Lawn grass types compared
Mowing height, shade, drought and wear tolerance for eight common lawn grasses, from NC State Extension's lawn grass table. Ratings follow its scale from Very poor to Excellent.
| Grass | Mowing height | Shade tolerance | Drought tolerance | Wear tolerance | Grows from seed | Preferred season | Establishment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | 1.5–2.5 inches | Good | Good | Good | Yes | Fall | Moderate |
| Tall fescue | 2.5–3.5 inches | Good | Very good | Very good | Yes | Fall | Fast |
| Zoysia grass | 0.75–2 inches | Good | Excellent | Good | Yes | Spring–Summer | Very slow |
| Bermuda grass (common) | 0.75–2 inches | Very poor | Excellent | Excellent | Yes | Spring–Summer | Fast |
| Bermuda grass (hybrid) | 0.75–2 inches | Very poor | Excellent | Excellent | No | Spring–Summer | Moderate |
| Bahia grass | 2–4 inches | Good | Excellent | Good | Yes | Spring–Summer | Moderate |
| Centipede grass | 1–1.5 inches | Good | Good | Very poor | Yes | Spring–Summer | Slow |
| St. Augustine grass | 2.5–4 inches | Very good | Good | Very poor | No | Spring–Summer | Moderate |
Related
- Kentucky bluegrass: mowing height, shade and drought tolerance
- Tall fescue: mowing height, shade and drought tolerance
- Zoysia grass: mowing height, shade and drought tolerance
- Bermuda grass (common): mowing height, shade and drought tolerance
- Bermuda grass (hybrid): mowing height, shade and drought tolerance
- Bahia grass: mowing height, shade and drought tolerance
- Centipede grass: mowing height, shade and drought tolerance
- St. Augustine grass: mowing height, shade and drought tolerance