Climate-Based Guide
Best Grass Types by Region
Choosing the wrong grass for your climate is an expensive mistake. A grass that thrives in Florida will die in Minnesota, and vice versa. Here is the definitive regional guide for choosing sod.
Northeast
Climate
Cold winters, mild summers
Top Choice
Kentucky Bluegrass
Also Suitable
Fescue
Plant sod in early fall (September) or early spring. Bluegrass thrives in cool temperatures and handles freeze-thaw cycles.
Midwest
Climate
Cold winters, hot summers
Top Choice
Fescue blend
Also Suitable
Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue
Transition zone edges mean fescue blends offer the best year-round performance. Fall planting gives roots time to establish before summer heat.
Southeast
Climate
Mild winters, hot humid summers
Top Choice
Bermuda Grass
Also Suitable
Zoysia Grass, Fescue (upper areas)
Bermuda handles the heat and humidity best. Install in late spring to early summer when soil temperatures are above 65 degrees F.
Gulf Coast & Florida
Climate
Subtropical, mild winters
Top Choice
St. Augustine Grass
Also Suitable
Bermuda Grass, Zoysia Grass
St. Augustine dominates in Florida and coastal areas due to shade tolerance and salt resistance. Can be installed nearly year-round.
Southwest
Climate
Hot, arid, low rainfall
Top Choice
Bermuda Grass
Also Suitable
Zoysia Grass
Water-wise Bermuda is the clear winner. Many homeowners are choosing xeriscape alternatives, but Bermuda sod remains the top turf choice.
Pacific Northwest
Climate
Cool, wet winters, dry summers
Top Choice
Fescue
Also Suitable
Kentucky Bluegrass
Fescue thrives in the cool, damp Pacific Northwest climate. Install in early fall for best results. Minimal irrigation needed outside summer months.
Northern Plains
Climate
Harsh winters, hot summers
Top Choice
Kentucky Bluegrass
Also Suitable
Fescue, Bermuda (southern areas)
Extreme temperature swings demand hardy cool-season grasses. Bluegrass handles the cold well but needs supplemental water in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grass is best for the Southeast US?
Bermuda grass is the best all-around choice for the Southeast (GA, SC, NC, VA, AL, MS, TN). It handles the hot, humid summers and stays green from spring through fall. Zoysia is a premium alternative with lower water needs. In the upper Southeast, tall fescue also works well.
Can I grow warm-season grass in the North?
Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and St. Augustine will not survive northern winters. They go completely dormant below 50 deg F and can die in prolonged freezes. Northern homeowners should stick to cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue, which stay green through cool temperatures and handle freeze-thaw cycles.