#1
Kentucky bluegrass
Repairs itself well, but needs more water and feeding than tall fescue.
- Region match
- Sun exposure match
- Handles your traffic
- Fits your water preference
- Needs more maintenance than you prefer
Free calculator
Which grass fits your lawn?
A shortlist based on where you live, how much sun the lawn gets, how it is used, and how much upkeep you want.
Grass shortlist
100/100
#2
Perennial ryegrass
Fast to establish and durable underfoot; less heat and drought tolerant than tall fescue.
- Region match
- Sun exposure match
- Handles your traffic
- Fits your water preference
- Fits your maintenance preference
#3
Tall fescue
Deep roots and tough leaves make it a practical choice for busy cool-season lawns.
- Region match
- Sun exposure match
- Handles your traffic
- Fits your water preference
- Fits your maintenance preference
Scores prioritise fit over popularity. Ask a local extension office which cultivars are tested and sold near you.
This is a screening tool, not a guarantee. Local extension guidance, cultivar choice, and a soil test should confirm the final decision.
How the shortlist works
Each grass is scored against your region, sun exposure, traffic tolerance, water preference, and maintenance tolerance. Region carries the most weight, because a grass that cannot survive your winter or summer is not a real option. The three highest scores are shown with the reasons behind them.
What the score is not
It is not a cultivar recommendation, a guarantee, or a substitute for local testing. Two lawns in the same ZIP code can have different soil, drainage, shade, and use. Your cooperative extension service publishes cultivar trials and local guidance that are more specific than any national tool.
Establishment matters
Some grasses are seeded; others are usually sodded or plugged. St. Augustine, for example, is rarely established from seed. Ask what the establishment method costs before choosing a grass that looks good on paper.
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