Types of Grass Seed

Sep 25th 2017

Welcome to the Western Wonder blog! We’re excited to share our combined 65 years of seeding and growing experience we have with you, and this is the place to do it. Check back for frequent posts on grass growing tips, gardening and planting conditions, information on our expansive selection of seed products, and more.

We’ll start our blog with everyone’s favorite seed: grass seed. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common types of native and lawn grasses, their diverse characteristics, and their real-world applications, so you have the appropriate knowledge to buy the grass seed you need.

Bluegrass

Commonly used for parks and home lawns, bluegrass creates a beautiful, durable turf when planted correctly, and is an excellent erosion control plant because of its rapid turf-forming tendencies. It’s fine to medium in texture, handles extreme weather conditions, and is incredibly resistant to disease, making it one of the most durable types of grass on the market. However, some strains of bluegrass grow incredibly fast, making it a great choice for those who enjoy taking the riding lawnmower for a cruise.

Buffalograss

Known as the native grass that spans from Montana to Mexico, Buffalograss is a signature grass of the American prairie and a favorite amongst prairie grazers like pronghorn and bison. Its dense turfing ability, low demand for water, and high resistance to drought and extreme heat make Buffalograss perfect for low-traffic home lawn areas. Plus, it’s on of the slowest-growing grasses on the market, making it an optimal choice for those who don’t have the time to mow the lawn frequently.

Ryegrass

Ryegrass is a predominant foraging and lawn grass in milder climates of Europe and is best suited for mild, coastal areas of the United States. This grass needs plenty of water, and has a low resistance to drought conditions and pests, making it a high-maintenance option for home lawns.

Many people in the southern United States use Ryegrass to overseed other kinds of grass—so when seasonal summer grasses peter out in the winter months, ryegrass comes alive and keeps your yard looking lush and green.

Fescue

Fescue grass is one of the most popular grass types in America due to its ability to remain green throughout the winter months, given that you don’t live in an extremely cold climate. It also can handle a lot of foot traffic without losing its dense and lush appearance. Fescue is another grass that requires overseeding, as it takes a lot of maintenance and an unsustainable amount of water to survive in the summer months, and is often prone to sun damage in the form of unsightly brown spots.

Bermudagrass

Introduced from India and Africa during early American colonization, Bermudagrass is a popular choice for sports fields and parks, and for good reason. It is incredibly welcoming to warm temperatures and direct sunlight, and grows in many different types of soil, and is a relatively economical choice for seeding large, sprawling pastures, golf courses, and multi-field soccer complexes. While Bermudagrass will survive without much water, it does need weekly sips to maintain its bright green hue.

Great Grass Comes From Great Seed

No matter what kind of grass fits your desires, your climate, or your budget, Western Wonder can help. From mountaintops to dry deserts, Western Wonder is dedicated to providing top-quality grass, flower, and speciality seeds that can transform your yard, field, pasture, or outdoor play space into something that’s sustainable, beautiful, and enjoyable. Contact us with any questions, and plant the seed for a great lawn today!