Understanding your grass type can be important for deciding on the best lawn care routine as well as choosing seed. All grass, it turns out, is not built the same. Read on to figure out how to decide which type of grass you have.
For a quicker option, snap a photo of your grass and upload it to Wilson, our 24x7 lawn assistant. He can help identify your grass and give you advice on maintaining it.
Why Does Grass Type Matter?
Seasonal Growth Patterns: Cool-season grasses thrive in spring and fall, while warm-season grasses love summer heat. Knowing which you have helps you set realistic expectations and timing.
Mowing Height & Frequency: Some grasses need to be kept higher to shade their roots, while others tolerate a lower cut.
Water Needs & Drought Tolerance: Heat- and drought-tolerant grasses may need less water.
Overseeding & Repair: When filling bare spots, you’ll want to match the seed to your existing grass for a seamless look.
Tips for Identifying Your Grass
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Look at the blade width & texture (fine, medium, or coarse). Fine blades are fescues and bluegrass. Medium blades are ryegrass and zoysia, and coarse blades are tall fescue and St. Augustine.
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Feel the growth habit (clumping vs. spreading). Blades that grow in a clumped manner at typically fescues and ryegrass, those that spread are bluegrass, Bermuda and zoysia.
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Observe color & shine (dark green, light green, dull, or glossy). Dark green and shiny blades are usually ryegrass and bluegrass. Light and dull blades are fescues and centipede grass.
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Check how it handles heat, cold, and traffic. Tall fescues and warm season grasses typically have a high heat and traffic tolerance. Meanwhile, cool season grasses are hardy in the colder weather.
If you’re still not sure, take a close-up photo of your lawn and compare it to the pictures above — or reach out to Lawnbright for personalized advice.
Cool-Season Grasses (Best for the North & Transition Zone)
Cool-season grasses thrive in regions with cold winters and mild summers — like the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest.
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Kentucky Bluegrass
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Perennial Ryegrass
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Fine Fescues (Creeping Red, Chewings, Hard)
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Tall Fescue
Warm-Season Grasses (Best for the South & Transition Zone)
Warm-season grasses thrive in regions with hot summers and mild winters — like the Southeast, Deep South, Southwest, and Southern California.
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Bermuda Grass
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Zoysia Grass
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St. Augustine Grass
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Centipede Grass
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Grass Type |
Mowing Height |
Water Needs |
Overseeding Notes |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 2.5 to 3.5 inches | High, deep weekly | Overseed in fall |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 2 to 3 inches | Moderate, deep weekly | Overseed annually if needed |
| Fine Fescue | 2.5 to 3 inches | Low, drought tolerant | Overseed lightly in fall |
| Tall Fescue | 3 to 4 inches | Low, deep weekly | Overseed in fall if thinning |
| Bermuda Grass | 1 to 2 inches | Low, drought tolerant | Overseed with rye in winter (optional) |
| Zoysia Grass | 1 to 2.5 inches | Low, drought tolerant | Overseed lightly in spring if needed |
| St. Augustine Grass | 2.5 to 4 inches | Moderate, avoid drought | Not overseeded |
| Centipede Grass | 1.5 to 2 inches | Low, drought tolerant | Overseed sparingly |
Upgrade Your Lawn with Lawnbright North Star
If you’re tired of trying to manage a patchy, temperamental lawn, consider upgrading to Lawnbright North Star — NTEP certified A-list tall fescue designed for East Coast and Midwest climates.
✅ Resilient: With superior drought and disease resistance, North Star stands up to summer stress.
✅ Lush & Dense: Spreads by rhizomes to create a carpet-like look with fewer weeds.
✅ Natural Fit: Perfect for DIYers who want a naturally healthy lawn without relying on chemicals.
👉 Learn more about Lawnbright North Star and order yours today!