Best Grass for Tennessee Lawns: A Comprehensive Guide

April 17, 2025

Choosing the best grass for your Tennessee lawn can depend on various factors, including your region, climate, and maintenance preferences. This guide offers insight into both cool-season and warm-season grasses, such as Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, Bermuda, and Zoysia, helping homeowners in East, Middle, and West Tennessee make informed decisions. With the right grass selection, you can create a vibrant, durable lawn that thrives year-round, and with expert care from Bourne Brothers Landscaping, you’ll ensure your lawn stays healthy and beautiful.

Best Grass for Tennessee Lawns: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right grass for your lawn in Tennessee can be a bit tricky, given the state's diverse climate and soil conditions. Whether you're in East, Middle, or West Tennessee, understanding the best type of grass to plant can significantly impact the appearance and health of your lawn. At Bourne Brothers Landscaping in Clarksville, Tennessee, we know how to make your lawn thrive, no matter where you are located in the Volunteer State.

When choosing grass for your Tennessee lawn, it’s essential to consider your specific climate, soil type, and lawn usage. With Tennessee's wide range of weather, it's important to select grass that can handle both hot summers and cooler winters. Here’s what you need to know to pick the best grass for your lawn in Tennessee.

What Is the Best Grass for Tennessee?

Tennessee has a mix of both warm-season and cool-season grasses that can thrive throughout the year. Your choice will largely depend on your location and the level of maintenance you're willing to invest in. Here's a closer look at what works best in Tennessee.

Cool-Season Grasses

Cool-season grasses are ideal for the cooler months and can handle Tennessee’s winters quite well. These grasses stay green and healthy in the fall, winter, and early spring, making them perfect for homeowners in the northern and higher elevation regions of Tennessee. Popular cool-season grasses in Tennessee include:

  • Tall Fescue: Known for its hardiness, tall fescue is one of the best cool-season grasses for Tennessee lawns. It is drought-resistant and can handle the varying conditions throughout the state, especially in shaded areas.
  • Kentucky Bluegrass: This grass is prized for its rich color and fine texture. It thrives in cooler temperatures and is perfect for lawns that experience cooler fall and spring seasons.
  • Perennial Ryegrass: This grass is often used for overseeding warm-season grasses like Bermuda. It germinates quickly and provides a lush, green lawn during winter.

Warm-Season Grasses

Warm-season grasses are better suited for the hot, humid Tennessee summers. These grasses grow best in the warmer months, and they tend to go dormant in the winter, turning brown during the colder seasons. Here are some of the top warm-season grasses for Tennessee:

  • Bermuda Grass: This is one of the most popular warm-season grasses for Tennessee. Bermuda grass is drought-tolerant, grows quickly, and can handle high traffic areas, making it ideal for lawns that experience heavy foot traffic.
  • Zoysia Grass: Known for its ability to tolerate both sun and partial shade, Zoysia grass is another excellent choice for Tennessee lawns. It’s a slower-growing grass but creates a dense, lush lawn that requires less maintenance.
  • Centipede Grass: This low-maintenance grass is perfect for homeowners who prefer a lawn with minimal upkeep. It’s tolerant of shade and drought and is ideal for lawns with less traffic.

What Grass Stays Green All Year in Tennessee?

If you're looking for a lawn that stays green year-round, you may want to consider mixing cool and warm-season grasses. Cool-season grasses will keep your lawn green in the colder months, while warm-season grasses will take over in the summer. For year-round green coverage, Bermuda grass combined with ryegrass or fescue is a good option.

Lawn Care Tips for Tennessee Grass

  • Watering: Regular watering is crucial, especially during Tennessee's hot summer months. Ensure your grass is getting the right amount of water based on the type of grass you have.
  • Mowing: Mowing is essential to maintaining a healthy lawn. Keep your grass at an optimal height to promote healthy growth.
  • Fertilization: Using the right fertilizer can make all the difference in maintaining a healthy lawn. Make sure you use a fertilizer that’s specific to your grass type.

Conclusion

Choosing the best grass for your Tennessee lawn ultimately comes down to the region you live in, the grass’s tolerance to heat and cold, and the maintenance level you’re comfortable with. At Bourne Brothers Landscaping, we’re here to help guide you through the process of selecting the perfect grass for your lawn and maintaining it year-round.

Whether you're considering cool-season grasses like fescue or cool-season varieties like Bermuda, we can help you find the best grass to fit your lifestyle and lawn care needs. Contact us today to get started on your dream lawn in Clarksville, Tennessee!

Bourne Brothers Landscaping