- 6 best grasses for high-traffic areas<\/a>
- 1. Bermudagrass<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Kentucky bluegrass<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Perennial ryegrass<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Seashore paspalum<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Tall fescue<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Zoysiagrass<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- How to tell if foot traffic is hurting your lawn<\/a><\/li>
- Impacts of heavy foot traffic on your lawn<\/a><\/li>
- How to repair grass damaged by foot traffic<\/a><\/li>
- How to prevent lawn damage<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ about the best grasses for high-traffic areas<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
6 best grasses for high-traffic areas<\/span><\/h2>
Maintaining a lush, healthy lawn is a dream for every homeowner, but when it gets a lot of foot traffic, choosing the right grass is paramount. Here are the top high-traffic grass types that perform well in bustling areas:<\/p>
1. Bermudagrass<\/span><\/h3>
![\"bermudagrass\"](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bermudagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: rawpixel<\/a> | CC0<\/figcaption><\/figure> Loved for its durability, bermudagrass is commonly used in golf courses and sports fields<\/a>. Its hardiness comes from its deep roots and quick growth rate. This type of grass can withstand heavy use and quickly recover from damage.<\/p>
Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass, so it would fare best in warm climates. It boasts excellent heat tolerance and can maintain its vibrant green color even in scorching summer conditions. This grass variety<\/a> ranges in color from blue-green to gray-green to dark green, but during cold weather, it goes dormant and will dull in color.<\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/p>
Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/p>
Shade tolerance: <\/strong>Low \u2013 but some bermudagrass cultivars require more direct sun exposure than others<\/p>
Drought tolerance: <\/strong>High \u2013 extended periods of drought may cause it to turn brown and become dormant<\/p>
Foot traffic tolerance: <\/strong>High \u2013 more sensitive when the temperature is low<\/p>
Maintenance needs: <\/strong>Moderate to high \u2013 needs to be fertilized monthly during the summer, and hybrid varieties may need more maintenance<\/p>
Recommended mowing height: <\/strong>1-2 inches \u2013 during periods of extreme drought or heat, you may have to increase the mowing height to retain moisture<\/p>
Potential for disease:<\/strong> Moderate resistance \u2013 may be susceptible to leaf spot, spring dead spot, brown patch, and dollar spot<\/p>
Potential for pests:<\/strong> Low resistance \u2013 can be prone to hunting billbugs, mole crickets, white grubs, and armyworms<\/p>
Soil pH<\/strong>: 6-6.5<\/p>
Soil type:<\/strong> Prefers loam soil but can grow in most types of soil<\/p>
Other notes: <\/strong>Its growing season is in late spring or early summer<\/p>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 <\/strong>Pennington Bermudagrass Bare Spot (5 lb. bag)
\u2013 Pennington Smart Seed Bermudagrass Mix (8.75-lb. bag)
\u2013 Scotts Turf Builder Bermudagrass<\/a> (10-lb. bag)
\u2013 Hancock Seed Co. Bermudagrass<\/a> (50-lb. bag)<\/p>2. Kentucky bluegrass<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Kentucky](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Kentucky-bluegrass.jpg\")
JeanUrsula<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A cool-season grass known for its lush, emerald-green appearance and fine texture, Kentucky bluegrass<\/a> is what most people picture when they imagine the perfect turfgrass. With its soft, smooth texture and blue-green to emerald color, it\u2019s an excellent option if you\u2019re looking to plant grass seeds that produce durable, yet beautiful, grass.<\/p>
While it\u2019s not as drought-resistant as bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass can withstand plenty of foot traffic from active pets and kids. It has a more shallow root system when compared to tall fescue, but its dense turf protects it from foot traffic.<\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/p>
Spreads by:<\/strong> Rhizomes<\/p>
Shade tolerance: <\/strong>Low to moderate \u2013 needs a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight<\/p>
Drought tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate \u2013 goes dormant during extended droughts<\/p>
Foot traffic tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate to high \u2013 but recuperates well<\/p>
Maintenance needs: <\/strong>Moderate to high \u2013 low nutrients can cause delayed growth<\/p>
Recommended mowing height: <\/strong>2-3 inches \u2013 mow taller during summer<\/p>
Potential for disease:<\/strong> Moderate to high \u2013 mostly prone to fairy rings, snow molds, dollar spot, summer patch, leaf spot, and necrotic ring spot<\/p>
Potential for pests:<\/strong> Moderate to high \u2013 can be susceptible to grubs, sod webworms, chinch bugs, armyworms, greenbugs, and bluegrass billbugs<\/p>
Soil pH<\/strong>: 6-7<\/p>
Soil type:<\/strong> Well-drained, fertile soils<\/p>
Other notes: <\/strong>It\u2019s often included in high-traffic grass seed blends due to its ability to self-repair and establish a dense, thick turf. Also, remember to schedule dethatching at least every other year.<\/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.)
\u2013 Jacklin Seed – Biltmore Blue Blend – 100% Kentucky Bluegrass (5 lbs.)<\/p>3. Perennial ryegrass<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Perennial](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Perennial-ryegrass-1.jpg\")
Sheryl Watson<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Perennial ryegrass is so durable that it is a popular grass type for golf courses in northern climates. This fast-growing grass<\/a> germinates quickly, establishing a robust turf with tough blades and a strong root system.<\/p>
Often used in overseeding practices for winter color in warm-season grasses, perennial ryegrass has a fine leaf texture and rich green color, making it an appealing choice for lawns, parks, and playgrounds.<\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/p>
Spreads by:<\/strong> Bunch-type<\/p>
Shade tolerance: <\/strong>Low \u2013 needs at least four to five hours under the sun<\/p>
Drought tolerance: <\/strong>Low \u2013 drought will lead to dormancy, but it quickly revives when watered<\/p>
Foot traffic tolerance: <\/strong>High \u2013 but recuperates poorly<\/p>
Maintenance needs: <\/strong>High \u2013 needs frequent watering, mowing, and fertilization<\/p>
Recommended mowing height: <\/strong>2-3 inches<\/p>
Potential for disease:<\/strong> Low resistance \u2013 heat and humidity can cause gray leaf spot and other diseases like red thread, flag rust, brown patch, stem rust, and downy mildew<\/p>
Potential for pests:<\/strong> High resistance \u2013 but can be prone to chinch bugs, greenbug aphids, and billbugs<\/p>
Soil pH<\/strong>: 6-7<\/p>
Soil type:<\/strong> Grows in most soil types but prefers well-drained, fertile soils<\/p>
Other notes: <\/strong>Use perennial ryegrass alongside Kentucky bluegrass or other grass seeds to thicken your lawn and repair dead patches. It will not produce as much thatch as other cool-season grass types.<\/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>4. Seashore paspalum<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Seashore](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Seashore-Paspalum.jpeg\")
Forest & Kim Starr<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 3.0 US<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Another warm-season grass variety, seashore paspalum is recognized for its resilience to salt spray and its capacity to flourish in coastal regions. It thrives in salty and sandy environments, making it an excellent choice for properties near the ocean.<\/p>
With its unique shade of blue-green and fine consistency, it remains a preferred selection for upscale landscapes. In fact, it can preserve its distinctive color and texture even under challenging environmental circumstances.<\/p>
It thrives in temperature ranges spanning from 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and demands consistent irrigation to sustain its optimal appearance. Despite its saltwater tolerance, seashore paspalum still necessitates well-drained soil and appropriate watering practices.<\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/p>
Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons<\/p>
Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Very low<\/p>
Drought tolerance:<\/strong> Very low<\/p>
Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> High<\/p>
Maintenance needs:<\/strong> High \u2013 needs frequent mowing, watering, and fertilization<\/p>
Recommended mowing height:<\/strong> 1-2 inches<\/p>
Potential for disease:<\/strong> High resistance \u2013 but it can be susceptible to pythium blight, take-all root rot, and Helminthosporium disease<\/p>
Potential for pests:<\/strong> High resistance \u2013 but may be affected by mole crickets, sod webworms<\/a>, and fall armyworms<\/p>
Soil pH:<\/strong> 6-8<\/p>
Soil type:<\/strong> Prefers well-drained soil but can still thrive in most types of soil<\/p>
Other notes:<\/strong> Cold weather is not favorable for this grass variety. Overusing fertilizers may result in the accumulation of thatch, impeding the lawn\u2019s access to essential water and nutrients. Additionally, refrain from applying herbicides not formulated for seashore paspalum.<\/p>
Grass Seed and Sod Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Seed Ranch SeaShore Paspalum Coated Grass Seed<\/a> – 1 lb.
\u2013 Seed World SeaShore Paspalum Grass Seeds<\/a> (various amounts)
\u2013 Other places to purchase seashore paspalum sod<\/a><\/p>5. Tall fescue<\/span><\/h3>
![\"tall](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Tall-fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton \/ Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Tall fescue has coarse, sturdy blades and deep roots, making it a great option for high-traffic lawns. Not only is this grass variety durable against high levels of foot traffic, but it\u2019s also adaptable to changing temperatures and water availability. It can thrive in most climates, from the cool northern regions to the warmer transitional zones.<\/p>
While it has moderate drought resistance, this fescue grass<\/a> will fare best in northern climates. In the summer, tall fescue can benefit from overseeding with warm-season grass seeds. It has a wide blade and ranges in color from medium to dark green.<\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/p>
Spreads by:<\/strong> Tillers (Bunch forming)<\/p>
Shade tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate to high<\/p>
Drought tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate<\/p>
Foot traffic tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate to high<\/p>
Maintenance needs: <\/strong>Low to moderate \u2013 can grow in soil with low nutrients <\/p>
Recommended mowing height: <\/strong>2-4 inches; mow weekly<\/p>
Potential for disease:<\/strong> Low to moderate \u2013 can be prone to leaf spot, brown patch, and seedling disease<\/p>
Potential for pests:<\/strong> Low to moderate \u2013 mostly susceptible to armyworms, cutworms, grubs, and sod webworms<\/p>
Soil pH<\/strong>: 5.5-6.5<\/p>
Soil type:<\/strong> Prefers clay soil but grows in most soil types<\/p>
Other notes: <\/strong>Like fine fescue, it stays green throughout the summer. Also, you won\u2019t have to worry about thatch buildup<\/a>.<\/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>6. Zoysiagrass<\/span><\/h3>
![\"zoysiagrass\"](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/zoysiagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Zoysiagrass is another durable warm-season grass. This grass type gets its durability from its dense growth pattern<\/a> that forms a thick, carpet-like turf able to withstand heavy use. It can thrive in a variety of soil types but can be susceptible to diseases.<\/p>
While it can vary in color and texture, it typically ranges from light to medium green. This grass type grows quickly in warm weather, providing a durable lawn for your spring and summer gatherings.<\/p>
Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/p>
Spreads by:<\/strong> Rhizomes and stolons<\/p>
Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Low to moderate \u2013 prefers full sun and will thin<\/a> in large shaded areas<\/p>
Drought tolerance:<\/strong> High \u2013 but you\u2019ll have to give it supplemental watering during extended periods of drought<\/p>
Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> High<\/p>
Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Low to moderate \u2013 you may need to fertilize it frequently with small amounts of fertilizer<\/p>
Recommended mowing height:<\/strong> Keep between 1-2.5 inches; mow weekly<\/p>
Potential for disease:<\/strong> Moderate resistance \u2013 large patch disease<\/a> may activate when the soil is between 65 and 75 degrees<\/p>
Potential for pests:<\/strong> Moderate resistance \u2013 common pests include armyworms, chinch bugs, hunting billbugs, mole crickets, sod webworms, grubs, and nematodes<\/p>
Soil pH:<\/strong> 6-6.5<\/p>
Soil type:<\/strong> Grows in most soil types but prefers well-drained, loamy soil<\/p>
Other notes:<\/strong> You must aerate every one or two years to prevent thatch buildup<\/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 Zoysia Emerald Grass Seeds (1\/8 lb. of seeds)
\u2013 Zenith Zenith Grass Seeds<\/a> (1\/8 lb. of seeds)<\/p>How to tell if foot traffic is hurting your lawn<\/span><\/h2>
If your lawn is patchy, brown, and dying, consider the kind of grass you have planted. If the grass type is supposed to be resistant to heavy foot traffic, check if you have thatch buildup and schedule to dethatch or aerate<\/a> your lawn. And if your grass type is sensitive to foot traffic, consider planting a more durable grass seed.<\/p>
Additionally, lawns that get heavy foot traffic can be more vulnerable to diseases if not properly maintained. Lawn diseases, especially fungus, appear as yellow, tan, or brown spots of various sizes on the lawn. Dormancy due to weather conditions or infrequent watering also can cause similar symptoms.<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> You\u2019ll likely be able to tell the difference between foot traffic damage and lawn diseases because most diseases will appear like a perfect ring, while traffic damage will look like sporadic regions of dying or dead grass.<\/p>
Impacts of heavy foot traffic on your lawn<\/span><\/h2>
High-traffic lawns can experience several negative impacts, both visible and hidden, which can compromise its health and aesthetic appeal:<\/p>
- Soil compaction:<\/strong> When people walk on your lawn, the pressure from their weight compresses the soil particles. Compacted soil becomes dense and hard, reducing the space between particles and hindering root growth and overall grass health.<\/li>
- 2. Kentucky bluegrass<\/a><\/li>
- 1. Bermudagrass<\/a><\/li>