, turns brown in winter
Zoysia grass is a great option for those who want a dense, carpet-like lawn. It’s more shade-tolerant than Bermuda and requires less mowing, making it a good low-maintenance option.
3. Centipede Grass
Best for: Low-maintenance yards, sandy soils
Pros: Minimal mowing and fertilizing, thrives in poor soil
Cons: Not very wear-resistant, slow growth
Centipede grass is perfect for homeowners who want a laid-back lawn with minimal upkeep. It thrives in sandy soil and requires little fertilizer, but it doesn’t handle heavy foot traffic well.
Cool-Season Grasses
Cool-season grasses do well in spring and fall, staying green longer in colder months.
4. Tall Fescue
Best for: Sun to partial shade, year-round greenery
Pros: Stays green in winter, deep roots for drought resistance
Cons: Requires regular watering, not as soft as Zoysia
Tall fescue is one of the best choices for North Carolina’s transition zone since it stays green most of the year and handles heat better than other cool-season grasses.
5. Kentucky Bluegrass
Best for: Lush, high-end lawns
Pros: Soft texture, spreads well, recovers from damage
Cons: Needs frequent watering, not heat-tolerant
[Picture]
Kentucky Bluegrass gives a beautiful, lush appearance, but it requires more maintenance, including regular watering and fertilization. It’s often mixed with Tall Fescue for better heat resistance.
Choosing the Right Grass for Your Lawn
When selecting the best grass for your yard, consider:
Sun vs. Shade: Bermuda and Zoysia love full sun, while Tall Fescue does better in shade.
Maintenance Needs: Centipede is low-maintenance, while Kentucky Bluegrass requires frequent care.
Traffic Levels: Bermuda is great for kids and pets, while Centipede is best for low-traffic areas.
No matter what type of grass you have, proper care is key to a healthy, green lawn. If you need help with lawn maintenance, SOS Outdoor has you covered!
Serving Holly Springs, Cary, Fuquay Varina, Willow Spring, and surrounding areas – Fill out the form for a free quote today!
