Choosing the best grass seed for Northern Ohio is key to a resilient, green lawn. Cool-season grasses like tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass stand out, whether you’re near Lake Erie or in more inland locations.
In this article, we’ll give you tips on the best grass for this region so you can have a beautiful lawn no matter the weather.
Tall fescue: Best low-maintenance grass
Tall fescue is one of the best grasses for Cleveland and other Northern Ohio cities, thanks to its adaptability to the area’s climate and low-maintenance needs. This grass requires frequent mowing but needs very little fertilizer and watering, making it excellent for busy Ohioans. (Read more about how to care for it in our tall fescue guide.)
You can seed your lawn with a 100% turf-type tall fescue blend or opt for a seed mix containing 90 to 95% tall fescue and 5 to 10% Kentucky bluegrass for added resilience.
However, be mindful that tall fescue will go dormant during Ohio’s drought periods, temporarily losing its vibrant color. In addition, while this grass can tolerate moderate foot traffic, it lacks the ability to repair itself, so areas with heavy use may show signs of wear over time.
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 high-quality grass
Kentucky bluegrass is one of the best grasses for Ohio in general and is among the most common choices across the state, including Northern Ohio. This grass is known for its high-quality, dense, and fine-textured turf with a rich blue-green color that makes any lawn stand out.
However, to keep it looking its best, Kentucky bluegrass demands some attention. It needs regular watering, especially during those hot summer days, and a consistent fertilizing routine. For more information, read our guide: “Kentucky Bluegrass: How to Grow and Care for It.”
You can grow Kentucky bluegrass on its own for a classic, uniform lawn, or mix it with perennial ryegrass. For even more balance, consider mixtures with perennial ryegrass and fine fescues.
Grass Seed Options:
– Jonathan Green (11970) Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed (3 lbs.)
– SeedRanch Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
Perennial ryegrass: Best overseeding grass
Perennial ryegrass is your go-to grass when you need to give your lawn a quick pick-me-up. It’s the best choice for overseeding, especially when you’re looking to repair bare spots or fill in those unsightly patches, due to its rapid growth — this grass starts sprouting in just a few days.
On the other hand, perennial ryegrass isn’t the toughest when it comes to Northern Ohio’s cold winters. It might not survive the season, which is why it’s not recommended to use it as the sole grass for your lawn.
Additionally, it’s not as disease-resistant as some other grasses, so it’s best to mix it with more resilient types like Kentucky bluegrass or fine fescues. You can learn more in our perennial ryegrass guide.
Grass Seed Options:
– Outsidepride Perennial Ryegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
– Eretz ProTurf Perennial Ryegrass Fine Lawn Seed (choose your size)
Fine fescues: Best shade grass
Fine fescues are a top grass choice for Toledo and other Northern Ohio cities, especially if your yard has trees that cast shade or buildings or hardscapes that block sunlight. While they still need some light, there are the most shade-tolerant grasses you can find.
Plus, fine fescues are low-maintenance, making them an easy option for those who want a lush lawn without all the extra work. Read more about these grasses’ maintenance in our article: “Fine Fescue: How to Grow and Care for It.”
However, fine fescues do have their limitations. They don’t handle heat well, so they might struggle during the hot summer months. And if your lawn sees a lot of foot traffic, fine fescues will not hold up as well as other grass types.
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.)
Seed mixes for Northern Ohio
Here are the recommended seed mixtures for Northern Ohio, with the grasses we’ve talked about:
- 100% Kentucky bluegrass blend
- 100% turf-type tall fescue blend
- 100% fine fescues blend
- 90-95% Kentucky bluegrass and 5-10% perennial ryegrass
- 90-95% turf-type tall fescue and 5-10% Kentucky bluegrass
- 45-60% Kentucky bluegrass, 30-50% fine fescues, and 5-10% perennial ryegrass
- 50-70% fine fescues and 30-50% Kentucky bluegrass
Pro Tip: A Kentucky bluegrass blend means there are at least three varieties of this grass. This is recommended so the grass is more resilient. On the other hand, if you’re combining different grasses, from different species, that’s called a seed mix.
Call a professional for help
Knowing what grasses to plant in Northern Ohio is a great start, but it’s only part of the equation for a beautiful, well-manicured lawn. There’s still the matter of fertilizing, mowing, dethatching, aerating, and everything else that keeps your grass in top shape.
Call a local lawn care professional who can handle that hard stuff, so you can spend your time enjoying a day trip to Cedar Point, soaking up the fun and leaving your lawn in expert hands. We have pros in Cleveland, Toledo, and other Northern Ohio cities.
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Main Image Credit: Nyttend | Wikimedia Commons | Public Domain
