The best grasses for central South Carolina are Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, centipedegrass, and tall fescue.
This article focuses only on the best grasses for central South Carolina, so if you’re searching for the best grasses for the entire state or other regions of the state, visit our other guides:
- The Best Grass for South Carolina Lawns
- The Best Grass for Upstate South Carolina
- The Best Grass for Coastal South Carolina
Note: The boundaries for central South Carolina vary, but they generally encompass parts of the Piedmont, the Sandhills, and the Coastal Plain (including the inner Coastal Plain), which are the areas we’ll focus on in this article.
Bermudagrass: Best leaf texture
One of the best grasses for Columbia, Bermudagrass has the finest leaf texture among the other warm-season grasses and adapts well to central South Carolina. Keep in mind that Bermudagrass also requires the highest mowing frequency out of the other grasses on this list. So, if you find mowing the lawn relaxing, Bermudagrass might be just the grass for you.
Other big pros of Bermudagrass are its fast establishment and its excellent drought, salt, and wear tolerance. This high-quality turf has equally high maintenance needs which you can learn in our guide: “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)
Zoysiagrass: Best shade tolerance
One of the most shade-tolerant out of the warm-season grasses, Zoysiagrass is a great option for lawns that don’t get too much sun. Its dense turf has a good traffic tolerance, withstanding pets and children running around. Zoysiagrass produces a medium to fine leaf texture and an attractive, medium to dark green color.
Zoysiagrass is adapted to the entire state but requires a high level of maintenance and care. Learn more in our article: “Zoysiagrass: How to Grow and Care for It.”
Grass Plug and Seed Options:
– Zoysia Plugs (50 Large Grass Plugs)
– Zoysia Plugs (50 Full & Lush Grass Plugs)
– Zoysia Plugs (100 Plugs)
– Zenith Zenith Grass Seeds (1/8 lb. of seeds)
Centipedegrass: Best for acidic soil
If you have infertile, acidic soil, don’t worry; centipedegrass is here for you. Growing in soil conditions that most grasses struggle with, centipedegrass is a low-maintenance turf that does well in areas with low or no traffic, as it does not tolerate wear very well.
You can see more in-depth information on how to maintain a centipedegrass lawn in our article: “Centipedegrass: How to Grow and Care for It.”
Grass Seed Options:
– Gulf Kist Coated Centipedegrass Seeds (1 lb.)
– Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Centipedegrass (3.75 lbs.)
– TifBlair Centipedegrass (5-lb. bag)
Tall Fescue: Best cool-season option
Central South Carolina’s definitions vary; some include counties in the Piedmont region, such as Edgefield, Saluda, and Newberry. For residents in these areas or in higher elevations (above 800 feet), tall fescue is a great option.
Because it is a cool-season grass, tall fescue prefers cooler temperatures. Yet, tall fescue is a cool-season grass with a relatively good heat tolerance. Tall fescue grows in various soil types but does best in heavier, clay soils. With a good shade tolerance, tall fescue performs its best in slightly shaded areas or north-facing slopes.
Learn how to care for your tall fescue lawn: “Tall Fescue: How to Grow and Care for It.”
Grass Seed Options:
– Triple-Play Tall Fescue Grass Seed Blend (5000 sq ft)
– Eretz Kentucky 31 K31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed (choose your size)
– Pennington The Rebels Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix (7 lb.)
Call a lawn care pro
If you need a hand with your day-to-day lawn care, know that our pros are ready to help. We have trusted lawn care pros in Columbia, Florence, and across South Carolina. Call our lawn care experts today and turn your dream lawn into a reality.
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Main Image Credit: Flinn Hall, University of South Carolina, Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC | Warren LeMay | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0
