When to Plant Grass in Tennessee

downtown nashville tennessee cityscape skyline

The best time to plant cool-season grass in Tennessee is between late August and mid-October. Plant warm-season grasses between mid-May and early June.

Tennessee is in the transition zone, meaning both warm- and cool-season grasses grow here. Each has its own needs and preferences. We’ll explain what they are in this article.

Warm-season grasses: Mid-May to early June

growth of warm season grass
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez

The best time to plant warm-season grasses like Zoysiagrass, Bermudagrass, and centipedegrass is between mid-May and early June. This is the optimal time for grass growth, as the chart above shows. During this time, the daytime temperatures average around 80°F and the soil temperatures average 60 to 65°F, which are ideal conditions for warm-season grasses.

May to June is also a great time to apply a round of fertilizer, as your grass is coming out of dormancy. Read our article, When to Fertilize Your Lawn in Tennessee, to learn more.

Cool-season grasses: Late August to mid-October

growth of cool season grass
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez

As the illustration above shows, cool-season grasses grow best when planted between late August and mid-October. During this time, the soil temperatures are between 50 to 65°F, the daytime air temperature consistently reaches between 60 to 75°F, and the nighttime temperatures hover around the mid-50s, all of which are ideal growing conditions.

Spring planting

It’s possible to plant cool-season grasses in spring, but planting in fall is preferred for the following reasons:

  • The soil is still warm from summer, but the air is cooler. Both encourage grass growth.
  • Fall planting gives your seedlings two growing seasons before summer arrives.
  • Fewer weeds.

When to overseed your Tennessee lawn

Beautiful green lawn in a home
Allison | Adobe Stock Free | License

The best time to overseed your Tennessee lawn depends on your grass:

  • Warm-season grass: between May and June. 
  • Cool-season grass: between September and mid-October.

Pro Tip: Aerate your lawn before overseeding it to expose more soil, which helps it establish and germinate. Read our article, When to Aerate Your Lawn in Tennessee, to learn more.

More lawn care and landscaping resources for Tennessee

The following articles are a treasure trove of knowledge about lawn care and landscaping in Tennessee:

  • Month-to-Month Tennessee Lawn Care Schedule
  • When Does Grass Stop Growing in Tennessee?
  • When to Plant Clover in Tennessee
  • The Best Grass Seed for Tennessee Lawns

Trust the pros

Timing is everything when planting grass. But we know you’re busy and might miss these dates. Don’t worry – Lawn Love is here to help. Contact a professional and we’ll help you pick the right grass for your lawn and plant it. 

Main Photo Credit: digidreamgrafix | Adobe Stock Free | License

Stuart Kushner

Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.