Anytime you decide to plant grass, there are many factors to consider.  Perhaps the most important is what region you live in and the climate of that region.  If you are using a lawn care professional to seed your yard, they will be very knowledgeable about the types of grass suitable for your yard and may offer you a few potential options. Whether you’re planning a DIY project or are having a professional seed your yard, it’s a good idea to have some general knowledge about the various types of grass.

In the United States, there are basically three categories of grasses; cool season grasses, warm season grasses and transitional grasses.  Cool season grasses are best in areas of the country with cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers.  Some of the most popular cool season grasses include Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall or Red Fescue and Annual and Perennial Ryegrass.   Conversely, warm season grasses have mild winters and hot, humid summers.  Common warm season grasses include St. Augustinegrass, Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass.

As you can probably imagine, not all areas of the country fit easily into one of those two climate categories.  These areas along the border of the warm and cool season areas are known as transitional zones. It can be a bit more difficult to choose between warm and cool season grasses in these areas.  However, there are a few types of grass that tend to be successful in these areas and are known as transitional zone grasses.  Bluegrasses, Fescues, Buffalograss, Zoysiagrass and Bermudagrass are all known to be successful in transitional zones.

Before you finalize which type of grass is best for your home, it’s important to consider the type of care and maintenance each grass requires.  It’s also a good idea to consider the aesthetics of each grass and which one suits your home best.