Looking for the best grass seeds for Michigan? Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, fine fescues, and creeping bentgrass thrive in the Great Lakes State, ensuring lush lawns (when there isn’t snow).
Let’s learn more about each of them and how they could be the best for your lawn:
Best grass seed by region
If you’re looking for the best grass to grow in a particular region of Michigan, here are more specific grass type guides depending on where in the state you live:
- Best Grass Seed for Northern Michigan
- Best Grass Seed for West Michigan
- Best Grass Seed for Southeast Michigan
- Best Grass Seed for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
- Best Grass Seed for Central Michigan
Best grass types for Michigan
Kentucky bluegrass: Best grass seed for cold tolerance
Kentucky bluegrass is the most common grass in Michigan due to its high cold tolerance (higher than perennial ryegrass or tall fescue), making it ideal for the state’s harsh winters. It creates a dense, lush turf, and recovers well from wear and tear.
However, this grass may require more maintenance than most other grass types, but don’t worry, you can check our article on Kentucky Bluegrass: How to Grow and Care for It. In addition, it doesn’t like shade, so it’s best suited for Michigan lawns with full sun exposure.
Grass Seed Options:
– Jonathan Green (11970) Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed (3 lbs.)
– SeedRanch Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
Perennial ryegrass: Best grass seed for overseeding
Perennial ryegrass is the fastest-growing grass seed in Michigan, making it perfect for overseeding thinning lawns. It’s especially effective when mixed with Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue, creating a resilient turf.
On the flip side, perennial ryegrass can struggle with Michigan’s harsh winters, often suffering injury or even dying off. But don’t worry, you can easily overseed again in early spring or late summer to bring your lawn back to life. To learn more about this grass, read our article on 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)
Fine fescues: Best grass seed for shade
Fine fescues include the varieties red fescue, sheep fescue, Chewings fescue, and hard fescue. These grasses are known for thriving in shady locations, making them an excellent choice for areas with limited sunlight. They’re also easy to care for, with low fertilizer and mowing needs. You can learn more in our guide: Fine Fescue: How to Grow and Care for It.
However, fine fescues can’t handle heavy foot traffic, so they’re best suited for low-traffic areas. In addition, in Michigan, these grasses are typically used in seed mixes with Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass rather than being planted alone.
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.)
Tall fescue: Best grass seed for clay soil
Tall fescue is a great option for difficult soil conditions, including soils with lower fertility, acidic or alkaline pH, moderate salinity, clay, and sandy soils. This makes it a resilient choice for various environments, though you should aerate and topdress for better results. Additionally, tall fescue tolerates some shade and is resistant to most diseases.
Tall fescue does need to be mowed often to maintain its appearance. For more details on the optimal mowing height and other maintenance tips, check out 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.)
Creeping bentgrass: Best grass seed for sandy soil
Creeping bentgrass can be grown on pure sand that has been modified with organic matter, making it the best grass seed for sandy soils. It also tolerates Michigan’s cold temperatures well, as well as some level of shade.
However, creeping bentgrass requires a lot of maintenance, including frequent mowing and fertilizing. This can make it an expensive option and sometimes even be considered a weed when found in home lawns. (Learn more in our article on Creeping Bentgrass: Weed or Turfgrass?) In Michigan, creeping bentgrass is mostly used on golf courses.
FAQ about grasses in Michigan
Can you grow warm-season grasses in Michigan?
You may be able to grow some warm-season grasses in Michigan, like buffalograss or Zoysia, but it is not recommended by Michigan State University. These grasses will turn tan early in the fall and take too much time to green up in spring.
Additionally, Bermudagrass, another warm-season grass, is considered a weed in Michigan due to its aggressive spreading nature. It can quickly overtake other grasses and plants, making it difficult to control.
How do I care for my lawn in Michigan?
Caring for your lawn in Michigan isn’t easy, and it gets more difficult the farther north you go. To help you manage your lawn throughout the year, check out some of our other guides:
- When to Plant Grass Seed in Michigan
- When to Fertilize Your Lawn in Michigan
- When to Dethatch Your Lawn in Michigan
- When to Aerate Your Lawn in Michigan
Pro Tip: You can also read our article How to Choose the Right Grass for Your Lawn for more information on shade conditions, low-maintenance lawns, your yard’s slope, and more.
Call a professional
If you want your lawn to be admired from one of Michigan’s many lighthouses, it’s best to call a professional to care for it. Maintaining a healthy lawn can be challenging, especially in the Great Lakes State’s harsh climate. For expert advice and services, call a local lawn care pro near you.
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Main Image Credit: Ian Poellet | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0
