If you live north of Interstate 84 in New York, you know the winters can be harsh and the summers unpredictable. That’s why the best grasses for Upstate New York are cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues.
In this article, we’ll go into why these grasses are perfect for the region and how you can get the most out of them. But, you can also check our article, “The Best Grass Seed for New York Lawns,” if you want more information about the entire Empire State.
Kentucky bluegrass: Best grass for colder regions
Kentucky bluegrass is the most commonly used grass in Upstate New York, and it’s no surprise why. It has a beautiful blue-green hue, ability to self-repair, and good disease tolerance, which make it a favorite among homeowners. However, Cornell University recommends using a blend of three bluegrass cultivars to increase the disease resistance.
Kentucky bluegrass is also the most cold-resistant grass, which makes it ideal for those living in the North Country or the Mohawk Valley, where winter temperatures can be especially harsh.
However, this grass must be planted in full sun and is prone to thatch buildup, requiring more regular maintenance than other grasses, such as dethatching and fertilizing. Don’t worry though, you can read our Kentucky bluegrass guide to keep your lawn looking its best.
Pro tip: Cornell recommends using seed mixes with 65% Kentucky bluegrass, 15% perennial ryegrass, and 20% fine fescues for sunny lawns.
Grass Seed Options:
– Jonathan Green (11970) Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed (3 lbs.)
– SeedRanch Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
Fine fescues: Best grass for shaded yards
If you have a few trees or hardscapes casting shade in your yard, fine fescues are the go-to choice. This group includes creeping red fescue, hard fescue, sheep fescue, and Chewings fescue, each with different tolerances and resistance levels. Generally, fine fescues are very shade-tolerant and resistant to cold, making them perfect for the varied conditions Upstate.
Fine fescues can be used as a monostand or in seed mixed with Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, so you can tailor your lawn to meet specific conditions.
On the flip side, these grasses do not tolerate high foot traffic and can be easily damaged if used in active areas. To learn more about them, check out 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.)
Tall fescue: Best low-maintenance grass
Tall fescue is perfect for those who’d rather enjoy the beautiful scenery of Upstate New York than spend several hours a week caring for their lawn. This low-maintenance grass only requires mowing and occasional watering. It also has good heat tolerance, making it great for areas that experience warmer summers, like Buffalo. (Read more about this grass in our article on the best grass types for Buffalo.)
However, tall fescues are not as cold-resistant as other cool-season grasses, so they’re best suited for areas near Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, like Western New York and the Finger Lakes. In addition, they shouldn’t be used in seed mixes, but seeded as a monostand.
For more information on how to care for your tall fescue lawn, 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.)
Perennial ryegrass: Best grass for seed mixtures
Perennial ryegrass is the best grass to add to seed mixtures for your new lawn or for overseeding in Upstate New York. Its beautiful texture and color blend seamlessly with Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues, creating an attractive lawn. This grass stands out for establishing quickly, so you’ll be able to thicken your thinning lawn in no time.
On the other hand, this grass can be susceptible to winter injury, as it is not that cold-hardy. So, it is recommended to use a maximum of 20% perennial ryegrass in seed mixes Upstate, ideally, 15%.
You can read more about the maintenance required for this grass in our guide: “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)
Other Upstate New York resources
Do you want to make your Upstate New York landscape stand out? We have a selection of articles with tailored advice for homes in the region:
- Upstate New York Planting Zones
- The Best Perennials for Upstate New York Landscapes
- When to Plant Grass Seed in New York
- Native Plants for Upstate New York Landscapes
Call a professional
Now that you know the best grasses for Upstate New York, it’s time to get your hands dirty and start planting your new lawn. But if the idea of lawn care feels overwhelming, why not call a local professional?
With lawn care experts in Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany, Binghamton, and Utica, you can sit back, relax, and watch your yard transform into a green oasis.
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Main Image Credit: Andre Carrotflower | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0
