Tis' The Season: Why Grasses Only Grow In Certain Climates

You may already be aware that certain types of plants are best suited to certain climates, but grasses? Are grasses only suited to certain climates? Isn't grass just grass? What does it matter where I live?

It is in fact true that different types of grasses can only grow in certain climates. Because different varieties of grass require different things, not all types of grass will thrive or even survive in all climates. Just like shrubs and flowers, different grasses have different needs and your climate may not be able to provide what certain varieties need. When choosing a grass mix for your lawn you need to keep many things in mind, including your climate, moisture level, soil mix and amount of sunlight.

The first thing you need to consider is whether you in a warm, cool or moderate grass growing regions. Places lie in the north are classed as cool growing zones, whereas as southern regions are warm growing zones. There is also the area in the United States known as the transitional zone which has warmer summers than cool growing zones, but cooler winters than those common in the warm growing zone. Bahia and Centipede are examples of grass varieties that are suited to warmer climates, whereas Fescue grasses do better in moderate or cooler growing zones. If you live in a very warm southerly climate or a cold northern spot, then it will be much more difficult for you to grow many varieties of grasses. Most grass varieties are not suited to these real extremes in temperature and moisture.

Different soil components also contribute to the types of grasses that will grow in your area. Some grasses do better in soils that are rich in clay and organic matter, whereas others strictly grow in dry, sandy spots. You may want to perform a pH test on your soil to check the nutrient levels and soil composition.

Grass varieties also differ in terms of moisture. Some grasses are more suited to damp or wet climates, whereas other types thrive in dry climates and are drought resistant. If you are in a drier climate, then it is important that you choose a grass that is able to withstand long periods without rain. There are some grasses out there that become dormant during droughts, but which come back to life again after watering. These are good choices for climates that see very little rain during the summer months.

Many seeds mixes are a combination of different grass types. Mixing grasses in this way will help improve the color, texture and overall strength of your lawn. Because some grasses are hardier than others, a mix will give you an overall look and feel that one single variety of grass may not. No matter what your grass needs, you should be able to find or create a grass seed mix at your local garden center that is just right for your specific needs.

You also need to be aware of how many hours of sunlight your grass can expect to get. Many grasses need at least half a day of direct sunlight, whereas there are some, like Fescue, that can survive in partial shade. Different grasses have different tolerance levels for shade so be sure to take this into consideration when choosing a grass type for your law.

When choosing a grass, you also need to keep in mind how much effort you're willing to put into your lawn care. Some varieties of grasses require little care, but many need a lot of patience and nurturing to really thrive. If you haven't the time or patience, then you want to choose a no-fuss variety that may not look as good or feel as good as other grasses, but will take very little time or energy on your part to grow.

Choosing a grass that it suited to your climate is one of the most important steps on the way to a healthy vital lawn. If you seed or sod with a grass that is suited to your areas soil type and climate and care for it properly, you will be rewarded with a dazzling front and back lawn that will be the envy of your neighborhood.