North Carolina presents a unique challenge for lawn owners due to its geographical position within the Transition Zone. This climate area complicates the selection of suitable turfgrass, experiencing extremes too hot for northern grasses and too cold for varieties that thrive in the deep South. Choosing the right type of grass requires aligning turf characteristics with the local climate conditions.
Understanding North Carolina’s Transition Zone
The Transition Zone is defined by its intermediate climate, where both severe summer heat and regular winter freezes occur. This means neither cool-season nor warm-season grasses can thrive without significant stress year-round. Cool-season grasses, such as fescues, grow best between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, performing well in the spring and fall but struggling during summer heat.
Conversely, warm-season grasses, including Bermuda and Zoysia, flourish between 80 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, growing vigorously throughout the summer. These varieties turn brown and enter a dormant state after the first hard frost, remaining colorless throughout the winter months.
Specific Warm-Season Grasses
Warm-season grasses are the preferred choice in the warmer, eastern, and lower-Piedmont regions of the state. They are valued for their superior heat and drought tolerance during North Carolina summers, establishing deep root systems to endure prolonged periods without rainfall.
Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is an aggressive, full-sun turf known for its durability and rapid recovery from damage. It spreads vigorously via stolons and rhizomes, creating a dense turf that withstands heavy foot traffic. This aggressive growth requires frequent mowing and high nitrogen fertilization.
Zoysia grass (Zoysia spp.) is a finer-bladed, dense turf offering a balance between durability and aesthetics. Though slower to establish than Bermuda, it forms a thick carpet that resists weeds and handles moderate shade. Zoysia is considered lower-maintenance once established because its slower growth rate requires less frequent mowing.
Centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) is a low-maintenance option best suited for acidic, less fertile soils common in the Coastal Plain. It has a coarse leaf texture and requires minimal fertilization. This grass spreads only by stolons and does not tolerate high traffic or compacted soil.
Specific Cool-Season Grasses
Cool-season grasses are primarily used in the mountainous and upper-Piedmont regions, where summer temperatures are less extreme. These grasses remain green year-round, unlike warm-season varieties, relying on deeper roots or specific growth habits to survive summer heat.
Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is the most widely planted cool-season grass in North Carolina, valued for its moderate heat tolerance and deep root system. It is a bunch-type grass, meaning damaged areas must be repaired by overseeding rather than self-repair. Newer turf-type cultivars are popular for their finer texture and improved shade tolerance.
Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is prized for its fine texture, dark green color, and ability to spread via rhizomes, allowing it to self-repair and form a dense sod. Because it has lower heat and drought tolerance than Tall Fescue, it often struggles during the hottest summer months. It is frequently blended with Tall Fescue to combine its self-repairing qualities with Fescue’s hardiness.
Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is used mainly as a temporary cover or for overseeding warm-season lawns to provide winter color. It germinates rapidly, making it an excellent choice for quick establishment. Perennial Ryegrass has poor heat tolerance and typically dies out during the state’s hot summer, requiring replanting each fall.
Selecting Grass Based on Site Conditions
The decision between warm and cool-season grass depends on weighing a lawn’s specific environmental factors against the turf’s characteristics.
Sun Exposure
Sun exposure is a primary factor, as full-sun areas benefit most from high-heat-tolerant varieties like Bermuda grass. Tall Fescue and Zoysia grass are better suited for lawns receiving partial shade.
Traffic Tolerance
Traffic tolerance dictates durability, with Bermuda grass being the best option for high-traffic zones due to its rapid recovery. Zoysia grass also handles wear well, while low-traffic lawns are better candidates for Centipede or Tall Fescue.
Maintenance and Water Needs
Maintenance requirements also play a significant role, particularly concerning water. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia are generally more drought-resistant once established, requiring less supplemental irrigation. Cool-season Fescue requires consistent watering to remain green and prevent dormancy during the hottest months.