- What are the best grass seeds for the Upper Peninsula?<\/a>
- Kentucky bluegrass: Best grass for cold tolerance<\/a><\/li>
- Tall fescue: Best grass for difficult soils<\/a><\/li>
- Fine fescues: Best grass for shade<\/a><\/li>
- Perennial ryegrass: Best grass for quick establishment<\/a><\/li>
- Ornamental grasses and sedges<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
What are the best grass seeds for the Upper Peninsula?<\/span><\/h2>
Having a lush lawn in the Upper Peninsula is not the easiest task. In the eastern and western U.P., you\u2019ll find large areas of clay soils with poor drainage. In contrast, the central U.P. is characterized by the sandy, excessively drained Kalkaska soil<\/a>, Michigan\u2019s state soil. These soils generally are also low in fertility, making it difficult for some grass types to thrive.<\/p>
Before you choose a grass for your lawn, it\u2019s best to perform a soil test<\/a>. This will help you know your soil\u2019s specific needs so you can amend it. Now, without further ado, let\u2019s take a look at the best grass seeds for Yoopers\u2019 homes:<\/p>
Kentucky bluegrass: Best grass for cold tolerance<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/kentucky-grass-1.jpg\")
Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) is the most common grass across Michigan due to its exceptional cold tolerance, making it well-suited to withstand the U.P.\u2019s freezing winters. However, it requires full sun to thrive. If you want to know more, check out Kentucky Bluegrass: How to Grow and Care for It<\/a>.<\/p>
In the U.P., KBG is often mixed with:<\/p>
- Tall fescue so it adapts to various soil types<\/li>
- Fine fescues for added shade tolerance<\/li>
- Sometimes with winter-hardy perennial ryegrass species to provide quick coverage<\/li> <\/ul>
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>Tall fescue: Best grass for difficult soils<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"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 not as winter-hardy as Kentucky bluegrass, but its deep roots make it well-known for its ability to tolerate and thrive under difficult soil conditions, such as those found in the U.P. This grass performs well in clay, sandy, and acidic soils (though it prefers well-draining and high organic matter soils), making it a good choice for the region.<\/p>
Additionally, tall fescue is a low-maintenance grass, requiring less frequent care. Learn more in our article on Tall Fescue: How to Grow and Care for It<\/a>. In Michigan, you should avoid the cultivars KY 31 and Linn. <\/p>
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>Fine fescues: Best grass for shade<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Fine-fescue-1.jpg\")
Aaron Patton | Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Fine fescues are highly adapted to shaded conditions, making them an excellent choice if you have a yard with dry soil and trees that cast shade. In the U.P., the most commonly used type of fine fescue is creeping red fescue, which is adapted to cool, moist climates.<\/p>
However, fine fescues are not recommended for heavily trafficked areas. So, if you have kids or pets that play in the yard, they\u2019re not the best idea. In addition, they\u2019re usually used in seed mixes with KBG in Michigan. To learn more, read our guide: Fine Fescue: How to Grow and Care for It<\/a>.<\/p>
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.)
\u2013 Outsidepride Hard Fine Fescue Grass Seed<\/a> (10 lbs.)<\/p>Perennial ryegrass: Best grass for quick establishment<\/span><\/h3>
![\"perennial](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/pyrennial-ryegrass-1-1.jpeg\")
Aaron Patton | Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Perennial ryegrass is another cool-season grass commonly used in Michigan, often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass. One of its key advantages is its ability to germinate and establish quickly. This rapid growth helps crowd out weeds while KBG takes its time to grow.<\/p>
However, perennial ryegrass can\u2019t withstand excessive cold and will likely die off during the U.P.\u2019s harsh winters. Some companies claim to use species that don\u2019t suffer winter kill. You can learn how to care for this grass in our guide: Perennial Ryegrass: How to Grow and Care for It<\/a>.<\/p>
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>Ornamental grasses and sedges<\/span><\/h3>
Many people in the U.P. choose to have native grasses or sedges in their yard instead of a traditional lawn. These plants require less maintenance and water, as they are already adapted to the region\u2019s short growing seasons, cool temperatures, and low fertility soils. <\/p>
Here are some ornamental grasses and sedges well-suited for the Upper Peninsula:<\/p>
- Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii<\/em>)<\/li>
- Fox sedge (Carex vulpinoidea<\/em>)<\/li>
- Fowl manna grass (Glyceria striata<\/em>)<\/li>
- Lance-fruited oval sedge (Carex scoparia<\/em>)<\/li>
- Little bluestem (Andropogon scoparius<\/em>)<\/li>
- Northern sweetgrass (Hierochloe hirta<\/em>)<\/li>
- Switch grass (Panicum virgatum<\/em>)<\/li>
- Tussock sedge (Carex stricta<\/em>)<\/li>
- Virginia wild-rye (Elymus virginicus<\/em>)<\/li> <\/ul>
But if you\u2019d like to know about other plants that can fill your landscape, check out our article, Native Plants of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula<\/a>.<\/p>
When to call a pro<\/span><\/h2>
If you\u2019d like to relax and enjoy some delicious pasties instead of spending time taking care of your lawn, call a local lawn care professional<\/a>. With their knowledge and experience, you can have a well-maintained lawn without the hassle. Let them handle the work so you can focus on enjoying the best of the Upper Peninsula.<\/p>
\t\t\t\t\t\tSources:<\/p> \t\t\t
<\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\tBulletin E2910 – Michigan State University<\/a><\/p>
Bulletin E2912 – Michigan State University<\/a><\/p> <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>
Lawn Love participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Lawn Love may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.<\/em><\/p>
Main Image Credit: Andrew Jameson<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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- Fox sedge (Carex vulpinoidea<\/em>)<\/li>
- Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii<\/em>)<\/li>
- Tall fescue: Best grass for difficult soils<\/a><\/li>
- Kentucky bluegrass: Best grass for cold tolerance<\/a><\/li>