New Yorkers know the state boasts diverse landscapes, from the bustling streets of NYC to the serene Adirondacks. Taking this into account, the best grass seeds for New York are cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue.
In this article, we’ll explore these top grasses, including their characteristics and the best seed mixes for The Empire State. By the end, you’ll have all the information needed to choose the perfect grass seed for your New York lawn.
But if you’re looking for more tailored advice, check out our other articles focused on the best grasses for specific regions in New York State:
Kentucky bluegrass: Best grass overall
Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) is the most common and best-adapted grass type in New York. This grass is known for its exceptional cold-hardiness, being able to withstand the harsh winters (especially in Upstate New York). It also has the ability to self-repair, due to its underground stems.
However, KBG does not tolerate shade well and must be planted in full sun to thrive. To enhance its disease resistance, Cornell University recommends using a blend of at least three different bluegrass varieties.
Pro Tip: KBG can be considered a high-maintenance grass. Read more about how to maintain this grass 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.)
Perennial ryegrass: Best grass for overseeding
Perennial ryegrass is the go-to choice for overseeding due to its rapid germination rate, making it perfect for quickly thickening your lawn and repairing bare spots. On the other hand, this grass is not as cold-resistant as KBG, making it susceptible to winter injury. For this reason, it’s recommended to use 100% perennial ryegrass only for patching bare spots or overseeding.
When seeding a new lawn from scratch, avoid using more than 20% perennial ryegrass in the seed mix. This ensures the lawn remains resilient through New York’s winters while still benefiting from the quick growth. Learn more about this grass in our Perennial Ryegrass Guide.
Pro Tip: Make sure you’re getting perennial ryegrass and not annual ryegrass. These grasses only survive for one growing season.
Grass Seed Options:
– Outsidepride Perennial Ryegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
– Eretz ProTurf Perennial Ryegrass Fine Lawn Seed (choose your size)
Fine fescue: Best grass for shade lawns
Fine fescue is a term that encompasses several types of grasses: creeping red fescue, Chewings fescue, hard fescue, and sheep fescue. These grasses are renowned for their high shade tolerance, though they still require some sunlight to thrive. In New York, fine fescues can be used alone as a monostand in shaded lawns or mixed with Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass.
Fine fescues are also very low-maintenance, making them a great choice for those looking for a lush lawn without the hassle. However, these grasses are not well-suited for high foot traffic areas, so it’s not recommended if you have kids or pets that play in the yard.
Pro Tip: Read about these grasses’ characteristics in our article: Fine Fescue: How to Grow and Care for It.
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 for low-maintenance lawns
Tall fescue is an excellent choice for those seeking a low-maintenance lawn in the Empire State. It primarily requires only mowing and occasional watering, making it perfect for busy New Yorkers with hectic schedules.
In addition, tall fescue thrives in various soil conditions, including the clay soils prevalent in NYC. You can read more about how to care for this grass in our Tall Fescue Guide.
Tip: Tall fescue is not as cold-resistant as KBG, so it’s not recommended for areas north of Westchester and Orange Counties, except for homes near Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
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.)
Seed mixes for New York
Here are the recommended seed mixes for New York lawns, based on the sunlight and maintenance requirements:
| Sunny lawns | Shaded lawns | |
| Low-maintenance | 100% tall fescue blend* or 65% KBG, 15% perennial ryegrass, 20% fine fescues | 100% fine fescue blend |
| High-maintenance | 65% KBG, 15% perennial ryegrass, 20% fine fescues |
Attention: Tall fescue should not be seeded with other grasses, as it is not compatible. Only seed this grass as a monostand in New York.
Pro Tip: If you live in Long Island, you might also be able to grow Zoysiagrass, a warm-season grass. Prefer winter hardy varieties like Meyer Zoysia.
*A blend of grasses includes at least three grasses of the same species. Conversely, a mix of grasses includes at least two grasses of different species (Ex.: KBG, perennial rye, fine fescue).
Other NYS resources
For more New York State resources, check out the following articles:
- When to Plant Grass Seed in New York
- New York Planting Zones
- The Best Perennials for New York Landscapes
Call a professional
Choosing the best grass seed for your New York lawn doesn’t have to be a daunting task. But if you find yourself too busy or simply prefer to spend your free time enjoying some Buffalo wings rather than caring for your lawn, don’t hesitate to call a local lawn care professional.
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Main Image Credit: Kenneth C. Zirkel / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
