To get the most accurate advice for your specific location, it's worth having a discussion with a local expert who can guide you towards the best grass options.”
Introduction
Wyoming's climate falls somewhere between semi-arid and continental, with winters that seem to drag on and summers that pass in the blink of an eye. This climate poses a tough challenge for growing grass, especially considering the high water requirements for its survival.
Nonetheless, there are a handful of grass varieties that have adapted to this rugged environment. The grass zones in Wyoming vary from 4 to 7, contingent on the specific region.
The higher the zone, the colder the temperatures and the shorter the growing seasons. The grass types that thrive under these circumstances are resilient, drought-resistant, and capable of growing deep roots to tap into any moisture that's available in the parched soil.
When it comes to the best time to lay grass in Wyoming, late spring or early fall are your best bets. During these periods, temperatures are relatively mild and there's a higher likelihood of rainfall.
What are the best sod types for WY?
In the world of landscaping, not all grasses are created equal. Each thrives in a specific climate zone: cool, warm, or transition.
Wyoming, with its cool season climate, prefers a particular set of grasses that relish the lower temperatures. The following sods are the easiest to grow and maintain in Wyoming:
While it's possible to grow grasses meant for other regions with proper care, attention and timing, these are the most common grasses in Wyoming for residential lawns.
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Recommended species for shade
All right, folks, let's dive straight into it! Out here in good ole' Wyoming, we reckon with less light situations. That's due to both our vast landscapes and changing seasons. So, what're the best grasses for shade in Wyoming?
First up, we've got the cool-season champ, the Fine Fescue. The underdog of shade-tolerant sods, this guy doesn't wimp out when sunlight gets scarce. Iowa State University’s Department of Horticulture says it requires only four hours of sunlight a day. Talk about low maintenance! You'll enjoy a thick, plush lawn with the least bit of sun. But remember, water well in the first year. Once it's settled, it's as resilient as they come.
Then we've got Kentucky Bluegrass. Wait, don't let the name misguide you! This grass variety is a Wyoming favorite for its tolerance to both sun and shade. While it certainly enjoys a good tan, it doesn't shy away from playing hard to get with the sun. Around six to eight hours a day of filtered sunlight does the job. Just remember, it's a bit thirsty, so keep that watering schedule regular!
Who could forget Tall Fescue? This hardy grass variety withstands cooler temperatures, moderate shade, and drought. On the sun-meter, it asks for about 4-6 hours, particularly in the morning. Even with less than perfect sunlight, Tall Fescue is scratch-resistant, keeping its emerald charm year-round.
Lastly, let's talk Ryegrass. This is your go-to when seeking fast establishing rates in areas with less light. For optimal growth, both Perennial and Annual Ryegrasses need around 4-6 hours of daily sunlight. Super resilient, these grasses offer a lush green look even under tree canopies.
Listen up! Every lawn in Wyoming is different, and the best success comes from considering your unique conditions. So, always remember where the sun rises and falls in your backyard. All the grasses we've talked about are warriors, ready to tough it out in the shade. But you've got to do your bit too. Keep them hydrated, but don't drown them. Mow regularly but lightly. It's a team effort, you see? Trust us on this, it won't be long till you're gazing at the lush, green carpet across your lawn. Wyoming sod is resilient. You just have to get the balance right.
Recommended for full sun or partial sun
When selecting sod for your lawn, it's crucial to consider the amount of sunlight the area receives. Grass varieties have different sun exposure requirements to thrive and maintain their health and appearance. Understanding whether your lawn area gets full sun or partial sun will help you choose the right sod variety.
Below are some sod options recommended for either full sun or partial sun conditions in WY:
| Grass Type | Sun | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Tall Fescue | Partial | Tall Fescue is adaptable to a range of conditions, including partial sun, and is known for its deep root system and tolerance to drought. |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | Full | Kentucky Bluegrass prefers full sun and is prized for its fine texture, rich color, and ability to recover quickly from damage. |
| Perennial Ryegrass | Full | Perennial Ryegrass thrives in full sun and is known for its rapid germination, fine texture, and bright green color. |
| Fine Fescue | Partial | Fine Fescue is well-suited for partial sun and is appreciated for its fine texture, shade tolerance, and low maintenance requirements. |
What varieties stay green year-round?
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 Wyoming as well as any microclimates that may exist.
The following grasses have the ability to stay green year round in Wyoming:
| 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. |
What is the best time to lay sod in Wyoming?
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:
Find reputable companies for installing sod in WY
Here are the top problems you'll face when trying to get sod installed by a landscaping company:
- They're hard to get ahold of on the phone or you'll reach out online but won't hear back.
- It's hard to pin them down for a specific date. Because you can only bring sod from the farm when there's decent weather, this causes some delays at times. It also has a short shelf life, so it's important to get it installed within a day or two of delivery.
- They're not transparent about pricing. You'll often get a quote that's way higher than you'd expect.
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