Upstate South Carolina is known for its beautiful mountains and natural parks. Because it is the coldest part of the state, the best grasses for Upstate South Carolina include both warm- and cool-season types: namely, tall fescue, Zoysiagrass, centipedegrass, and Bermudagrass.
In this article, we’ll focus on the best grasses for Upstate South Carolina, which includes 11 counties: Oconee, Pickens, Greenville, Anderson, Spartanburg, Cherokee, Union, Laurens, Abbeville, Greenwood, and McCormick.
To learn the best grasses for other parts of the state, check out our articles:
- The Best Grass for South Carolina Lawns
- The Best Grass for Coastal South Carolina
- The Best Grass for Central South Carolina
Tall fescue: Best cool-season option
One of the best grass types for Greenville and the upper Piedmont and Mountain parts of the state, tall fescue is the best cool-season turfgrass for South Carolina. It is easy to establish by seed, the most budget-friendly method, and can grow in various soil types, including clay soils (although it prefers fertile, well-drained soils, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5).
Tall fescue grows quickly, which has its pros and cons: It is fast to establish but requires frequent mowing. Additionally, because of its bunch-type growth habit, it is less competitive against weeds and needs a spring application of pre-emergent herbicides.
For more in-depth information on how to grow tall fescue, visit 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.)
Zoysiagrass: Best cold-tolerance
With the best cold tolerance of the warm-season grasses, Zoysiagrass produces an eye-catching turf that grows best in the warm months of spring, summer, and early fall. At the first frost, however, it turns brown and remains dormant all winter. Zoysia is considered a high-maintenance grass, with a high tendency to produce thatch.
It is preferable to establish Zoysiagrass from sod, which gives you an instant lawn. Zoysia can be seeded, but due to its slow growth rate, establishment is difficult and may take a long time and produce poor results. Learn more about this grass in our guide: “Zoysiagrass: How to Grow and Care for It.”
Grass Plug and Seed Options:
– Zoysia Plugs (50 Large Grass Plugs)
– Zoysia Plugs (50 Full & Lush Grass Plugs)
– Zoysia Plugs (100 Plugs)
– Zenith Zenith Grass Seeds (1/8 lb. of seeds)
Centipedegrass: Best for low-maintenance
Centipedegrass is adapted to the lower regions of Upstate South Carolina and is a low-maintenance option for homeowners seeking a practical turfgrass.
Centipedegrass grows best when cultivated in little shade or on southwestern or south-facing slopes. Otherwise, it is subjected to winterkill due to low temperatures (although there are improved cultivars on the market with better cold tolerance).
Centipedegrass prefers infertile, acidic soils. With a coarse leaf texture and light green color, it is easily established by seed. Centipedegrass has poor wear resistance, so if you have kids or pets that like to run around the yard, this might not be the right grass. Learn more about centipedegrass in our guide: “Centipedegrass: How to Grow and Care for It.”
Grass Seed Options:
– Gulf Kist Coated Centipedegrass Seeds (1 lb.)
– Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Centipedegrass (3.75 lbs.)
– TifBlair Centipedegrass (5-lb. bag)
Bermudagrass: Best traffic-tolerance
An excellent choice for high-traffic areas, Bermudagrass is a full-sun turfgrass, and along with Zoysia, produces one of the finest leaf textures among warm-season grasses. Bermudagrass is a high-maintenance turfgrass, however. It requires a high mowing frequency, with a minimum of twice a week during peak growth.
It can grow in various soil conditions, grows rapidly, and is competitive against weeds. Overseeding bermudagrass with perennial or annual ryegrass in the fall is a common practice to maintain its green color year-round. Learn how to maintain a Bermudagrass lawn in our article: “Bermudagrass: How to Grow and Care for It.”
Grass Seed Options:
– Scotts Turf Builder Bermudagrass (10-lb. bag)
– Hancock Seed Co. Bermudagrass (50-lb. bag)
When to call a pro
You don’t have to care for your lawn all on your own. If you ever need a hand, you can count on one of our experienced lawn care pros. We have qualified experts in Greenville, Spartanburg, and throughout South Carolina. Get in touch with our lawn care pros today.
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Main Image Credit: Lanneau-Norwood-Funderburk House | Sharon Wilson | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0
