- Types of grass seed for Illinois<\/a>
- Kentucky bluegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Perennial ryegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Fine fescue<\/a><\/li>
- Tall fescue<\/a><\/li>
- Zoysiagrass<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Best grass seed in Illinois by region<\/a>
- Best grass seed for Northern Illinois<\/a><\/li>
- Best grass seed for Central Illinois<\/a><\/li>
- Best grass seed for Southern Illinois<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Other factors to consider<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ: Grass in Illinois<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Types of grass seed for Illinois<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Map](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/transition-zone-map.jpg\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure> Grasses are classified into warm-season and cool-season types. Cool-season grasses<\/a>, which are common in Illinois, may lose color in the summer heat but regain their green color by fall and can withstand the area\u2019s harsh winters. However, one warm-season grass<\/a>, Zoysiagrass, can thrive in the southern part of the state.<\/p>
Kentucky bluegrass<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/kentucky-grass-1.jpg\")
Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Kentucky bluegrass (KGB) is ideal for Illinois lawns because it can withstand cold, recover from damage, and handle moderate foot traffic. Its blue-green color and fine texture create a lush, beautiful lawn. However, Kentucky bluegrass care<\/a> requires regular watering and regular maintenance to stay healthy.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by<\/strong>: Rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>: Low<\/li>
- Drought tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>: Moderate mowing frequency and high fertilization needs. <\/li>
- Mowing height:<\/strong> Set mowing height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches. <\/li>
- Potential for disease:<\/strong> Moderate to high; prone to several diseases, such as dollar spot, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot<\/a>, summer patch, and stripe smut. <\/li>
- Soil pH<\/strong>: 6-7.5<\/li>
- Soil type<\/strong>: Performs best in well-drained, heavy soils with high fertility.<\/li>
- Other <\/strong> KGB is super soft and one of the best grasses for dogs<\/a> and kids to run around on due to its ability to recover from damage.<\/li> <\/ul>
Pro tip: <\/strong>KBG is often mixed with more shade-tolerant grass types, such as fine fescues.<\/p>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Jonathan Green (11970) Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed<\/a> (3 lbs.)
\u2013 SeedRanch Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed<\/a> (5 lbs.)<\/p>Perennial ryegrass<\/span><\/h3>
![\"perennial](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/perennial-ryegrass.jpg\")
T. Kebert<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Perennial ryegrass, commonly found in Northern and Central Illinois lawns, germinates quickly and has a fine leaf texture. While it tolerates traffic well and disease to some extent, it struggles in the hot summers of Southern Illinois. It is recommended to mix perennial ryegrass<\/a> with Kentucky bluegrass seed rather than cultivating it alone in Illinois.<\/p>
- Classification<\/strong>: Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by<\/strong>: Has a bunch-type growth habit<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>: Low<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>: Low<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: High<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant. <\/li>
- Mowing height:<\/strong> Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches<\/li>
- Potential for disease<\/strong>: High. Common diseases include gray leaf spot, red thread<\/a>, and leaf spot\/melting-out. <\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8 but prefers between 6 and 7. <\/li>
- Soil type<\/strong>: Prefers good drainage and fertility but can tolerate some poor drainage. <\/li>
- Other notes<\/strong>: As part of your cool-season lawn care calendar<\/a>, apply 1 to 5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet<\/strong> annually. You should apply most of this from late summer to early fall and a smaller portion in the spring once the lawn is green.<\/li> <\/ul>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Outsidepride Perennial Ryegrass Seed<\/a> (5 lbs.)
\u2013 Eretz ProTurf Perennial Ryegrass Fine Lawn Seed<\/a> (choose your size)<\/p>Fine fescue<\/span><\/h3>
![\"fine](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Fine-fescue-1.jpg\")
Aaron Patton | Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Fine fescue refers to a group of cool-season grasses, which includes hard fescue, sheep fescue, chewings fescue, and red fescue. Fine fescue<\/a> is popular in Illinois, especially in shaded areas, due to its low maintenance and tolerance to drought and cold. However, it is not the best grass for high-traffic areas<\/a>, making it less suitable for heavily used lawns.<\/p>
- Classification: <\/strong>Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by: <\/strong>Creeping red fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as chewings, hard, and sheep fescues. <\/strong><\/li>
- Shade tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate to High, depending on the species<\/li>
- Drought tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate to High, depending on the species<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance: <\/strong>Low to Moderate, depending on the species<\/li>
- Maintenance needs: <\/strong>Low fertilizer and mowing needs <\/strong><\/li>
- Mowing height: <\/strong>Set mowing height between 2.5 and 4 inches, depending on the species. <\/li>
- Potential for disease: <\/strong>Moderate. Common diseases include red thread, leaf spot, dollar spot, summer patch, and powdery mildew<\/a>. <\/strong><\/li>
- Soil pH: <\/strong>6-6.5<\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Will not perform well in wet soil conditions. Prefers drier soils and tolerates a wide range of soil types<\/a> and fertility. <\/li>
- Other notes: <\/strong>While hard and chewings fescues are best mixed with other varieties, creeping red fescue has a pleasant texture that makes it suitable for planting on its own.<\/li> <\/ul>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Outsidepride Legacy Fine Fescue Grass Seed<\/a> (5 lbs.)
\u2013 Eretz Creeping Red Fine Fescue Seed<\/a> (choose your size)
\u2013 Outsidepride Creeping Red Fine Fescue Grass Seed<\/a> (25 lbs.)<\/p>Tall fescue<\/span><\/h3>
![\"tall](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Tall-fescue-1.jpg\")
Aaron Patton | Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Tall fescue is a great choice for Southern Illinois because of its deep root system, which helps it resist heat and drought. This cool-season grass is favored for its low maintenance and medium to deep green hue. Tall fescue<\/a> greens up in mid-spring and can retain its color late into the fall, making it a popular choice for home lawns<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>: Moderate<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>: Moderate to High<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: Moderate<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch. <\/li>
- Mowing height:<\/strong> Set mowing height to 2 inches when the grass reaches 3 inches tall. <\/li>
- Potential for disease<\/strong>: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained. <\/li>
- Soil pH<\/strong>: 5.5-6.5<\/li>
- Soil type:<\/strong> Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile soils with good drainage. <\/li>
- Other notes<\/strong>: Tall fescue grows rapidly and needs regular mowing. Ensure you mow your lawn the right way<\/a> and only remove 1\/3 of the blade with each mow, keeping the height between 2-4 inches. Allow it to grow slightly longer in areas with partial shade or during hot weather.<\/li> <\/ul>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Triple-Play Tall Fescue Grass Seed Blend<\/a> (5000 sq ft)
\u2013 Eretz Kentucky 31 K31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed<\/a> (choose your size)
\u2013 Pennington The Rebels Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix<\/a> (7 lb.)<\/p>Zoysiagrass<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Zoysiagrass\"](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Zoysiagrass_800.jpg\")
K-State Research and Extension<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The only warm-season grass to make our list, Zoysia is an option if you live in the transition zone of Southern Illinois according to Southern Illinois University turf expert<\/a> Kenneth L. Diesburg. This grass type requires less watering and maintenance than others and can withstand high foot traffic. However, Zoysiagrass<\/a> does turn brown in winter and takes a while to regain its green color in the spring.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>Moderate to High<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>High, but recovers slowly from damage<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>:<\/strong> Low nitrogen fertilization requirements, although it’s prone to thatch build-up<\/a>. <\/li>
- Mowing height<\/strong>:<\/strong> Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.<\/li>
- Potential for disease: <\/strong>Good disease tolerance overall<\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> 6-6.5<\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Well-draining, some cultivars are more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others.<\/li>
- Other notes:<\/strong> Zoysiagrass is one of the best grasses to walk on barefoot<\/a>.<\/li> <\/ul>
Pro tip:<\/strong> While Bermudagrass<\/a> will grow in Southern Illinois, it struggles in the colder winters and is considered a weed by some. It also has lower resistance to pests, poor shade tolerance, and a tendency to produce thatch.<\/p>
Grass Plug and Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Zoysia Plugs (50 Large Grass Plugs)
<\/a>\u2013 Zoysia Plugs (50 Full & Lush Grass Plugs)<\/a>
\u2013 Zoysia Plugs (100 Plugs)<\/a>
\u2013 Zenith Zenith Grass Seeds<\/a> (1\/8 lb. of seeds)<\/p>Best grass seed in Illinois by region<\/span><\/h2>
In Illinois, successful lawn care requires understanding the state’s varied climate and selecting appropriate grass seed. Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues are suitable for Northern Illinois’s cold winters, while warm-season grasses like Zoysiagrass thrive in Southern Illinois’s hot, humid summers.<\/p>
Best grass seed for Northern Illinois<\/span><\/h3>
Cities in Northern Illinois frequently endure cold and snowy weather. This climate can be a challenge for many plants and grasses. Nonetheless, certain types of grass can not only survive but also thrive under these harsh conditions.<\/p>
The best grass types for Chicago<\/a>, Rockford, Naperville, and surrounding areas include:<\/p>
- Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass blend<\/li>
- Fine fescues<\/li> <\/ul>
Best grass seed for Central Illinois<\/span><\/h3>
Cities in Central Illinois, such as Springfield, Peoria, and Bloomington, have a climate that combines elements of both Northern Illinois’s harsh, wintry weather and Southern Illinois’s heat and humidity. Popular grass types in Central Illinois include:<\/p>
- Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass blend<\/li>
- Fine fescue<\/li> <\/ul>
Best grass seed for Southern Illinois<\/span><\/h3>
The transition zone<\/a> that runs across Southern Illinois encompasses cities like Carbondale, Marion, and Belleville. This is where cool-season grasses start to falter, and warm-season grasses begin to flourish, making it somewhat challenging. Warm-season grasses can better endure the region’s hot, humid summers compared to most cool-season grasses.<\/p>
- Tall fescue (good heat tolerance)<\/li>
- Zoysiagrass<\/li> <\/ul>
Other factors to consider<\/span><\/h2>
Choosing the right grass for your Illinois lawn involves considering several factors. These include the type of soil in your yard, the amount of shade it gets throughout the day, and the maintenance required. Each of these aspects can significantly influence the health and appearance of your lawn.<\/p>
Soil type<\/span><\/h3>
The type of soil in your yard will influence which grass type will grow well. Some grasses flourish in well-drained, fertile soil while others can handle heavier or wetter soils. Conduct a soil test to determine the type, pH levels, and if any soil amendments<\/a> are needed. <\/p>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit<\/li>
- Spreads by: <\/strong>Creeping red fescue spreads by rhizomes, while other fine fescues are bunch-type grasses, such as chewings, hard, and sheep fescues. <\/strong><\/li>
- Spreads by<\/strong>: Has a bunch-type growth habit<\/li>
- Spreads by<\/strong>: Rhizomes<\/li>
- Best grass seed for Central Illinois<\/a><\/li>
- Perennial ryegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Kentucky bluegrass<\/a><\/li>