Hey there, lawn lover! If you’ve been dreaming of that lush lawn even in the middle of summer heat, you’re in the right place. Summer can be rough on grass, but choosing the best warm-season grasses can keep your lawn looking vibrant. These grass types thrive when the sun is blazing, and they love warm temperatures. Whether you’re starting from scratch with grass seed or just looking to patch up some bare spots, I’ve got the scoop on the best grass varieties to plant in summer. So grab your gardening gloves, and let’s dive in!
Best Grass to Plant in Summer
1. Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is your go-to if you’re dealing with high temperatures and need serious resistance against dry conditions. This warm-season grass is super tough and can handle heavy foot traffic, making it ideal if you’ve got kids or pets running around.
Fun fact: Bermuda grass can send its roots six feet deep, so it’s excellent at soaking up water, even when there’s not much rain. If you’re looking for a resilient and heat-tolerant option, this might be your new best friend. Just be sure to give it plenty of sun exposure—it’s not a fan of shade.
It thrives in dry weather and requires full sun, so make sure to plant it in areas with maximum sun exposure. It grows fast and tolerates foot traffic, making it perfect for a stunning lawn in high-use areas.
2. Carpet Grass
Carpet grass is all about low maintenance. If you’ve got poor soil and can’t spend hours on lawn care, this is a great option. It’s ideal for regions with high humidity and warm climates, and it thrives in acidic soil, making it a good fit for those tough spots where other grasses may struggle.
Plus, it’s perfect for keeping weeds in check. Planting carpet grass seed is easy, and once it’s fully established, you’ll have a low care lawn that looks good without all the hassle.
It is ideal for low-maintenance lawns and thrives in poor soil and humid conditions. It spreads quickly, but to ensure a green lawn, avoid over-fertilizing, as it can thrive without much input.
3. Zoysia Grass
For a lush lawn that can tolerate both sun and shade, zoysia grass is your best bet. It showcases great heat and drought tolerance, so no stress if you’re not up for watering it all the time. Unlike some other grass varieties, zoysia grass grows slower, meaning less mowing—yay for that! It’s great for creating a low-maintenance lawn and perfect for areas with both sun and partial shade.
It tolerates foot traffic well and works in both full sun and partial shade, making it great for versatile landscapes. Its drought tolerance means it can thrive without frequent watering, perfect for a low-maintenance summer lawn.
4. Indian Grass
Need something decorative and functional? Indian grass is a native hot weather grass that looks gorgeous in your yard, especially when a breeze rolls through. It’s highly drought-tolerant and can grow in a variety of soils, making it a fantastic option for those of you in hot climates with poor soil conditions.
Plus, its tall blades can help prevent soil erosion. This grass brings a wild, natural look to your yard and requires very little lawn care.
This grass prefers hot weather and is highly drought-tolerant, requiring minimal maintenance once established. It adds ornamental value to your yard and helps with soil erosion control, especially in larger landscapes.
5. Crabgrass
Okay, hear me out—crabgrass gets a bad rap, but if you’re looking for a grass that thrives in summer heat and poor soil, this is it. It’s like the underdog of grasses. Sure, it’s not as pretty as some other types, but it’s highly drought-tolerant and can handle the harshest conditions.
So, if you’ve got spots where nothing seems to grow, maybe give crabgrass a shot. Just keep in mind that it might need a little extra TLC to keep it from taking over your entire lawn.
Though often viewed as a weed, crabgrass is extremely drought resistant and can thrive in poor soil conditions. If you’re planting it, make sure to mow regularly and avoid planting it near cool season grasses, as it can outcompete them.
6. Centipede Grass
If you’re not one for a lot of mowing or fertilizing, then centipede grass is for you. This grass is perfect for those low-maintenance lawns and grows well in acidic soils. It can tolerate high temperatures, making it a popular choice for southern regions.
One downside? It doesn’t handle foot traffic as well as some of the other grasses, so keep that in mind if your yard gets a lot of action. But for those looking to plant and forget, centipede grass is golden.
It prefers acidic soil and low-fertility environments, making it a great low-maintenance option for warm climates. It thrives in full sun but struggles with heavy foot traffic, so it’s best for low-use areas.
7. St. Augustine Grass
The MVP of warm-season lawns, Augustine grass is practically made for the hot, humid climates of the south. It grows quickly and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade, so you don’t have to stress about getting it planted in the perfect spot.
Just remember, it’s not the best option for cold winters—it prefers warm climates year-round. If you’re lucky enough to live in those tropical-like regions, this could be the best warm-season grass for you.
It loves hot weather and can handle foot traffic in shady spots, making it ideal for coastal regions. However, it doesn’t tolerate cold, so plant in areas with mild winters for a stunning lawn year-round.
8. Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass is a native warm-season grass known for its dry tolerance. It doesn’t need much water or maintenance and can handle even the driest conditions. It’s one of those grasses that works perfectly for those wild, natural-looking lawns. If you’re in an area that gets high heat but not a lot of rain, this grass should be on your radar. With minimum care, the warm season grasses thrive pretty well!
Native to North America, buffalo grass thrives in hot climates with minimal water, making it an excellent drought-tolerant option. It grows best in full sun and doesn’t need much fertilizer, giving you a hassle-free green lawn.
9. Switchgrass
Looking for a grass that’s as low-maintenance as it is cool to look at? Switchgrass is your answer. It’s great for soil moisture management and can help control erosion. Plus, it has gorgeous foliage that turns bright yellow or gold in the fall.
It’s not just functional; it’s a total vibe for your lawn. Ideal for warm climates, this grass thrives in both sun and partial shade, and once it’s planted, you won’t have to worry too much about it.
It is perfect for low-maintenance yards and is highly tolerant of drought and varying soil conditions. It’s also excellent for preventing soil erosion and adds a nice visual element to your landscape.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—the best grasses to plant in the heat of summer. Whether you’re looking for a low-care lawn that can handle a bit of foot traffic, there’s a grass type out there that will fit your needs. Just remember, your geographical location plays a big part in choosing the right grass, so don’t forget to hit up your local garden center for advice specific to your area.
Summer doesn’t have to mean a brown, sad yard. With the right warm-season grass, your lawn can stay green, vibrant, and healthy even in the harshest conditions. Ready to get planting?
