So, to sum up, Tennessee's climate is a green light for a range of grasses that are well equipped to stand up to the warm temperatures and occasional dry spells. Whatever your lawn goals in Tennessee, you're sure to find a grass variety that can weather whatever the state's climate has to offer.”
Introduction
Tennessee, with its humid subtropical climate, serves up sizzling summers and winters that keep things mild. It's an ideal spot for warm-season grasses that love to soak up the sun.
These grasses lap up the heat and stand up well to the climate Tennessee offers. If you're looking to lay some turf in Tennessee, the warm months of the year are your friend - think late spring stretching through to early fall.
At this time, the soil is warm and likely to be moist, providing the perfect nursery for your grass to develop a robust root system. Tennessee is a big fan of warm-season grasses, with its grass zone favoring varieties that can handle hot summers and aren't phased by the odd drought that the state can experience.
So, to sum up, Tennessee's climate is a green light for a range of grasses that are well equipped to stand up to the warm temperatures and occasional dry spells. Whatever your lawn goals in Tennessee, you're sure to find a grass variety that can weather whatever the state's climate has to offer.
Which grasses grow best in Tennessee?
In the world of landscaping, not all grasses are created equal. Each thrives in a specific climate zone: cool, warm, or transition.
Tennessee, with its transition zone climate, prefers a particular set of grasses that relish the a wide range of temperatures. The following grasses are the easiest to grow and maintain in Tennessee:
While it's possible to grow grasses meant for other regions with proper care, attention and timing, these are the most common grasses in Tennessee for residential lawns.
What is the best time to lay sod in Tennessee?
For transition zones, consider the type of sod. For warm season grasses, aim for late spring. This gives them a full summer to establish before winter. For cool season grasses, fall is best, allowing roots to develop in mild temperatures. Whichever you pick, avoid extremes of summer and winter. So, late spring for warm grasses, fall for cool ones, and skip the severe seasons.
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 and during the summer for warm season grasses:
Best Grasses for Shade in Tennessee
Alright, let's talk grass. You got some shade in your yard? In the great state of Tennessee, that can actually be a good thing. We're tackling those shaded areas that need a little bit of green love. Because let's face it, not every corner of your yard gets the same amount of sunlight - we get it.
You want to know the best sod for shade here in TN? Start with Fine Fescue. This friendly grass is like a shade lover. Bright sunlight isn't its thing, but put it in that shadowy spot under the tree? It's a happy camper. 4 hours of sunlight each day? That's plenty for Fine Fescue.
Zoysia Grass is another contender. Zoysia needs a little more sun - we're talking about 5-6 hours daily. But this hardy grass handles shade like a pro. Plus, it'll give you that lush, full look you’re striving for.
Now, let’s not forget about St. Augustine. This guy is a heat lover but still does pretty well in shady areas. With 6 hours of sunshine a day, St. Augustine can thrive. It's got a high tolerance for humidity too, perfect for those sweaty Tennessee summers.
But, the real game-changer here is the Tall Fescue. This grass has a knack for resilience, whether it's heat, cold, drought, or shade. Tall Fescue handles it all with grace. It needs a good 4-5 hours of sun each day, but beyond that, it’s not picky. So, if you've got a yard that's got a mix of sun and shade, this is your guy.
Remember, every lawn has its unique conditions and needs. So we say, mix and match. Test the waters, watch that grass grow, and soon enough, you'll have a green oasis even in the most shaded areas of your lawn. It's all about finding a balance - a lawn harmony, if you will. And once you do, you're one step closer to creating the perfect Tennessee landscape.
What grasses stay green year-round in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee:
| Grass Type | Caveats |
|---|---|
| Bermuda | It typically goes dormant and turns brown after a few hard frosts in the fall and stays that way until temperatures consistently hit the 60s in the spring. |
| Zoysia | It can stay green nearly year-round in milder climates without severe winter freezes or overly high summer temperatures. |
| St. Augustine | It can stay green almost year round, but will go dormant and turn brown during cool-season months in colder regions. |
| 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. |
