- Kentucky bluegrass: Most popular<\/a><\/li>
- Perennial ryegrass: Best for fast germination<\/a><\/li>
- Fine fescue: Best for low-input lawns<\/a><\/li>
- Tall fescue: Best in well-drained soil<\/a><\/li>
- More lawn care and landscaping resources for Wisconsin<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ about the best grass for Wisconsin<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Kentucky bluegrass: Most popular<\/span><\/h2>
![\"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 turfgrass in Wisconsin. This barefoot-friendly cool-season grass has a medium to fine texture and is an optimal choice for lawns with lots of foot traffic (kids and pets). Its leaves are dark green and narrow with boat-shaped tips.<\/p>
Even though it germinates slower than other cool-season grasses, it has no problem establishing easily from seed and has a dense, sod-forming growth habit. KBG is often used in grass seed mixtures with perennial ryegrass and fine fescue. If you yearn to learn more about Kentucky bluegrass, read our guide: \u201cKentucky Bluegrass: How to Grow and Care for It<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> In order to get a lush, healthy lawn, you should dethatch and aerate before overseeding a KBG lawn. But when is the best time to do this? Homeowners can check out our articles below:<\/p>
- The Best Time to Dethatch Your Lawn in Wisconsin<\/a><\/li>
- The Best Time to Aerate Your Lawn in Wisconsin<\/a><\/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>Perennial ryegrass: Best for fast germination<\/span><\/h2>
![\"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 the rockstar of the cool-season grasses as it is the first to germinate. This medium to dark green bunch-type grass also tolerates high foot traffic. Thankfully, it\u2019s not prone to thatch but can benefit from aeration if the soil is compacted.<\/p>
Wisconsin winters are usually so harsh that the perennial ryegrass doesn\u2019t survive, so most lawns don\u2019t have large quantities. So, it is often included in cool-season grass seed mixes with Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue. Our perennial ryegrass guide<\/a> will teach you about this rockstar grass.<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> You want to give perennial ryegrass the chance to thrive without weeds getting in its way. The key is first to identify them. Don\u2019t stress because our article, the most common weeds in Wisconsin<\/a>, will walk you through what to look for.<\/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>Fine fescue: Best for low-input lawns<\/span><\/h2>
![\"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 fescues are a group of cool-season grasses that are great for low-input lawns due to their slower growth (which means less mowing), drought tolerance (less need for irrigation), and low nitrogen fertilizer and pesticide requirements.<\/p>
Wisconsin homeowners often turn to these grasses for areas covered in partial shade. Fine fescues have the best shade tolerance among the cool-season turfgrass species, as detailed in our guide: \u201cFine Fescue: How to Grow and Care for It<\/a>.”<\/p>
Fine fescues will grow in shade or full sun and adapt to many soil types (infertile to fertile). However, beware of compacted or wet soils, as they don\u2019t like wet feet and thus will fail to thrive. Additionally, they can handle only low to moderate foot traffic (depending on the species), so fine fescues may suffer from the abuse of kids and dogs running around. <\/p>
Note:<\/strong> Even though fine fescue works in full sun or shade, deep shade is a tough condition for growing grass. So, if you\u2019d rather opt for ground cover instead of grass for shady areas under Norway maples or dense cover, refer to our article: \u201cThe Best Ground Cover Plants for Wisconsin<\/a>.\u201d<\/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.)<\/p>Tall fescue: Best in well-drained soil<\/span><\/h2>
![\"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 outshines the other cool-season grasses for its ability to handle heavy foot traffic, drought, and heat. It thrives in partially shaded areas and is a popular choice for low-maintenance lawns. This cool-season bunch-type turfgrass has coarse-textured leaves that are medium to dark green in color.<\/p>
Tall fescue\u2019s deep root system is one of the reasons why it is such a tough grass. Additionally, it\u2019s tolerant of clay soils but is not tolerant of ice, so plant in areas with good drainage. To learn how to be successful with this grass, read our guide: \u201cTall Fescue: How to Grow and Care for It<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> Sure, tall fescue is a tough contender, but why not give it an extra boost of fertilizer and, at the same time, keep those weeds at bay? Check out these two articles for advice:<\/p>
- When to Apply Weed and Feed in Wisconsin<\/a><\/li>
- The Best Weed and Feed for Wisconsin Lawns<\/a><\/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>More lawn care and landscaping resources for Wisconsin<\/span><\/h2>
- When to Apply Crabgrass Preventer in Wisconsin<\/a><\/li>
- When to Apply Grub Control in Wisconsin<\/a><\/li>
- The Best Ornamental Grasses for Wisconsin<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
FAQ about the best grass for Wisconsin<\/span><\/h2>
When is the best time to plant grass seed in Wisconsin?<\/span><\/h3>
Mid-August to mid-September is the optimal time to plant grass seed, whether renovating your existing lawn or establishing a new one. The reason? At this time of year, temperatures are still around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and there is less competition with unwanted weeds, which are great conditions for seed growth.<\/p>
Considering putting down seed yourself? No worries. Check out our articlea below to help you get organized with the timing and selection of the best seeds for your lawn:<\/p>
- The Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Wisconsin<\/a><\/li>
- Month-to-Month Wisconsin Lawn Care Calendar<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
When does grass stop growing in Wisconsin?<\/span><\/h3>
In Wisconsin, look for your grass to go dormant and stop growing between the end of October and early November. If your grass is a little long, give your lawn some love with one last mow of the season in preparation for winter. <\/p>
If you\u2019d like to know more about when your Wisconsin lawn goes dormant, check out our article: \u201cWhen Does Grass Stop Growing in Wisconsin?<\/a>\u201d<\/p>
Is a clover lawn better than a turfgrass lawn?<\/span><\/h3>
It depends on several factors, including personal preference, your goals for your lawn, and the regulations in your neighborhood. Like any choice, there are pros and cons associated with having a clover lawn. They are as follows:<\/p>
Pros:<\/strong><\/p>
\u2713 Attracts pollinators like bees<\/p>
\u2713 More drought tolerant once established (does need irrigation to get it established successfully)<\/p>
\u2713 Can fix the nitrogen in your soil<\/p>
Cons:<\/strong><\/p>
\u2713 Homeowners’ associations consider clover a weed and may impose fines on homeowners for growing it. <\/p>
\u2713 If walking barefoot in a clover lawn, bees may sting you.<\/p>
\u2713 It can creep into flower beds.<\/p>
Do some research before ripping up your existing turfgrass and replacing it with clover. Our two articles below can provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision:<\/p>
- Should You Plant a Clover Lawn in Wisconsin?<\/a><\/li>
- When to Plant Clover in Wisconsin<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Call in the pros<\/span><\/h2>
Are you unsure which grass would work best for your Wisconsin lawn? Let Lawn Love lawn care pros<\/a> help you decide. Once the lawn grows in, they\u2019ll keep it green and growing all season long. With all that free time, you can wear your new foam Cheesehead hat to the Packers game the next time they play at Lambeau Field.<\/p>
\t\t\t\t\t\tResources:<\/p> \t\t\t
<\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t- Iowa State University Extension<\/a><\/li>
- Pennington<\/a><\/li>
- Purdue University Extension: Fine Fescues<\/a><\/li>
- University of Maine: Is White Clover Suitable for Lawns?<\/a><\/li>
- University of Wisconsin-Madison: Keeping Your Grass Alive During Periods of Extended Drought<\/a>, Which Grass is Best?<\/a>, Over-Seeding Lawn in Autumn<\/a>, Wisconsin Lawn Care Calendar<\/a><\/li>
- USDA NRCS<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <\/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: Old Home In Platteville, Wisconsin | chumlee10<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Cool-season grasses, including Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescues, and tall fescue, are the best grass seeds for Wisconsin lawns.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":111,"featured_media":31571,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[177],"tags":[968],"class_list":["post-31553","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wisconsin","tag-lawn-care-wi"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/house-in-wisconsin-1.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Harley Grandone","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/harley-grandone\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31553","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\/111"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31553"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31553\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31571"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31553"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31553"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31553"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- Pennington<\/a><\/li>
- When to Plant Clover in Wisconsin<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Month-to-Month Wisconsin Lawn Care Calendar<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- When to Apply Grub Control in Wisconsin<\/a><\/li>
- The Best Weed and Feed for Wisconsin Lawns<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- The Best Time to Aerate Your Lawn in Wisconsin<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Perennial ryegrass: Best for fast germination<\/a><\/li>