Best Grass For North Carolina Lawns

Picture of Kentucky Bluegrass taken by Rob Ireton from Flickr

North Carolina is home to a variety of climates, which can sometimes make it hard to figure out what plants may work best for your yard. Just because your friend up in the Piedmont has an amazing garden doesn't mean those plants might flourish with you in the mountains.

The same applies to grass. Getting the right grass for your climate can make or break your lawn. Don’t worry, though! We’ve made this easy guide to help you figure out what grass is best for your yard—whether you’re in the mountains, the plains, or somewhere in between.

What's special about NC's Climate?

The Tar Heel State is special geologically for many reasons. The main one is that we have the privilege of having the beach and mountains right at our doorstep! From the cool mountain air in Boone to the salty breezes of Wilmington, North Carolina is split into three main regions: the Mountains, the Piedmont, and the Coastal Plains.

Because of this, both warm-season and cool-season grasses grow in NC, and choosing the wrong one can lead to a patchy, brown, or struggling lawn. So, let’s break it down.

What is Cool Grass?

Best for: Mountains and Piedmont

Cool-season grasses thrive in spring and fall and tend to stay green throughout most of the winter. These are great for areas that experience more temperate or even chilly weather.

Kentucky Bluegrass

Kentucky Bluegrass is a popular pick in the Piedmont and mountain areas for a reason. It has a beautiful, rich green hue and creates a dense, carpet-like lawn that feels great underfoot.

• Pros: Soft texture, lush appearance, self-spreading

• Cons: Needs regular watering and maintenance to stay healthy

Tall Fescue Grass

Tall Fescue is a versatile option that handles both heat and cold with ease. It’s one of the most commonly used grasses in NC because of its durability and minimal upkeep.

• Pros: Drought tolerant, low maintenance, good for sun and shade

• Cons: Coarser texture, may need overseeding in high-traffic areas

Ryegrass

Ryegrass grows fast, which makes it a great option for fixing patchy or damaged lawns. It’s often used to overseed other grass types for a quick green-up.

• Pros: Rapid germination, excellent for temporary lawns or overseeding

• Cons: Not ideal as a standalone grass in NC, short life span, and higher mowing needs

What is Warm Grass?

Best for: Coastal Plains and parts of the Piedmont

Warm-season grasses love the heat and sunshine and are most active in the late spring through summer. These grasses often go dormant (aka turn brown) in the winter but bounce back beautifully come spring.

Bermuda Grass

Bermuda is a workhorse of a grass. It’s ideal for people who are outside a lot—whether you’re hosting backyard BBQs, playing catch with your kids, or letting your dog run wild.

• Pros: Handles foot traffic like a champ, drought resistant, fast-growing

• Cons: Requires frequent mowing, can spread aggressively if not managed

Zoysia Grass

Zoysia is like Bermuda’s more laid-back cousin. It still handles activity well but doesn’t grow as fast and can tolerate a bit more shade.

• Pros: Dense, weed-suppressing growth, heat resistant, lower maintenance

• Cons: Slow to establish, may develop thatch if not monitored, browns in winter

St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine is a more sensitive option for warm climates. It has broad, coarse blades and does best in hot, humid areas with plenty of sun and some shade.

• Pros: Great for shaded yards, helps choke out weeds, beautiful color

• Cons: Prone to pests, higher maintenance, not ideal for colder regions

So What Grass Is Best For Your North Carolina Lawn?

If you're still wondering which grass type is best for you, here's a helpful tip. If you live in the mountains, grasses such as Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass will be best for your lawn. If you live near the coast or the southern Piedmont, warm season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia will fit your lawn great.

Not quite sure where your area falls? Here's a quick cheat sheet:

• Mountains (Asheville, Boone): Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass

• Piedmont (Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro): Tall Fescue, Bermuda, Zoysia

• Coastal Plains (Wilmington, Fayetteville): Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine

Figuring out what grass is best for your lawn—and keeping it picture-perfect—can be a lot of work. Carolina Green Guys gets it, and we’re here to help! Whether you’re in the mountains, Piedmont, or coastal plains, we’ll help you choose the best grass for your North Carolina lawn. Contact us today to request a free quote and take the first step toward your best lawn yet.