Know the game, pick your grass wisely, and you'll have a lawn that's not just surviving, but thriving, all year round. Now, that's what we call a win!”
Introduction
In Minnesota, the weather doesn't mess around. Winters? Ice-cold and stretching on forever.
Summers? Short, sweet, and warm. So, when it comes to choosing your lawn armor, you gotta pick the tough ones - the grasses that can stand a chill and still rock that lush green look.
Time your grass-planting right. Strike when the mercury dips, in the refreshing spring or crisp autumn. That's when the grass is just raring to dig in its roots and get comfy before the extreme seasons hit.
Keep in mind, Minnesota is the north star of the grass zone. So, forget about those sun-loving, warm-season grasses. They won't last a Minnesota minute.
Which grasses grow best in Minnesota?
In the world of landscaping, not all grasses are created equal. Each thrives in a specific climate zone: cool, warm, or transition.
Minnesota, with its cool season climate, prefers a particular set of grasses that relish the lower temperatures. The following grasses are the easiest to grow and maintain in Minnesota:
While it's possible to grow grasses meant for other regions with proper care, attention and timing, these are the most common grasses in Minnesota for residential lawns.
What is the best time to lay sod in Minnesota?
Since it is considered a cool-season location, the ideal time to lay sod is in early spring or early fall. These periods offer moderate temperatures, leading to less stress on the sod and providing optimal conditions for root establishment before extreme temperatures of winter or summer. Avoid the summer, as high heat can stress the sod.
As you can see in the image below, you'll notice the most shoot growth (the grass above ground) and root growth in the spring and fall for cool season grases:
Best Grasses for Shade in Minnesota
Minnesotans, we all love our lush, green lawns, right? For those shady spots that get less sun, picking the right sod is crucial. Here are our top picks for shade-tolerant grasses, perfect for our Minnesota climate.
First up, we've got the Fine Fescue. These grass types are a solid bet for shady areas. Their rescue, chewings, hard, and sheep require just four hours of sunlight a day. What's more? They possess exceptional winter hardiness, a must in our harsh winters.
Then, we have the stalwart Kentucky Bluegrass. Hang on, we hear you holler, isn’t bluegrass a sun-loving variety? Absolutely, but here's the secret sauce - you can mix it with fine fescues to create a blend that loves sun and shade equally. And who doesn't appreciate versatility?
If you want a cool twist, try the Rough Bluegrass. It thrives in damp shade and tolerates close mowing, making it perfect for manicured lawns. A word of caution, it doesn’t withstand heat or drought. What can we say, it's not a fan of extremes!
Another pride and joy is our friend, the Tall Fescue. It's the durable, wear-resistant option we recommend for high-traffic areas. Although it likes the sun, with 4 to 6 hours of daily dappled light, it's good to go.
Lastly, the often disregarded Ryegrass. We know it’s a cool-season grass but mix it with fine fescues and you've got yourself a shade-loving, thick green carpet. But hey, it can be a little needy, asking for regular watering and feeding.
So there we have it, our top five choices for shade-tolerant sods in Minnesota. Pick your perfect sod partner, sit back, and watch your garden transform. Keep in mind, the golden rule of sod planting - soil preparation is key. Happy Sodding, folks!
What grasses stay green year-round in Minnesota?
As with anything agriculture related, there is some nuance to this question. There are many grasses that can stay green year round in but it depends heavily on your location within the state as well as any microclimates that may exist.
The following grasses have the ability to stay green year round in Minnesota:
| Grass Type | Caveats |
|---|---|
| Tall Fescue | It typically stays green throughout the year in milder climates, given that it isn't overly stressed by heat or drought in the summer. |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | It can retain its green color for much of the year when well-maintained, though harsh winter temperatures can push it towards dormancy and a browner hue. |
| Perennial Ryegrass | It can stay vibrant and green throughout the year in many climates, unless conditions are extremely cold or dry. |
| Fine Fescue | It keeps its green color throughout the year in ideal conditions. If the winters are particularly harsh, it may lose some color. |
