Charlotte sits in what turf experts call the transition zone. Summers are hot enough for warm season grasses like bermuda and zoysia, and winters are cool enough for tall fescue. That is why you see all of them on the same street. The right one for your yard comes down to sun, shade, traffic and how much upkeep you want.
The four grasses you will see around Charlotte
Tall fescue. A cool season grass that stays green most of the year. It handles more shade than the warm season grasses, which is why it is common under the big trees in older neighborhoods. It can struggle in the hottest part of summer without water.
Bermuda. A warm season grass that loves full sun and holds up to heavy use, which is why you see it on athletic fields. It turns tan and goes dormant in winter and does not do well in shade.
Zoysia. A warm season grass that makes a thick, carpet like lawn. It is slower to spread than bermuda and also goes dormant in winter. NC State Extension notes that the low, slow types of zoysia are planted from sod, plugs or sprigs rather than seed, so sod is the common way to get a zoysia lawn (NC State Extension Gardener Handbook).
Centipede. A low growing warm season grass seen across the Carolinas. It is often chosen by people who want a lawn that needs less mowing and feeding.
How to choose
- Mostly shade: tall fescue is usually the safest pick.
- Full sun and lots of foot traffic: bermuda.
- Full sun and you want a thick, dense look: zoysia.
- Lower upkeep in sun to light shade: centipede is worth a look.
NC State Extension has a full guide to Carolina lawn grasses if you want to go deeper (Carolina Lawns, NC State Extension).
Timing matters as much as the grass
Tall fescue sod can go down almost any time the ground is not frozen. Warm season sod like bermuda and zoysia roots best in late spring and early summer, once the soil is warm. NC State notes that warm season sod will not root until the soil stays above 55 degrees for several weeks (NC State Extension Gardener Handbook). We will tell you which grass and which time of year make sense for your yard before you book.
Not sure what your yard needs?
Text your address to (980) 990-2657. We look at your yard from satellite, ask about sun and shade, and send a free written quote for the grass that fits.