Insights, Tips, and Tales

What are the Differences between Warm and Cool Weather Turf?

_ëîé_1

What are the Differences between Warm and Cool Weather Turf?

We all know about the futility and frustration of trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. So why try to grow plants in an environment they can’t tolerate? This will lead to nothing but chaos and confusion.

Even though it may look pretty, you can’t force Kentucky Bluegrass on your lawn when you live in a subtropical climate! There are some critical differences in cool weather and warm weather turfgrass species necessary to navigate if you want the most beautiful lawn possible for the least amount of work.

 

On Turfgrass Anatomy

Turfgrass, broadly, refers to grass species with narrow leaves that form a uniform ground cover. The plant is separated into four parts: roots, stems, leaves, and seed heads. Like any other plant, turfgrass needs the right temperature, soil pH, water access, and oxygen level to germinate and grow.

Plants are spread in two ways – through seed dispersal, and in some cases, through rhizomes that sprout from the roots and spread horizontally to grow new seedlings. Rhizomes are a good thing because they can help cover lawn spots that are thin and damaged from high traffic, drought, or disease. Unlike other plants, turfgrass leaves start growing from the base of the stem, called the crown, so it can tolerate more trauma than other plants and still stay alive. Setting your mower too low, though, can cause irreparable damage.

In the right environmental conditions, the average number of leaves on a plant will stay the same, as new leaves replace the ones that die. So, the key to a nice, dense lawn is regular care! If you need help, our Service Professionals are lawn care experts. We know the right fertilizers and mowing schedule to give you a lush lawn that’s barefoot good.

If you let your grass grow too high, you will see the seed head part of the plant, made up of tiny spikelets in different arrangements depending on the species. Many different varieties are seen in lawns depending on their intended usage. Coarser grasses are used for athletic fields, while finer grasses are used for ornamental areas.

Let’s look at some key differences in cool weather and warm weather varieties.

Cool vs. Warm Weather Turf

Cool Weather Turfgrasses Warm Weather Turfgrasses
Grow during fall and spring, between 50°- 80° Grow during summer, between 80° – 95°
Stays green until the weather reaches 32°, some species can survive subfreezing temperatures. Loses green under 50° cannot survive subfreezing temperatures.
Species include: Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue Grasses, Bentgrasses, Ryegrasses Species include: Bermuda grasses, Bahiagrasses, St. Augustine, Carpetgrass, & Zoysiagrass
Lawns normally require seeding 2-3 different species Lawns normally made up of one species
Stay green year-round, not dormant in winter. Dormant in winter, except for subtropical regions where some species stay green year-round.
Growth area includes the Northern portion of the US, from San Francisco to NYC and above. Growth area includes the Southeastern US, from the Gulf Coast to the Carolinas.
Roots grow between 2-6 inches – moist moisture absorption occurs near the surface. Roots can grow as deep as 7 feet in some species – moisture absorption occurs at 4 inches or below the surface.
Kentucky Bluegrass, known for its vibrant color and fine texture, is the most popular variety. Bermudagrass, grown on every continent except Antarctica, is the most popular variety.

 

So, which should you choose for your lawn?

 

The Basics of Turfgrass Care

To keep a beautiful yard year-round, grow warm weather turfgrasses for the hot summer months, and then overseed with cool-season varieties. If you’re having problems with your turfgrass growth and you think it’s getting enough water, you may need to aerate your lawn. Soil compaction can severely limit seed germination.

Also, warm weather vs. cool weather isn’t the only decision you need to make when selecting a turfgrass species that’s right for your lawn – you also need to consider the species’ water needs, light preferences, required salinity and nitrogen levels, and drought tolerance. If you ignore these crucial factors, you could end up having to replace your turf every season. Waynes turf experts can help you select the best sod for a new lawn, or help you in re-seeding a bare or brown yard.

 

Caring for your lawn is more important than just looks – it can help combat yard erosion, noise, dust, and pollution. And it starts with selecting the right turfgrass! Need help? Contact us today!

Latest from Waynes Blog

Waynes Lawn Care is Available in the Gulf Coast!

For years, Waynes has been trusted to keep lawns lush, green, and barefoot good across our service areas. Now, we’re bringing our expert lawn care program to the Gulf Coast! With over 8,000 properties already enjoying the benefits of our year-round lawn care program, homeowners across Alabama Gulf Coast and the Florida Panhandle can now…

Learn More >

Introducing EnviroPest Bundles

Home maintenance can feel like a lot — but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why we created EnviroPest Bundles at Waynes Pest Control. These bundles let you pick the services your home needs, so you only pay for what you want. Bundling also means less paperwork, fewer service providers, and a simpler, more convenient…

Learn More >

Protect Yourself from Misleading Pest Control Sales

At Waynes Pest Control, we pride ourselves on delivering honest, expert service that families can trust. Unfortunately, not all companies play by the same rules — especially when it comes to door-to-door sales. What’s Happening During warmer months, some national pest control companies send large teams of door-to-door salespeople into neighborhoods. These reps are often…

Learn More >

guide to knoxville tn pest control

The Ultimate Guide to Pest Control in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee, with its beautiful landscapes and vibrant community, offers a wonderful place to live and work. However, like any region, it’s not immune to the challenges posed by unwanted pests. From the humid summers that breed mosquitoes to the cozy winters that invite rodents indoors, effective pest control in Knoxville, TN is essential for…

Learn More >

waynes knoxville seasonal pest control

Seasonal Pest Control in Knoxville: What Pests to Watch Out for Each Season

Knoxville’s four seasons present distinct pest control challenges, each requiring tailored management. Spring sees a rapid surge in insect activity as temperatures rise, while winter’s cold forces pests to seek refuge indoors, leading to different types of infestations. Understanding these seasonal patterns allows for targeted prevention, significantly reducing infestations and ensuring a more comfortable living…

Learn More >

7 Tips for Effective Mosquito, Flea & Tick Control Around Your Home

If you live in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, or the Florida Panhandle, you know mosquito, flea, and tick season arrives early and can stick around well into the fall. These pests thrive in our region’s warm, humid weather—and without the right steps, they can quickly take over your yard. At Waynes Pest Control, we help homeowners…

Learn More >

Protect Your Home from Rodents and Hantavirus

The recent passing of Betsy Arakawa, wife of Gene Hackman, due to Hantavirus has raised awareness of rodent-borne diseases. While contracting Hantavirus is rare, it’s essential to take precautions against mice in your home. Why Are Rodents a Problem? Each year, 21 million U.S. homes experience rodent intrusions, especially in colder months. Mice and rats…

Learn More >

Lawn Scalping: The Ultimate Spring Refresh

You’ve endured the sight of brown grass all winter long, and you’re probably eager to see your lush lawn return this spring. Start the season on the right foot by giving your lawn a fresh start with a good scalping. What is Lawn Scalping? Lawn scalping (or grass scalping) is the process of cutting your…

Learn More >

Protect Your Home from Moisture and Pests with Crawl Space Encapsulation

Your home is your sanctuary, and keeping it safe from moisture, mold, and pests is essential for maintaining a healthy living environment. That’s why we’re excited to announce that Waynes now offers Crawl Space Encapsulation and Restoration Services in our Knoxville, TN and Huntsville, AL service areas! Why Crawl Space Encapsulation Matters Many homeowners overlook…

Learn More >

Scroll to Top