Regional Grass Care

Each region of North America has a numbered correlation to determine the climate. Determining the climate assists in recognizing the optimal choice for grasses, shrubbery, plants and trees to grow in that area. These zones are divided into eleven areas and the United States falls between zones two and ten.

These areas are referred to as planting hardiness zones and vary ten degrees from each other. Zone one falls under the category of below fifty degrees and zone ten refers to a temperature of 30-40 degrees. These zones are for general plants – and the zone for grass is quite similar. Caring for grasses in different regions can be as simple as choosing the correct grass.

Grass comes in many varieties. There are warm season grasses, cool season grasses and grasses that will flourish in a variety of settings. Grass does not fall directly within the planting hardiness zone but will coincide somewhat with the temperatures. The difference between the plant hardiness zone and the grass zones is rainfall. The amount of rainfall is taken into account when planting grass – as well as with the temperature and other climate risks.  

Grasses that flourish in the higher numbers of the zone are; Bermuda, Pensacola, St. Augustine, Zoysia, Carpetgrass and Centipede. Grasses that flourish in the lower numbered zones are; Ryegrass, Buffalo, Fescue, Bluegrass and Bentgrass. There are some grasses that are versatile and resilient and will flourish under varying conditions. These grasses are; Annual Ryegrass, Fescue and Bentgrass.

Options that should be taken into account besides rainfall and temperature are wind and other climate meters – such as a high salt content close to the ocean or drought conditions in the desert. It is also important to take into account the soil the grass is implanted in clay or sand will require less or more water and more care to plant the grass and maintain the upkeep. It is important to place a layer of topsoil over the clay and sand for optimum growth in those regions.

Zones that are prevalent for clay soil and therefore require specific planting measures are five to nine. If the soil consists of clay it is important to input a level of topsoil at least five to seven inches deep. In these regions the water may build-up in the soil and cause the grass to take more time germination and attaching to the soil.

Certain types of grasses flourish when planted at a specific time of year. It is important to adhere to the direction of the greenhouse or the landscaper when planting. The types of grasses that should be planted in the spring and the summer are; Bahiagrass, Carpetgrass, Centipede grass, as well as St. Augustine and Zoysia. There is warmth during the seasons of recommended planting and therefore the sun will attach the roots to the soil, and the moisture will allow the seeds to germinate.

Transition zones exist with the areas where the climate will vary and there are certain grasses that flourish in these zones. Transition grasses are nothing more than warm or cool season grasses that will survive through cooler or warmer moths. Grasses such as fescue, ryegrass and bluegrass are commonly used in the transition zones.

Cool season grasses seem to be the best choice to plant in a transition zone – as they are able to survive without the sun, and excessive amounts of shade. Cool season grasses are referred to as the original transition grasses and are a popular choice in a climate that it is not sunny all year around.

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