By Stephanie Schupska
University of
Georgia
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension experts have taken the guesswork out of picking a good grass for your lawn. Use the guide below as you head to the lawn and garden store or before you call a sod company.
Warm-season grasses grow best during the warm months when temperatures reach 80-95 degrees in the spring, summer and early fall. They grow vigorously during this time and become brown and dormant in the winter.
Warm-season grasses:
- Prefer warm to hot temperatures (80 to 95 degrees).
- Grow best in summer.
- Have extended winter dormancy.
- Have poor shade and winter tolerance.
Cool-season grasses grow well during the cool months of spring and fall when temperatures average 60-75 degrees. They may undergo stress, become dormant or be injured during the hot months of summer and may require significantly more water than the warm-season grasses.
Cool-season grasses:
- Prefer cool to warm temperatures (65 to 75 degrees).
- Grow best in the spring and fall.
- Have limited winter dormancy.
- Have good winter tolerance and adequate shade tolerance.
For more research-based information on turfgrass, visit www.georgiaturf.com or contact your local UGA Cooperative Extension agent at 1-800-ASK-UGA1.
(Stephanie Schupska is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.)