Best Grass to Grow in Georgia for Your Lawn

Whether you’ve lived in Georgia all your life or are just moving in, it’s important to understand what type of grass is best for your lawn. There are several variables to consider, such as what area of the state you live in, the amount of sun vs. shade, the soil type and level of difficulty to maintain.

To help you make the best decision as to which grass will grow best in your lawn, we’ve created some easy charts that outline the various main grass types and what you need to consider to grow the type of lawn that fits your lifestyle and the climate.

What Part of Georgia Do You Live In?

Grasses come in warm-season and cool-season varieties. With its generally dry hot temperatures, most lawns in Georgia will do best if planted with warm-season turf. This turf is more drought and heat-resistant than the cool-season grasses and also grows better in the salty air of Georgia’s coast.

The exception to this rule is the Atlanta area as well as the mountainous Piedmont area of Georgia, which fall between temperature zones. The climate in these areas allows for some cool-season grasses to do better than warm-season turf.

This doesn’t mean you cannot mix the grass types and depending on what part of the state you live in, your soil type and ph level, moisture level of the soil, the slope of your lawn and its exposure to the sun, and the level of traffic on your lawn, it is possible to use both types of grasses to yield a lush green lawn year-round.

For instance, in the Atlanta area, Bermudagrass which is warm-season may be overseeded with a cool-season perennial ryegrass to keep your lawn green in winter and protect the Bermudagrass.

To make it a little easier to pick the best grass type, see the comparison chart below:

Now that we’ve covered the difference between warm and cool season grasses, let’s look at the best grasses in each category to use for Georgia lawns.

Best Types of Warm-Season Georgia Grasses

Warm-season grasses are ideal for Georgia because they are tolerant of the heat and drought conditions that are common during the summer months.

Here are some of the most popular warm-season grass types that are commonly used in Georgia:

Bermuda Grass

This is one of the most popular grass types used in Georgia due to its ability to tolerate heat and drought conditions. Bermuda grass is a fine-textured, low-growing grass that is well-suited for high traffic areas like sports fields and golf courses. It requires frequent mowing and fertilization to maintain its dense, green appearance.

Zoysia Grass

Zoysia grass is another popular grass type in Georgia due to its ability to tolerate shade and drought conditions. It is a slow-growing grass that forms a dense, deep root system that makes it highly drought-resistant. Zoysia grass is well-suited for use in lawns, golf courses, and parks.

St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine grass is a fast-growing, coarse-textured grass that is well-suited for use in lawns and parks. It requires frequent mowing and fertilization to maintain its dense, green appearance. St. Augustine grass is tolerant of shade and drought conditions but is not well-suited for high traffic areas.

Centipede Grass

Centipede grass is a low-maintenance grass that is well-suited for use in lawns and parks. It is a slow-growing grass that requires less mowing and fertilization than other grass types. Centipede grass is tolerant of shade and drought conditions but is not well-suited for high traffic areas.

Best Types of Cool-Season Georgia Grasses

While warm-season grasses are ideal for the hot and humid summers in Georgia, cool-season grasses thrive in the cooler temperatures and frequent rainfall during the fall, winter, and spring. These grasses provide year-round greenery to lawns and landscapes, making them a popular choice for homeowners and landscapers. Here are some of the most popular cool-season grass types used in Georgia:

Tall Fescue Grass

Tall fescue grass is a popular cool-season grass type in Georgia because of its ability to grow in both sun and shade. It is drought-resistant and requires less watering than warm-season grasses during the summer months. Fescue grass is known for its fine texture and is often used in lawns, parks, and golf courses.

Kentucky Bluegrass

Kentucky bluegrass is a high-quality cool-season grass that is well-suited for use in lawns and landscapes. It is known for its deep green color and fine texture. Kentucky bluegrass is also drought-resistant and can tolerate cold temperatures.

Ryegrass

Ryegrass is a fast-growing cool-season grass that is often used to overseed warm-season grasses during the fall and winter months. It is known for its quick germination and ability to establish a green lawn in just a few weeks. Ryegrass is often used for temporary winter lawns, but it requires more watering and maintenance than other cool-season grass types.

With all the various factors involved in making the decision, you may want to consult a lawn expert about what type of grass to plant. They will consider your lawn’s soil and sun exposure along with the  maintenance level you are comfortable with and your lifestyle needs. They may also consider things such as pest control and lawn features that will affect that decision.

About Simply Green’s Weed Control Service

Simply Green offers a variety of weed control and fertilization programs to meet your specific needs. We will carefully evaluate your lawn to determine the best course of action.

Our weed control services are designed to target specific types of weeds and address the underlying issues that are causing them. Each service is customized based on the type of grass you have, the time of year, and your lawn’s specific needs. We only use high-quality products that are safe for your family and the environment.