
The best grasses for Albuquerque are Bermudagrass, fine fescue, buffalograss, and perennial ryegrass. In this article, we’ll explain why each does well in Albuquerque and delve into their pros and cons so you can determine which one is best for you.
Note: Albuquerque gets more sunshine and less annual rainfall than the rest of northern New Mexico. If you want to know the best grasses for other areas of northern New Mexico, check out our article, The Best Grass for Northern New Mexico. For the best grasses in the entire state, read our article, The Best Grass for New Mexico Lawns.
Bermudagrass: Drought-tolerant

Bermudagrass is the most popular grass in New Mexico. It’s well suited to Albuquerque for its ability to withstand high heat, its drought tolerance, and its durability under heavy foot traffic.
However, Bermudagrass doesn’t do well in shade. It also spreads aggressively into flower beds or other lawns and its fast growth rate means it needs frequent mowing. Be prepared to put some work into maintaining it.
Learn more about Bermudagrass in our article, Bermudagrass: How to Grow and Care for It.
Grass Seed Options:
– Scotts Turf Builder Bermudagrass (10-lb. bag)
– Hancock Seed Co. Bermudagrass (50-lb. bag)
Fine fescue: Shade-tolerant

If you have a shady lawn, then fine fescue is a great choice. It has the highest shade tolerance of all grasses in New Mexico. Learn more about it in our article, Fine Fescue: How to Grow and Care for It.
According to Daniel Smeal and Bonnie Hopkins, a college professor and extension agriculture agent, respectively, from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico State University, there are more than 100 species of fescue, but only hard fescue and red fescue work well as turfgrasses.
Grass Seed Options:
– Outsidepride Legacy Fine Fescue Grass Seed (5 lbs.)
– Eretz Creeping Red Fine Fescue Seed (choose your size)
– Outsidepride Creeping Red Fine Fescue Grass Seed (25 lbs.)
Buffalograss: Low-maintenance

If you want a lawn that doesn’t require much care, consider buffalograss. Once established, it doesn’t need much mowing, watering, or fertilization, and has few problems with insects or diseases.
However, buffalograss has a low shade and foot traffic tolerance. If you have a shady yard or plan on having your kids and pets play in the grass, this isn’t the best choice.
For more information, read our article, Buffalograss: How to Grow and Care for It.
Grass Seed Options:
– Everwilde Farms Buffalograss Seeds (1 lb. of seeds)
– Buffalograss seed (primed) (5-lb. bag)
Perennial ryegrass: Durable under foot

Perennial ryegrass not only takes a pounding from feet and paws but recovers quickly. If you plan on hosting many barbecues or letting kids play in the yard, perennial ryegrass is a good choice.
However, perennial ryegrass needs the weather to cooperate to survive. If winter temperatures are too low or summer temperatures are too high, it can die or suffer injury. You’ll need to overseed it in fall and spring to revitalize it.
Learn more about perennial ryegrass in our article, Perennial Ryegrass: How to Grow and Care for It.
Grass Seed Options:
– Outsidepride Perennial Ryegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
– Eretz ProTurf Perennial Ryegrass Fine Lawn Seed (choose your size)
Hire a professional
Are you struggling with picking the right grass? Did you figure out what grass you wanted but don’t know how to plant it? Contact a Lawn Love professional. We’ll help you decide on the perfect grass for your lawn, or plant it.
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Main Image Credit: Berthold Spitz House | Ridgecrestphoto | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0