{"id":20362,"date":"2024-02-21T16:36:18","date_gmt":"2024-02-21T16:36:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=20362"},"modified":"2026-09-22T19:06:57","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T19:06:57","slug":"best-grass-types-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-grass-types-california\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Best Grass Types for California Lawns"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>Warm-season grasses win the heat:<\/strong> Bermudagrass, buffalograss, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass thrive in hot, dry inland and Southern California.<br>\u2022 <strong>Tall fescue stays green:<\/strong> This cool-season grass holds its color year-round and suits Northern and Central California and shady yards.<br>\u2022 <strong>Match grass to your yard:<\/strong> Choose based on your region, shade, foot traffic, and how much maintenance you want to take on.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best grass types for California are Bermudagrass, buffalograss, St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and tall fescue. Temperatures stay fairly mild across the state, but some areas are wetter and colder than others, so certain grasses thrive better depending on where you live.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learn more about the pros and cons of each grass type and which grasses grow best in Northern, Central, and Southern California.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whichever grass you choose, keeping it healthy takes steady work, and Lawn Love connects you with local pros for <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnlove.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=mowing\">lawn care service<\/a> across the state.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-afa2487e-bc3f-4c3c-89cc-1d4e9acda9b7\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-grass-types-california\/#0-best-grass-types-for-california\" style=\"\">Best grass types for California<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-grass-types-california\/#6-best-grass-types-for-northern-california\" style=\"\">Best grass types for Northern California<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-grass-types-california\/#7-best-grass-types-for-central-california\" style=\"\">Best grass types for Central California<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-grass-types-california\/#8-best-grass-types-for-southern-california\" style=\"\">Best grass types for Southern California<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-grass-types-california\/#9-when-to-plant-grass-seed-in-california\" style=\"\">When to plant grass seed in California<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-grass-types-california\/#10-how-to-choose-the-best-grass-type-for-your-california-lawn\" style=\"\">How to choose the best grass type for your California lawn<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-grass-types-california\/#15-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-best-grass-types-for-california\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"best-grass-types-for-california\">Best grass types for California<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California&#8217;s mild but varied climate supports 5 standout lawn grasses: Bermudagrass, buffalograss, St. Augustinegrass, and Zoysiagrass handle hot, dry inland and Southern areas, while tall fescue stays green in cooler, shadier, and Northern regions.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Grass<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Season<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bermudagrass<\/td><td>Warm-season<\/td><td>Hot inland areas, full sun, high traffic<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Buffalograss<\/td><td>Warm-season<\/td><td>Desert regions, water-wise, low maintenance<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>St. Augustinegrass<\/td><td>Warm-season<\/td><td>Coastal and shadier warm-climate yards<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Zoysiagrass<\/td><td>Warm-season<\/td><td>Southern California, low-maintenance lawns<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tall fescue<\/td><td>Cool-season<\/td><td>Northern and Central California, shade, year-round color<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h3 id=\"1-1-bermudagrass\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"1-bermudagrass\">1. Bermudagrass<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bermudagrass.jpg\" alt=\"bermudagrass\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bermudagrass is the most commonly used warm-season grass in California. Photo Credit: Close-up of Bermudagrass blades | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rawpixel.com\/image\/5911985\/image-background-public-domain-leaf\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rawpixel<\/a> | CC0<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bermudagrass is one of the most popular warm-season grasses used in the inland areas of California with elevated temperatures in the summer months.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This grass grows quickly and has excellent traffic, heat, and drought tolerance. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/bermudagrass-guide\/\">Bermudagrass<\/a> maintains its beautiful light green color and provides a dense ground cover that grows well from spring through early fall.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This turfgrass requires a lot of maintenance. Its fast growth habit means it needs regular mowing and fertilizing. Mowing too often, however, increases the risk of weeds and pests. It should be mowed once or twice weekly to produce healthy roots.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bermudagrass is prone to thatch buildup, so it needs routine dethatching. It can also invade adjacent areas, like gardens and flower beds, because of its aggressive growth habit. Another disadvantage is that its green color typically fades in the shade; this turf requires full sun to produce its brilliant light green hue.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bermudagrass at a glance:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Low; thrives in full sun<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Drought tolerance:<\/strong> High<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> High<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Mowing height:<\/strong> Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for hybrid Bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common Bermudagrass down to 1.5 to 2.5 inches.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Potential for disease:<\/strong> Good resistance to disease, although Bermudagrass diseases (like dollar spot) are common; low resistance to insects<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Soil pH:<\/strong> 6 to 6.5<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Soil type:<\/strong> Tolerates most soil types<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Other notes:<\/strong> Recovers quickly from damage and disease.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Grass seed options:<\/strong><br>\u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Pennington-One-Step-Complete-Bermudagrass\/dp\/B084NTQ9Z5?crid=3G2QPIAKTWYAD&amp;keywords=bermudagrass+seed&amp;qid=1679580048&amp;sprefix=bermudagrass+seed%2Caps%2C130&amp;sr=8-7&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=lawnlove-20&amp;linkId=55760a2f9f612b7bcbd2c625b42ed5e5&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\">Pennington Bermudagrass Bare Spot<\/a> (5 lb. bag)<br>\u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Pennington-Smart-Seed-Bermudagrass-Fertilizer\/dp\/B08QRLK7LB?crid=3G2QPIAKTWYAD&amp;keywords=bermudagrass+seed&amp;qid=1679579824&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=lawnlove-20&amp;linkId=ddac45e682869564b8519701b1ec08b9&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\">Pennington Smart Seed Bermudagrass Mix<\/a> (8.75-lb. bag)<br>\u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Scotts-18012A-Turf-Builder-Grass\/dp\/B01NALORRH?crid=3G2QPIAKTWYAD&amp;keywords=bermudagrass+seed&amp;qid=1679580048&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=lawnlove-20&amp;linkId=1e1d82b9096bfc3d4afd028fe5426697&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\">Scotts Turf Builder Bermudagrass<\/a> (10-lb. bag)<br>\u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Hancocks-Highlander-Bermuda-Grass-Seed\/dp\/B0924T7MYB?crid=3G2QPIAKTWYAD&amp;keywords=bermudagrass+seed&amp;qid=1679580048&amp;sr=8-10&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=lawnlove-20&amp;linkId=1d588a074241278a07bf057c707ba2da&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\">Hancock Seed Co. Bermudagrass<\/a> (50-lb. bag)<\/p>    <h3 id=\"2-2-buffalograss\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"2-buffalograss\">2. Buffalograss<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/3139246071_47110d3ef9_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"buffalograss\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Buffalograss is a low-maintenance grass used in areas of California with extreme weather conditions. Photo Credit: A patch of buffalograss | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/31031835@N08\/3139246071\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">John Tann<\/a> | Flickr | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although Bermudagrass is the most commonly used warm-season grass in California, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/buffalograss-guide\/\">buffalograss<\/a> is an optimal lawn grass for certain regions of the Golden State that have adverse weather conditions, like the southern lowlands of the desert region in California.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Researchers took the best qualities of buffalograss, like its drought resistance, and developed the variety <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/ucanr.edu\/site\/uc-master-gardeners-orange-county\/turf-and-turf-alternatives\">California buffalograss<\/a>, a University of California-bred grass formerly called &#8220;UC Verde&#8221; buffalograss.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California buffalograss is a low-maintenance grass. This dark green covering only needs mowing every 2 to 3 weeks. Buffalograss is a great choice for those looking to conserve water and save money on chemical treatments, as this grass needs minimal to no chemical products for fungi and insects.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buffalograss does not have many disadvantages. However, as is typical of warm-season grasses, buffalograss goes dormant and turns brown in the winter months. This grass also has a low shade tolerance, so it is not the best choice for shady properties.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Drought tolerance:<\/strong> High<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Low fertilizer and mowing needs. Requires weed control.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Mowing height:<\/strong> Set the mowing height between 2 and 3 inches.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Potential for disease:<\/strong> Good tolerance against diseases and insects<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Soil pH:<\/strong> 6.5 to 7.5<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Soil type:<\/strong> Native clay soils, not sandy soils<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Other notes:<\/strong> Some common buffalograss pests include white grubs and mealybugs<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Grass seed options:<\/strong><br>\u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Everwilde-Farms-Buffalo-Native-Packet\/dp\/B00HMFP60A?crid=NWI8QK73K8JM&amp;keywords=buffalo%2Bgrass%2Bseed&amp;qid=1679580727&amp;sr=8-7&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=lawnlove-20&amp;linkId=551929ed825eb53bfa02e7cd864d9a79&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\">Everwilde Farms Buffalograss Seeds<\/a> (1 lb. of seeds)<br>\u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Scotts-Pursue-Grama-Natural-Seeding\/dp\/B0CVRK4C8T?crid=32CFZ06UAKIJA&amp;keywords=buffalo%2Bgrass%2Bseed&amp;qid=1725989030&amp;sr=8-4&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=lawnlove-20&amp;linkId=f924752d4463ad7302f08e71960be121&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\">Scotts Pursue Buffalograss with Natural Seed<\/a> (1 lb. of seeds)<br>\u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Outsidepride-Buffalo-Drought-Tolerant-Xeriscape\/dp\/B004MN8YX6?crid=23W4DNBXKEIZ3&amp;keywords=buffalograss%2Bseed&amp;qid=1739547183&amp;sr=1-5&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=lawnlove-20&amp;linkId=0cedcf4cecf09f9bd5867d6023e1807d&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\">Outsidepride Perennial Buffalo Grass Seed<\/a> (2 lb. of seeds)<\/p>    <h3 id=\"3-3-st-augustinegrass\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"3-st-augustinegrass\">3. St. Augustinegrass<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/St.-Augustine.jpeg\" alt=\"St. Augustinegrass\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">St. Augustinegrass can handle sun, shade and drought. Photo Credit: A lawn of St. Augustinegrass | <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Starr_070906-8535_Stenotaphrum_secundatum.jpg\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Forest and Kim Starr<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This salt-tolerant warm-season grass is one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-grass-types-los-angeles\/\">best grass types for Los Angeles<\/a>. While it is not a low-maintenance type of grass, it has many attractive qualities.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike Bermudagrass and buffalograss, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/st-augustinegrass-guide\/\">St. Augustinegrass<\/a> grows well in the shade. It is the most shade-tolerant warm-season grass. As a bonus, it also grows well in full sun. Cultivars like &#8216;Palmetto&#8217; and &#8216;Raleigh&#8217; grow well in both full sun and shade.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Doing best in low-traffic areas, this dense medium-green to blue-green grass grows quickly and helps suppress weeds. It has a high tolerance for heat and drought. Although it withstands high temperatures, it does not grow well in cold environments and is vulnerable to winter injury.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maintenance includes mowing it often because it grows quickly. St. Augustinegrass also requires frequent fertilizing and regular dethatching, the latter helping mitigate insect problems. The grass typically needs to be treated for its worst pest, chinch bugs, or they can cause significant damage.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>St. Augustinegrass at a glance:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate. It is the most shade-tolerant warm-season grass.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Drought tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate to high<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Mowing height:<\/strong> Set the mowing height between 3.5 and 4 inches.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Potential for disease:<\/strong> Moderate to high. Some common St. Augustinegrass diseases include brown patch and fairy ring.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Soil pH:<\/strong> 6 to 7.5<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Soil type:<\/strong> Tolerates many soil types; prefers moderately fertile and moist (not waterlogged) soils; doesn&#8217;t tolerate soil compaction<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Other notes:<\/strong> Can have problems with grassy weeds. Will likely need treatment for chinch bugs<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Grass plug options:<\/strong><br>\u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Ranch-Augustine-Seville-Grass-Plugs\/dp\/B083QQDN98?crid=37538TQ0W53V9&amp;keywords=st.+augustine+grass+seed&amp;qid=1679585937&amp;sr=8-8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=lawnlove-20&amp;linkId=8988de45a097758347715c51cbfdea68&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\">Seed Ranch St Augustine Seville Grass Plugs<\/a> (2 Trays)<br>\u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Ranch-Augustine-Floratam-Grass-Plugs\/dp\/B083QPTHX3?crid=37538TQ0W53V9&amp;keywords=st.+augustine+grass+seed&amp;qid=1679585937&amp;sr=8-15&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=lawnlove-20&amp;linkId=c73769970fb4f756f9f955e94371556f&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\">Seed Ranch St Augustine Floratam Grass Plugs<\/a> (2 Trays)<\/p>    <h3 id=\"4-4-zoysiagrass\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"4-zoysiagrass\">4. Zoysiagrass<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/zoysiagrass.jpg\" alt=\"zoysiagrass\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Zoysiagrass is a great choice for Southern California lawns. Photo Credit: A close view of Zoysiagrass | <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Starr_070906-8518_Zoysia_sp..jpg\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Forest and Kim Starr<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 3.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-grass-types-san-diego\/\">best grasses for San Diego<\/a>, Zoysiagrass is another excellent option for the Southern California area. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/zoysiagrass-guide\/\">Zoysiagrass<\/a> is salt-tolerant; however, unlike St. Augustine, Zoysiagrass is low maintenance.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This grass is a slow-growing grass, so although its mowing height is as low as 1 to 2 inches, it does not need mowing often. It does not require a lot of fertilizer or water, either; too much of these nutrients will encourage excessive thatch. Zoysiagrass adapts to multiple soil types, is cold-tolerant, and has a deep root system that helps it retain water, thrive in droughts, and withstand high temperatures.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This grass type grows well in moderately shady areas, but the turf will thin if grown in too much shade; it thrives in partial shade. While it is a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-drought-tolerant-grasses\/\">drought-resistant turfgrass<\/a>, you&#8217;ll have to give it extra water during long periods of dryness.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Zoysiagrass has good disease tolerance, but it is susceptible to some lawn diseases, like large patch disease and dollar spot. It also has some prominent pests, like white grubs and mole crickets.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Zoysiagrass at a glance:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Drought tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate to high<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> High, but recovers slowly from damage<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Low nitrogen fertilization requirements, although it&#8217;s prone to thatch buildup.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Mowing height:<\/strong> Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Potential for disease:<\/strong> Good disease tolerance overall<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Soil pH:<\/strong> 6 to 6.5<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Soil type:<\/strong> Well-draining, some cultivars are more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Grass plug and seed options:<\/strong><br>\u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Zoysia-Plug-Tray-EZPlug-Plugs\/dp\/B00NMNU098?keywords=zoysia+grass+seed&amp;qid=1679588146&amp;sr=8-33&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=lawnlove-20&amp;linkId=3cea0cb84b27ed85e903301403475ecd&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\">Zoysia Plugs<\/a> (50 Large Grass Plugs)<br>\u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Zoysia-Plugs-Grass-Mature-Individually\/dp\/B08FJD3DTT?keywords=zoysia+grass+seed&amp;qid=1679588146&amp;sr=8-6&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=lawnlove-20&amp;linkId=8bf902906af7fd2fa8a09eda4186ac36&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\">Zoysia Plugs<\/a> (50 Full and Lush Grass Plugs)<br>\u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Zoysia-Plugs-Grass-Mature-Individually\/dp\/B08FJC3J1F?crid=1HCXNJK2F4Q38&amp;keywords=zoysia%2Bgrass%2Bplugs&amp;qid=1679589246&amp;sr=8-7&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=lawnlove-20&amp;linkId=0d0f99254ab713d7fa3fb1fb77d110d0&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\">Zoysia Plugs<\/a> (100 Plugs)<br>\u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Zoysia-Grass-Seeds-Zoysia-Emerald-Grass-1\/dp\/B07PGBZK8X?keywords=zoysia+grass+seed&amp;qid=1679588146&amp;sr=8-9&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=lawnlove-20&amp;linkId=d5302fa676ad0437cb14760774f9ccc0&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\">Zoysia Emerald Grass Seeds<\/a> (1\/8 lb. of seeds)<br>\u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Zenith-Zoysia-grass-seeds-1\/dp\/B01JKXKTDK?keywords=zoysia%2Bgrass%2Bseed&amp;qid=1679588146&amp;sr=8-8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=lawnlove-20&amp;linkId=921bb6468977280921330da0896d255d&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\">Zenith Zoysia Grass Seeds<\/a> (1\/8 lb. of seeds)<\/p>    <h3 id=\"5-5-tall-fescue\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"5-tall-fescue\">5. Tall fescue<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Tall-fescue-1.jpg\" alt=\"tall fescue\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tall fescue can keep its color year-round. Photo Credit: A stand of tall fescue | Aaron Patton | <a href=\"https:\/\/turf.purdue.edu\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Purdue&#8217;s Turfgrass Science Program<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tall fescue works well down in the Central California area. It also grows well in Southern California if grown on very shady properties.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/tall-fescue-guide\/\">Tall fescue<\/a> is a cool-season grass, so it has the appealing characteristic of retaining its color year-round. Although tall fescue is not as heat tolerant and drought tolerant as warm-season grasses, the dark green, coarse grass is the most heat-tolerant cool-season grass, and it requires less water than other cool-season grasses.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tall fescue is disease-resistant when maintained properly. It needs little fertilization and does not develop significant thatch. Tall fescue grass varieties recover quickly from wear and tear, especially those with deeper root systems; this makes it a great <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-grasses-for-high-traffic-areas\/\">grass for high-traffic areas<\/a>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike warm-season grasses, tall fescue is injured by dry, hot summer conditions; the grass typically thins. Overseeding in the fall will mitigate this problem.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tall fescue at a glance:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Spreads by:<\/strong> Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Drought tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate to high<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Mowing height:<\/strong> Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Potential for disease:<\/strong> Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Soil pH:<\/strong> 5.5 to 6.5<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Soil type:<\/strong> Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Grass seed options:<\/strong><br>\u2013 <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Triple-Play-Fescue-Grass-Seed-Blend\/dp\/B01DM2AQOM?keywords=Tall%2BFescue%2BGrass&amp;qid=1679597027&amp;sr=8-18&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=lawnlove-20&amp;linkId=8c3ffc5f8867b395553dcbf0bf83b43f&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\">Triple-Play Tall Fescue Grass Seed Blend<\/a> (5,000 square feet)<br>\u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Kentucky-Tall-Fescue-Grass-Eretz\/dp\/B079JCZ86Z?keywords=Tall+Fescue+Grass&amp;qid=1679597027&amp;sr=8-9&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=lawnlove-20&amp;linkId=bf527bf170a63b0858f88195755e0b12&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\">Eretz Kentucky 31 K31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed<\/a> (choose your size)<br>\u2013 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Pennington-Rebels-Fescue-Grass-Pounds\/dp\/B08QC7VV6J?keywords=Tall+Fescue+Grass&amp;qid=1679597348&amp;sr=8-2&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=lawnlove-20&amp;linkId=f77048e934f02b05a8aea0466b5fdfc9&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\">Pennington The Rebels Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix<\/a> (7 lb.)<\/p>    <h2 id=\"6-best-grass-types-for-northern-california\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"best-grass-types-for-northern-california\">Best grass types for Northern California<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Northern California shares the cooler, wetter conditions of the Pacific Northwest. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/ipm.ucanr.edu\/agriculture\/turfgrass\/integrated-weed-management\/\">Cool-season grasses<\/a> are the most competitive turf in the coastal and northern parts of the state. <strong>Tall fescue<\/strong> is one of the best cool-season grasses for this area. <strong>Bermudagrass<\/strong> also grows well in this region, but it will go dormant in the winter.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In some cases, homeowners only use cool-season grasses, like perennial ryegrass, in the winter as a temporary ground cover for lawns with warm-season grasses that have gone dormant. Perennial ryegrass has low heat and drought tolerance. Although both perennial ryegrass and <strong>Kentucky bluegrass<\/strong> can be used in the upper parts of the state, both will struggle in high temperatures. These grass seeds are used alone or mixed with tall fescue.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bentgrass is another cool-season grass that can be used in the upper part of the Golden State.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"7-best-grass-types-for-central-california\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"best-grass-types-for-central-california\">Best grass types for Central California<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While Central California may not get as cold as the northern part of the state or as hot as the southern region, the right grass for Central California must have tolerance for some of the same weather conditions. For example, ideal grass types for this region should have good heat resistance. Zoysiagrass, tall fescue, St. Augustinegrass, and Bermudagrass thrive in Central California.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"8-best-grass-types-for-southern-california\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"best-grass-types-for-southern-california\">Best grass types for Southern California<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best grass seed for this region of the state can withstand dry, hot conditions. Drought-resistant and heat-tolerant grass types that grow well in Southern California are <strong>Bermudagrass<\/strong>, <strong>Zoysiagrass<\/strong>, and <strong>California buffalograss<\/strong>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kikuyu grass also grows well in this region of the Golden State. However, California lists it as a C-rated <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Cenchrus-clandestinus-kikuyugrass.pdf\">noxious weed<\/a>, so its production and sale are limited by law.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tall fescue<\/strong> can also be used in Southern California, but only if your lawn is very shady.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"9-when-to-plant-grass-seed-in-california\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"when-to-plant-grass-seed-in-california\">When to plant grass seed in California<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Timing your seeding to the grass type gives it the best start. Plant warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass, buffalograss, and Zoysiagrass in mid to late spring, once the soil has warmed and frost has passed. They establish fastest through the warm summer months.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sow cool-season grasses such as tall fescue in early fall, when the soil is still warm but air temperatures are cooling. Early spring works as a backup window. Fall seeding gives the grass a full cool season to root before summer heat arrives.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California spans a wide range of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.climatehubs.usda.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/Cold%20Hardiness%20Ag%20FS%20_%20120620.pdf\">hardiness zones<\/a>, from 5a in the mountains to 11a in the low deserts, so your local frost timing varies by region.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"10-how-to-choose-the-best-grass-type-for-your-california-lawn\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"how-to-choose-the-best-grass-type-for-your-california-lawn\">How to choose the best grass type for your California lawn<\/span><\/h2>    <comment data-content=\" Removed this photo (body, 'How to choose' section) \u2014 Lawn Love no longer uses Canva Pro photos. A replacement could not be sourced automatically; flag for manual sourcing (Lawn Love-owned or stock, never AI). \"><\/comment>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When choosing the grass that is best for you, consider where you live in California. You should also base your decision on other factors, like your yard&#8217;s characteristics and your lifestyle. Here are some things to consider:<\/p>    <h3 id=\"11-shade-tolerance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"shade-tolerance\">Shade tolerance<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have a shady property, the grass you choose must not crave the sunlight too much. Let&#8217;s see what grass types can handle shade:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Moderate shade tolerance:<\/strong> St. Augustinegrass, turf-type tall fescue (moderate to high), Zoysiagrass, bentgrass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Low shade tolerance:<\/strong> Bermudagrass, buffalograss, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"12-drought-tolerance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"drought-tolerance\">Drought tolerance<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don&#8217;t want a thirsty grass if you live in the drier or more drought-prone areas of the state. Californians are working to end drought conditions; until then, choose your grass based on its ability to thrive in the conditions in your area.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In California, about 40% of household water goes to outdoor <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/water.ca.gov\/Programs\/Water-Use-And-Efficiency\/Urban-Water-Use-Efficiency\/Model-Water-Efficient-Landscape-Ordinance\">landscape water use<\/a>, so a drought-tolerant grass saves both water and money. Here is how some grasses stand up to drought:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>High drought tolerance:<\/strong> Bermudagrass, buffalograss<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Moderate drought tolerance:<\/strong> St. Augustinegrass (moderate to high), Zoysiagrass (moderate to high), turf-type tall fescue (moderate to high), Kentucky bluegrass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Low drought tolerance:<\/strong> Perennial ryegrass, bentgrass<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"13-foot-traffic\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"foot-traffic\">Foot traffic<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your home may be bustling with outdoor activity. If your yard is alive with children running and playing or if you host many lawn parties, you&#8217;ll want grass that can handle heavy foot traffic.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How do different types of grasses handle foot traffic? Let&#8217;s take a look:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>High foot traffic:<\/strong> Perennial ryegrass, Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Moderate foot traffic:<\/strong> Turf-type tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, bentgrass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Low foot traffic:<\/strong> Buffalograss, St. Augustinegrass<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"14-maintenance-level\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"maintenance-level\">Maintenance level<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone has the same hours in the day, but not everyone uses them the same. Are you trying to avoid spending your life taking care of grass, or does lawn care relax you? Choose a type of turfgrass that allows you to work in the yard as much as you desire or as little as possible.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are the maintenance levels of each grass type:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>High-maintenance grasses:<\/strong> Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, bentgrass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Moderate-maintenance grasses:<\/strong> Turf-type tall fescue, perennial ryegrass<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Low-maintenance grasses:<\/strong> Buffalograss, Zoysiagrass<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"15-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17900780310364144\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the fastest way to establish a Zoysiagrass lawn?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The fastest way to establish Zoysiagrass is to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-install-sod\/\">plant sod<\/a> over plugs, because the turfgrass has a slow growth rate. Sodding gives you an instant, mature lawn, while plugs or seed can take a full season or more to knit together into full coverage.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17900780310365537\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What other plants grow well in California?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Plants native to California grow well in the Golden State. These plants are already adapted to the climate, so they typically require less maintenance. You can read about native California plants in <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/california-native-plants\/\">27 California Native Plants<\/a>.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17900780310369046\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the difference between warm-season and cool-season grasses?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Warm-season turf grows best in hot climates during summer, thriving when air temperatures are 75 to 90 degrees, then going dormant and brown in freezing weather. Cool-season turf grows actively in spring and fall, prefers 60 to 75 degrees, and can brown in summer heat. Transition zone regions can grow both.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"16-call-a-pro-for-a-beautiful-and-lush-california-lawn\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"call-a-pro-for-a-beautiful-and-lush-california-lawn\">Call a pro for a beautiful and lush California lawn<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most homeowners want a lush, green lawn. Achieving that doesn&#8217;t just mean choosing the grass that is right for your location and your home&#8217;s characteristics, it also means properly caring for your lawn. Maintaining a healthy lawn requires mowing at the right intervals, using the best fertilizer for your grass type, watering appropriately, and controlling weeds.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Need help keeping up with all of these tasks? Let Lawn Love connect you with <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/california\">lawn care professionals<\/a> in your area to help you with all of your needs. That way, you can spend your time strolling along the shore of one of the many sunny beaches in California.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Lawn Love participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Lawn Love earns revenue from products promoted in this article.<\/em><\/p>    <comment data-content=\" Removed main photo credit \u2014 Lawn Love no longer uses Canva Pro photos (IPGGutenbergUKLtd | Canva Pro). A replacement could not be sourced automatically; flag for manual sourcing. \"><\/comment>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the 5 best grass types for California, from Bermudagrass to tall fescue, and learn which one grows best in your region, sun, and water conditions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":87,"featured_media":20367,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[174],"tags":[507],"class_list":["post-20362","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-california","tag-lawn-care-ca"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/california-home-1.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"LaShonda Tucker","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/lashonda-tucker\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20362","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/87"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20362"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20362\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49182,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20362\/revisions\/49182"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20367"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20362"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20362"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20362"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}