The Best Grass Types for North Carolina Lawns

Maintaining a beautiful lawn in the Carolinas requires choosing the right grass type that can tolerate the hot summers, occasional cold snaps in the winter, and humidity of the area. The climate in Charlotte, Fort Mill, Pineville, and surrounding areas is classified as humid subtropical, which means residents can expect hot summers and moderate winters. Therefore, the grass type that is best suited for the area is one that can withstand the heat and humidity of the summer months while also being able to survive the occasional cold snaps in the winter.

Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass that is popular in Charlotte, and throughout the southern United States. It is known for its ability to withstand the hot summer temperatures and drought conditions that are common in the area. Bermuda grass is also known for its fast growth rate, which means that it can quickly fill in bare spots in your lawn. One thing to keep in mind with Bermuda grass is that it does require a lot of maintenance. You will need to mow and fertilize it regularly, as well as aerate it each year to keep it looking its best.

Bermuda is the best grass type for those willing to put in the work to maintain it and have very little shade on their property.

• Shade Tolerance: Low
• Mowing Height: 1.5-2 inches
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Grass Type: Warm-season

Zoysia Grass

Zoysia grass is another popular grass type in North and South Carolina. It is a warm-season grass that is known for its ability to withstand heavy foot traffic and for its low maintenance requirements. Zoysia grass has a slow growth rate, which means that it will not require as much mowing as other grass types. It is also able to tolerate some shade, which makes it a great option for lawns that have trees or other structures that provide shade.

Zoysia grass is ideal for those who want a low-maintenance lawn that can withstand heavy foot traffic. It is also suitable for those who have trees or other structures that provide shade in their lawn.

• Shade Tolerance: Moderate
• Mowing Height: 1.5-2.5 inches
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Grass Type: Warm-season

Fescue Grass

Fescue grass, or tall fescue, is an ideal cool season grass for Carolina lawns. Fescue is a shade-tolerant grass type, meaning it needs more shade than direct sunlight to thrive. Tall fescue grasses also have a decent drought and heat tolerance making it a great grass type choice for areas like Charlotte, in the transition zone. Unlike bermuda and zoysia, fescue grows from grass seed and should be overseeding each year in the fall when temperatures are ideal. Fescue’s primary growing season is when temperatures are cool during fall-early spring. 

Fescue is the best choice for areas of the lawn with more tree coverage and shade. This grass type is ideal for homeowners willing to maintain it with proper fertilization, mowing, and annual fall overseeding. 

• Shade Tolerance: High
• Mowing Height: 3-4 inches
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Grass Type: Cool-season

Fertilization and Weed Control Services in the Charlotte Area

After you’ve chosen the best grass type for your new Carolina lawn, the lawn care begins! For the best professional lawn care in the Charlotte area, Turf Brothers Lawn Care is the answer. Our lawn care programs consist of timely-scheduled weed control and fertilization throughout the year, with fire ant control, fungicides, and insecticides included. No matter your grass type, our programs are built to protect your lawn in each season. In addition to lawn care, we offer warm-season aeration, mosquito control, fall seeding for fescue, and more. Contact us today for a free quote.