For homeowners in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, choosing grass varieties that thrive in the region’s unique weather conditions can make all the difference in maintaining a beautiful and healthy lawn year-round. While many homeowners wonder if they should plant warm-season or cool-season grass, in these states, cool-season grasses are generally the best choice due to their ability to withstand the cooler temperatures experienced for much of the year. However, for some parts of Southern Pennsylvania, incorporating warm-season grasses can be beneficial as well.
Let’s explore the best types of grass for homes in Pennsylvania and New Jersey so you can achieve that picture-perfect lawn you’ve always wanted.
Cool-Season Grass Varieties for Pennsylvania & New Jersey
Cool-season grasses are ideally suited for the climate in Pennsylvania and New Jersey because they grow most actively during the spring and fall when temperatures are cooler. When homeowners turn to us for help establishing green lawns, we often recommend fescue grass, Kentucky bluegrass, and ryegrass.
Tall Fescue
Tall fescue is one of the best grass types for homes in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This cool-season grass is known for its dark green color, excellent drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in a variety of soil types. Tall fescue is also highly tolerant to shade. So, if your yard has areas that receive less sunlight, this grass type can handle the challenge, making sure that even the shadiest parts of your lawn remain beautiful.
Kentucky Bluegrass
Kentucky bluegrass is another popular choice for lawns in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Known for its fine leaf and dense growth, Kentucky bluegrass provides a smooth, carpet-like appearance that many homeowners desire. This cool-season grass is also highly durable, making it a great option for high-traffic areas like yards where children and pets play.
Kentucky bluegrass does require more maintenance, such as more routine watering and fertilization, than some other grass types, but the results are worth the effort. Its deep green color and resilience will make your yard the envy of the neighborhood.
Perennial Ryegrass
Perennial ryegrass is often used in combination with other grass types, such as Kentucky bluegrass, to create a lawn that is both hardy and visually appealing. It germinates quickly, making it a great choice for overseeding thin or patchy areas of your lawn. Ryegrass is also known for its fine texture and vibrant green color and is moderately drought-tolerant.
Fine Fescues
Fine fescues, including creeping red fescue, are excellent choices for lawns that receive a lot of shade. These grasses are known for their fine texture and shade tolerance, making them ideal for areas under trees or on the north side of buildings. It’s a low-maintenance grass type that requires less frequent mowing and fertilization compared to some other varieties. Fine fescues also have good drought tolerance, which can be beneficial during the hot, dry summers that sometimes occur in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Warm-Season Grasses to Consider
While cool-season grasses are the primary choice for most of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, homeowners in Southern Pennsylvania might benefit from incorporating warm-season grasses into their lawns. These grass varieties thrive in the hot summer months and can add resilience to your lawn.
One of the best warm-season grass species for areas of Pennsylvania is zoysia grass. Known for its drought tolerance and ability to withstand high temperatures, zoysia grass can provide a green lawn even during the hottest parts of the summer. It also has a dense growth habit, which helps crowd out weeds and reduces the need for chemical weed control. And, while it takes longer to establish compared to cool-season grasses, it requires less maintenance once established. A lawn care specialist can help you determine if zoysia is the best grass seed for your lawn in Pennsylvania or New Jersey.
We’ll Help You Choose the Best Grass for Your Pennsylvania or New Jersey Lawn
If you’re unsure which grass seed is best for your lawn or if you need professional lawn care advice, Lawn Specialties is here to help. Our team of experts can guide you in choosing the right grass type for your property and provide high-quality overseeding or hydroseeding services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve the lawn of your dreams!