The Best Types of Grass for St. Louis Lawns
A lush, green lawn is the ultimate goal for any homeowner in St. Louis. But with so many types of grass to choose from, finding the best one for your lawn can be a bit overwhelming. No need to stress! We’re here to guide you through the world of Missouri lawn care and help you choose the best grass type for your lawn and landscape. With the right grass and proper lawn care, you can achieve that beautiful lawn you’ve always dreamed of!
Warm-Season vs Cool-Season Grass Types
Cool-season grasses, like tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass, thrive in regions with colder temperatures. Spring and fall are the prime seasons for cool-season grasses, with their growth slowing down during hot summers. Grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia are considered warm-season grasses. They are well-adapted to warmer climates, making them ideal for states in transition zone areas. Their peak growing season is during the summer, going dormant during the cold winter months. Both warm and cool-season lawns can survive in Missouri with the right conditions.
Fescue Grass
Turf-type tall fescue is a cool-season grass that can also tolerate moderate heat and drought conditions, making it an excellent choice for St. Louis lawns. It has a dark green color, fine texture, and a year-round appeal. Homeowners love it for its winter hardiness and ability to withstand foot traffic. Fescue grows best in early spring and fall when soil temperatures are optimal.
Key Features:
- Drought Tolerance: Handles dry periods well.
- Shade Tolerance: Perfect for lawns with shady areas.
- Disease-Resistance: Some cultivars are more resilient against common lawn diseases than others. Brown patch fungus can be an issue for fescue grass.
Tips for Success:
- Mow at a height of 3 to 4 inches for optimal health.
- Plan overseeding in early fall for the most successful grass seed germination.
Bermuda Grass
For those who love a lawn that can handle the heat and full sun, Bermuda grass is a top choice. With its heat-tolerant nature and beautiful green color, it’s a popular option for lawns in St. Louis. Bermuda is a warm-season grass, meaning its peak growing season is during late spring through summer.
Key Features:
- Heat-Tolerant and Drought-Tolerant: Thrives in hot summer temperatures but goes into dormancy during the winter.
- Fine Texture: Creates a soft and inviting lawn.
- Heavy Foot Traffic Resistance: Ideal for yards with heavy use.
- Low Shade-Tolerance: Bermuda prefers full sun and will struggle in shady areas.
Tips for Success:
- Bermuda lawns should be aerated in the late spring to improve root systems before the growing season.
- Maintain a mowing height between 1 to 2 inches. Due to its fast growth during summer, Bermuda may require frequent lawn mowing.
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia grass is a warm-season grass that has a lush, dense appearance, making it an excellent choice for St. Louis lawns. It has a moderate ability to resist diseases and weeds making it a favorable type of grass for home lawns. Like Bermuda, it is green through spring and summer before dormant through late fall and winter.
Key Features:
- Moderate Disease-Resistance: Protects against common lawn issues with large patch fungus being a possible concern.
- Shade Tolerance: Zoysia is more shade tolerant than Bermuda grass but still needs about 6-8 hours of sunlight.
- Drought Tolerance: Requires less water than some other grass types.
- Green Color: Maintains its vibrant hue even in hot conditions.
Tips for Success:
- May develop thatch and should be aerated in the spring after green-up.
- The recommended mowing height is about 1.5 to 2 inches.
How to Choose the Best Type of Grass for Your Missouri Lawn
St. Louis falls within the transition zone, making it suitable for both cool-season and warm-season grasses. When choosing the right type of grass for your lawn, consider your environment. How much sun and shade does your lawn receive? You’ll also want to consider the soil type, and how much foot traffic your lawn will see. Lawn maintenance is another important factor. Consider how much time you have to put into lawn care, mowing, watering, and other seasonal requirements like aeration and overseeding. Choosing the best grass type for your home is the first step to having a lawn your neighbors will envy. You can always consider hiring a local lawn care provider to help with the rest!
Professional Lawn Care Services Near St. Louis
Even a “low-maintenance” grass type needs ongoing fertilization and weed control to stay in tip-top shape. For homeowners in St. Louis, that’s where Loyalty Lawn Care can help! We offer lawn care services that are designed for Missouri grass types. Our programs have everything your lawn needs to stay healthy and lush throughout the year, regardless of your grass type. We provide weed control, fertilization, overseeding, mosquito control, and more. Contact us today for a free quote!