The best grasses for eastern Nebraska’s very cold winters and humid summers are tall fescue (best adapted to the southeastern portion of Nebraska), Kentucky bluegrass (a better option for the northeast), and buffalograss.
In this article, we’ll discuss only the best grass seeds for eastern Nebraska. If you’re looking for the best grasses for the entire state, check out our article: “The Best Grass Seed for Nebraska Lawns.”
Tall fescue: Best for southeastern Nebraska
A cool-season grass with great adaptability to different soil fertility levels and pH, tall fescue is the best cool-season seed for eastern Nebraska’s humid, rainy summers. Additionally, because of its moderate winter tolerance, it performs better in the southeastern portion of Nebraska.
Pro Tip: Tall fescue can be mixed with 10% Kentucky bluegrass for improved winter tolerance.
Tall fescue has a moderate shade tolerance, being a good option for lawns that are partially shaded. Its fast growth requires more frequent mowing, but it doesn’t produce thatch. See how to take care of a tall fescue lawn in our guide: “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.)
Kentucky bluegrass: Best for northeastern Nebraska
With a beautiful dark green color and better winter tolerance than tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass is well adapted to northeastern Nebraska. However, because of its poor heat tolerance, it is not the best choice for southeastern counties like Richardson and Lancaster.
Kentucky bluegrass is a high-maintenance grass that requires full sun exposure and is susceptible to necrotic patch, summer patch, and white grubs. See how you can take care of a Kentucky bluegrass lawn in our guide: “Kentucky Bluegrass: How to Grow and Care for It.”
Grass Seed Options:
– Jonathan Green (11970) Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed (3 lbs.)
– SeedRanch Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
Buffalograss: Best warm-season grass for Nebraska
Buffalograss is the only warm-season grass that is adapted to Nebraska, being widely used in the state as turf. If you have an alkaline soil, this might be the right grass for you.
With a great drought and winter tolerance, buffalograss provides the best of both worlds, adapting to all of eastern Nebraska and being a great grass seed for Omaha and other warmer cities. Just keep in mind that this grass survives winter by going dormant, so you won’t have a green lawn all year round. (Its green period lasts from June to October.)
Another great advantage of buffalograss is its resistance to diseases and grubs, being only occasionally affected by chinch bugs. After being established, it becomes a practical, low-maintenance turf. Learn more about this grass in 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)
When to call a pro
We know that lawn care can be tiresome and time-consuming. But the good news is that you don’t have to do it if you don’t want to: Contact a local lawn care pro instead. We have lawn care experts in Omaha, Lincoln, and throughout Nebraska who are ready to offer their help. Get in touch today.
Main Image Credit: Ryan Renner | Flickr | CC BY 2.0
