The Best Grass Species To Plant In New Jersey

New Jersey has been off to a hot start this summer. But Easterners know that can change any minute. We're used to stretches of warmth, followed by weeks of rain, cooler days, then back to dry warmth again.

With all these changes, you'll want to pick a grass species that can keep up. Consider a drought-resistant variety that can cut back on water usage this summer. Here's how.

Best Drought-Tolerant Grass Species

The first thing to do is to select the best type of grass for your specific location and circumstance. Here are the pros and cons to leading types of grass.

• Bermuda Grass: This species loves sun but requires frequent mowing.
• St. Augustine: This is the most drought-tolerant type, but it prefers dappled sunlight.
• Buffalo Grass: This can withstand (and prefers) full sun, but it grows slowly.
• Fescues: Best for cool climates, this type needs moist soil until established.
• Ryegrass: Best wear tolerance for trafficked areas, but it can tend to clump.
• Bentgrass: This resilient and attractive species requires cool nighttime temperatures.

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Best Grass For Hot Weather

Ready for a steamy summer? Make sure your grass is too by selecting the right species for your region and amount of sunlight in your yard. Bermuda grass loves full sun, and is ideal for hot and dry areas like southern California. St. Augustine has a maximum tolerance for dehydration, but it can’t handle full sunlight.

In the northern part of our state, Buffalo grass can handle extreme summers and also does well in the winter. But it prefers heavier clay soil and limited rainfall. It tends to grow lower than other grasses, but for this reason is low maintenance.

Best Grass For Cool Weather

A species like Fescues is great for varying climates, since it is tolerant to heat and drought but also stays green during the winter. Ryegrass is great for pastures, as it grows rapidly. It can also stand up to heavy traffic, if your “pastures” are overrun by children.

Bentgrass is often found on golf courses and fields, with its dense mat. It requires cool nighttime temperatures to flourish, however.

Consider Grass Alternatives

If you’re really looking to live a low-impact lifestyle, consider grass alternatives like moss, sedum and thyme. These options keep your yard looking green and can reduce water consumption.

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