Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, fine fescues, and perennial ryegrass are the best grass seeds for Northern Michigan, where snow blankets the “fingers” of the mitten. Let’s learn more about each of them so you can choose the best for your lawn.
However, if you want to know the best grasses for the entire state, check out our article, The Best Grass Seed for Michigan Lawns.
Kentucky bluegrass: Best grass overall
Kentucky bluegrass is the best grass for Northern Michigan overall. It is the most cold-tolerant of all the cool-season grasses, allowing it to withstand this region’s freezing winters with ease. It also has moderate drought resistance.
However, Kentucky bluegrass thrives only in full sun, so it’s not suitable if you have lots of trees casting shade in your yard. For the best results, ensure your lawn receives plenty of direct sunlight. For more information, check out 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.)
Tall fescue: Best for difficult soils
Tall fescue is the best grass for difficult soil conditions, including acidic or alkaline soils, and clay or sandy soils. So, if you have Kalkaska soil in your yard, Michigan’s state soil, this might be the grass for you. Just make sure you topdress before seeding. While Kalkaska sand supports many native trees, growing a lawn on it can be challenging.
Tall fescue’s deep roots also make it highly adaptable to various conditions, including heat, drought, and moderate foot traffic. It is a low-maintenance grass, but you will need to mow it often to keep it looking its best. You can 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.)
Fine fescue: Best for shaded areas
Fine fescue is the perfect grass seed for adding to a seed mix with Kentucky bluegrass if your yard is in a shaded area. In Michigan, this grass is not usually seeded alone but is often included in mixes to enhance shade tolerance.
Fine fescue is also easy to care for, with low fertilizer and watering needs, making it a low-maintenance option. However, it does not handle heavy foot traffic well, and it requires well-drained, slightly dry soils, according to Dr. Suleiman Bughara, a professor from the Department of Crop & Soil Sciences at Michigan State University.
To learn more about fine fescue, read our guide: 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.)
Perennial ryegrass: Best for repairing lawns
Perennial ryegrass grows and establishes quickly, making it a great option if you have thinning or bare areas in your yard that need repairing. Its rapid growth ensures your lawn looks full and lush in no time. This grass is often used in seed mixes with Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues in Michigan.
One thing to note is that perennial ryegrass has poor tolerance to excessive cold, meaning it will likely die off when the harsh winters Up North hit. But don’t worry, you can seed it again in early August to help your lawn recover. Learn more about how to care for this grass in 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)
FAQ about grass seeds in Northern Michigan
What planting zone is Northern Michigan?
Northern Michigan is mainly in USDA hardiness zone 5a, with average extreme minimum temperatures ranging from -20 to -15 F. However, it also has areas in zones 4b, 5b, 6a (like Traverse City), and 6b. This means that the Northern Lower Peninsula experiences much colder temperatures compared to other areas of Michigan, which are mostly in zone 6a.
Tip: This also means that warm-season grasses like Zoysiagrass and buffalograss will not adapt here.
How is Northern Michigan’s soil?
Sandy soils are the most common in Northern Michigan, including Kalkaska soil, Michigan’s state soil. Kalkaska soil is described as “deep, somewhat excessively drained soil formed in sandy deposits” by the Soil Science Society of America. It is acidic and has low fertility, making it a challenging environment for growing many plants and grasses.
Tip: Check out our guide Native Plants of Northern Michigan to see the best plants to grow in this difficult environment.
When should I plant grass in Northern Michigan?
The best time to plant grass seeds in Northern Michigan is late summer to early fall, allowing the grass to establish before the colder temperatures arrive. The second-best time is in spring or early summer, but no later than June 15. Check out our guide, When to Plant Grass Seed in Michigan, for more information.
Call a professional
There’s no one better to know the best grass for your area than a local pro. Call a local lawn care expert to help you select and plant the right grass for your Northern Michigan lawn while you relax and enjoy a Packers game (or Lions, we don’t judge). We have pros in Traverse City and other Northern Michigan cities just a call away.
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Main Image Credit: Andrew Jameson | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0
