
The best grass seed for Central Michigan, the palm and thumb of the Michigan mitten, are cool-season grasses like tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, and perennial ryegrass.
In this article, we’ll learn a bit more about each of these grass types, including their advantages and disadvantages. But if you want to know the best grasses for the entire state, check out our article, The Best Grass Seed for Michigan Lawns.
Tall fescue: Best grass seed for poor soil

Tall fescue is an excellent choice for Central Michigan, especially if your soil conditions are less than ideal. This grass thrives in poor soils, including amended clay and sandy types, as well as soils with low fertility.
Tall fescue’s deep roots make it the most heat-tolerant of grasses on this list, so it won’t suffer during Central Michigan’s hot summers. It will be one of the last grasses to go dormant when temperatures rise. It is also low-maintenance, but there are still some tasks you have to do. Learn more in our guide: Tall Fescue: How to Grow and Care for It.
Tip: Some soil problems can be fixed by removing small plugs from the soil, so also check out our guide on When to Aerate Your Lawn in Michigan. Top dressing with organic matter might also be helpful.
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.)
Kentucky bluegrass: Best grass seed for full sun

Kentucky bluegrass is the most common grass in Michigan, and Central Michigan is no different. This grass is highly cold-tolerant, so it will survive even the harshest winters in cities in the north-central area, like Big Rapids in Mecosta County.
However, Kentucky bluegrass thrives in full sun and requires more care compared to other grass types. It may need extra attention during summer in Central Michigan, including consistent watering to maintain its blue-green appearance. You’re lucky if you live in Flint, though, as it is one of the 10 most affordable cities for watering the lawn.
Check out our guide, Kentucky Bluegrass: How to Grow and Care for It, to learn more.
Grass Seed Options:
– Jonathan Green (11970) Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed (3 lbs.)
– SeedRanch Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
Fine fescue: Best grass seed for shade

If you have a heavily shaded yard in Central Michigan, fine fescue is your best option. This grass type has the highest shade tolerance, and it is easy to care for. (Learn more in our guide: Fine Fescue: How to Grow and Care for It.)
According to Dr. Suleiman Bughara, a professor from the Department of Crop & Soil Sciences at Michigan State University, fine fescues are seldom seeded alone in Michigan. They’re typically used in seed mixes with perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass.
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.)
– Outsidepride Hard Fine Fescue Grass Seed (10 lbs.)
Perennial ryegrass: Best grass seed for quick establishment

Perennial ryegrass establishes quickly, making it perfect for overseeding or fixing damaged patches in your Central Michigan lawn. However, even though this grass can handle heavy foot traffic, it is not as winter-hardy as Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue, and can be damaged or even die during the winter months.
To recover the perennial ryegrass that might have died during winter, you can seed it again in early spring or late summer. (Learn how to establish this grass in our guide: Perennial Ryegrass: How to Grow and Care for It.) However, if you’re in north-central Michigan, you might want to consider options that are more cold-tolerant.
Grass Seed Options:
– Outsidepride Perennial Ryegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
– Eretz ProTurf Perennial Ryegrass Fine Lawn Seed (choose your size)
When to call a pro
Planting and maintaining a lawn in Central Michigan can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. For expert advice on planting the best grass seeds and ongoing care, call a local professional. We have pros in Lansing, Flint, Saginaw, and other Central Michigan cities ready to assist you.
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