Different Types of North Carolina Grass Seed

It’s not uncommon for property owners in North Carolina to attempt to grow a lush lawn or garden but then experience trouble with finding the right grass seed mixture or keeping up their lawn’s growth.  

The problem with states like North Carolina is that they lie in the transition zone, where climate, soil, and weather conditions change. That means the grass seeds you must grow in your property depend on various factors, particularly the climate.

Fortunately, North Carolina has many different types of grass you can choose to grow based on the season.

These grass seed mixtures vary when it comes to growing conditions and proper care requirements. You can use this information to make the right decision for your property. 

You can also begin your search with our Seed Selector and zero in on premium quality grass seeds for your region. 

Let’s take a look at the various grass seed options you have from Nature’s Seed for the state of North Carolina. 

 

Warm Season Grasses

Warm-season grasses tolerate high temperatures (75-90°F) and summer droughts.  However, once the cool season hits, these grasses turn from green to brown and won't regain their color even after winter.

These grasses grow best on the high-moisture and sandy soils of the North Carolina coastal plain and the Piedmont region. You can also find grass seeds by region to ensure the highest chances of establishment based on your location. 

Planting warm-season grass seed in the spring is ideal. It doesn't require much maintenance, but it does multiply if you take care of it, like mowing and watering.

To increase the hardiness of these turfs, never fertilize them before growing them in the spring or just before fall ends.

Here are a few warm-season grasses you can opt for when planting your lawn:

 

Centipede Grass

This type of grass grows slower than the rest and has a rough texture and a green apple color.

The grass does well in acidic soil (between pH 4.5-6.0) because they have deep roots that allow them to take up nutrients from the subsoil. But when planted on high pH soil, the color turns to light yellow. Therefore, you must treat it with lawn iron supplements to counter the effects.

It also can't withstand high traffic and recovers from damage slowly, making it less resilient than other grasses.

 

Zoysiagrass

Zoysia grass spreads fast and thick enough to grow turf on your lawn, making it impossible for weeds to penetrate through it. However, it could grow on areas outside of your lawn due to its stolon production. 

Unlike other warm-season grass types, Zoysia grass recovers its green color once winter subsides or watering due to extreme heat.

Zoysia grass can also resist high foot traffic, so you don't have to worry about the grass losing its quality if people continuously walk over it.

 

Bermuda Grass

Among grass species, bermudagrass is the best grass seed for North Carolina regions with warm temperatures.

For starters, its deep root system provides resistance from heat, drought, and insects. However, this extensive root system also protects your yard or garden from soil erosion caused by bad weather conditions.

Bermuda grass’s rapid growth rate has its pros and cons. On the one hand, it tolerates wear and tear well, making it the best grass seed for playing fields and fairways. On the other hand, containing its growth gets challenging as it can spread across areas where you don't want to grow grass.

 

Cool Season Grasses

Cool-season grasses are best grown in North Carolina during the fall, winter, and early spring, as this is when temperatures range between 60-75 degrees F.

Additionally, properties located in the Mountain region and western region of NC will benefit from growing cool-season grass due to its cooler temperatures.

To grow this grass type, you must lay sod or turf into your soil. Once it germinates, make sure to mow and fertilize your turf to promote its growth. The frequency and quality of care you must put into your lawn depending on the type of grass you'll choose.  

Below is a shortlist of the different cool-season grass available in North Carolina:

 

Perennial Ryegrass

Perennial ryegrass is a bunchgrass type of plant, meaning it has an extensive root system.

It spreads quickly and vertically and compacts itself as it grows, making it the ideal grass to prevent soil erosion.

This grass type also tolerates drought, heat, and shade better than most grasses that thrive in cold temperatures.

It’s the best grass for transition zone areas like NC because it can withstand the warm season despite being a grass type for the cool season.

 

Kentucky Bluegrass

Among the cold-season grasses in this list, Kentucky bluegrass is the hardiest against winter conditions.

And because it grows rapidly during the cool season, it is the best grass seed to grow in the mountainous regions of North Carolina.

Unlike perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass establishes itself with short roots that don’t make it very heat- and drought-resistant.

However, it's common to see Kentucky bluegrass grown in coastal plains and other parts of North Carolina with high temperatures.

If you opt to plant this grass seed type, you’ll love its dazzling blue-green color and delicate texture, which is a joy to sit on. Many property owners are willing to irrigate their property just to accommodate the aesthetic appeal of Kentucky bluegrass.

 

Tall Fescue

Tall fescue seeds produce a quality, dark green turf that's quick to spread and remains green during the summer and winter seasons.

It's moderately drought-resistant and shade-tolerant thanks to its extensive root system that grows two to three feet deep in the soil.

As another bunch-type grass, fine fescues grow in clumps, making them easy to segregate from flower beds in your garden.

The only downside of tall fescue is its slow repair time whenever it gets damaged. Other than that, tall fescue is one of the best grasses you can grow on your lawn.

 

Find Premium Quality Grass Seed for North Carolina Lawns

With all these options available, you might still be wondering about the best grass seed to plant in North Carolina.

If you live in the area, you know that it's humid and gets a lot of rain, so you can't go wrong with tall fescue and perennial ryegrass. Due to their complex root systems, both are drought-tolerant, so either option would be suitable for weather conditions in North Carolina.

For people who live in the coastal plains or the Piedmont region, zoysia grass and bermuda grass should be at the top of your list. Just make sure to keep them in line as they can grow outside of your lawn and into other parts of your property.

Now, if you're still unsure which grass seed for your lawn in North Carolina, our experts at Nature's Seed can help you with personalized advice and grass seed mixture designed for your property’s specifications. 

Reach out to us now so we can provide you with all the help you'll need in growing grass on your lawn in North Carolina.