Atlanta, often lovingly referred to as “Hotlanta,” might give you the impression of a perpetually scorching and muggy climate. However, homeowners in this city are treated to a pleasant variety of weather throughout the year. Summers bring warmth, winters can be cool and even snowy at times, while spring and fall grace the city with their beautiful days.
This diverse climate is a boon for homeowners when it comes to choosing the right type of grass varieties in Atlanta. Whether you prefer warm-season grasses that thrive in the summer or cool-season grasses that are perfect for Atlanta’s mild winters, you have options galore in the capital of Georgia.
Your lawn can be a lush, green oasis in the heat of summer or maintain its charm during the occasional winter frost.
So, while “Hotlanta” may live up to its nickname in the summer, the year-round climate offers a delightful mix that’s perfect for grass varieties in Atlanta to flourish in your yard.
Table of Contents
Cool-Season Vs. Warm-Season Grass Varieties In Atlanta
Cool-Season Grass
- Plant in late summer (August-September) or early fall (September-October).
- Thrives in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Typically, mow at a taller height, leaving grass blades longer.
- Cold-tolerant and often goes dormant during hot summer months.
- Has thinner blades, and for a lush appearance, it’s best to mix with fine- or medium-textured warm-season grasses.
Warm-Season Grass
- Plant during late spring (April-May) to early summer (June-July).
- Prefers warmer temperatures, ideally between 80 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Typically, mow at a shorter height, keeping grass blades shorter.
- Goes dormant during the colder winter months.
- Features thicker and coarser blades compared to cool-season grasses.
5 Types of Atlanta Grass Varieties to Look Out For
1. Centipedegrass
Centipedegrass is the go-to choice for homeowners in the southern parts of Atlanta who crave a low-maintenance lawn. It’s the champion of drought tolerance, keeping your yard green even in dry spells. Notably, it’s a warrior against weeds, insects, and diseases, requiring less fertilization compared to other grasses. However, it’s not the best fit for heavy foot traffic, as it tends to show wear and tear.
- Classification: Warm-season
- Spreads By: Stolons
- Shade Tolerance: Moderate
- Drought Tolerance: High
- Foot Traffic Tolerance: Low
- Maintenance Needs: Low
- Recommended Mowing Height: 1 ½ – 2 inches
- Soil pH: Thrives in soils with a pH between 5.0-6.0
Note: Centipedegrass is the slowest grower among warm-season grasses, making it easy to control around flower beds but taking time to establish a lush landscape.
2. St. Augustine
St. Augustine grass is a good choice for the milder winters in the southern parts of Atlanta. It craves sunlight (3-4 hours daily) and can tolerate some shade. However, it’s thirstier than other grasses, especially in sandy soil. St. Augustine is a weed fighter but susceptible to chinch bugs. It handles foot traffic fairly well but not as robustly as bermudagrass.
- Classification: Warm-season
- Spreads By: Stolons
- Shade Tolerance: Low (varieties may tolerate more shade)
- Drought Tolerance: High
- Foot Traffic Tolerance: Moderate
- Maintenance Needs: High
- Recommended Mowing Height: 3 ½ – 4 inches
- Soil pH: Grows best in soils with a pH between 6.0-6.5
Note: Seeds for St. Augustine grass can be scarce in Atlanta; sod or plugs are common installation methods.
3. Zoysia
Zoysia grass, a cold-tolerant warm-season variety, suits Atlanta yards well. It withstands foot traffic, making it ideal for pet and kid-friendly homes. While it can tolerate partial shade, direct sunlight is its preference. Zoysia boasts a finer texture than other warm-season grasses like St. Augustine. It’s drought-tolerant but requires more watering in summer than bermudagrass. Regular dethatching is needed, and it’s salt-tolerant, making it great for beach homes.
- Classification: Warm-season
- Spreads By: Stolons and rhizomes
- Shade Tolerance: Moderate
- Drought Tolerance: High
- Foot Traffic Tolerance: High
- Maintenance Needs: Low
- Recommended Mowing Height: 1-2 inches
- Soil pH: Grows best in soils with a pH between 5.8 – 7.0
4. Bermudagrass
Bermudagrass reigns supreme in Atlanta due to its sturdiness and drought resistance. It’s dense and needs less watering during the summer compared to Zoysia. Bermudagrass can handle heavy foot traffic and is commonly used on golf courses and public spaces. However, it doesn’t tolerate shade well, so you might need another grass type for shaded areas.
- Classification: Warm-season
- Spreads By: Stolons and rhizomes
- Shade Tolerance: Low
- Drought Tolerance: Moderate
- Foot Traffic Tolerance: High
- Maintenance Needs: High
- Recommended Mowing Height: 1 – 1½ inches
- Soil pH: Grows best in soils with a pH between 5.8 – 7.0
Notes: Bermudagrass’s resilience under heavy foot traffic makes it a top choice for high-traffic areas like golf courses and public spaces in Atlanta.
5. Tall Fescue
Tall fescue stands as a robust cool-season grass, making it anexcellent choicefor yards in Atlanta. It’s drought-resistant, shade-tolerant, and can adapt to fluctuating temperatures. With proper care, it can maintain its vibrant green hue throughout the year, even in yards with varying levels of sun and shade.
- Classification: Cool-season
- Spreads By: Bunch forming and spreads by tillers
- Shade Tolerance: High
- Drought Tolerance: High
- Foot Traffic Tolerance: Moderate
- Maintenance Needs: Low
- Recommended Mowing Height: 2 inches
- Soil pH: Grows best in soils with a pH between 5.8 – 6.5
Note: To keep tall fescue thriving, consider reseeding every three years, as it can tend to clump over time. Its wide, coarse blades grow rapidly and may require frequent mowing, particularly in the fall and spring. Despite being a cool-season grass, tall fescue demands more water compared to most warm-season varieties. Fertilize it only once in September and November to maintain its health and vigor.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, when it comes to selecting the ideal grass varieties for your Atlanta yard, Atlanta Sod Farms stands out as your trusted partner. Our extensive range of options includes Zeon Zoysia, Centipede Sod, Empire Zoysia, and Centipede Grass Sod, ensuring that you have the best choices at your fingertips.
If you’re looking for the lush beauty of Zeon Zoysia or the low-maintenance charm of Centipede Sod, our selection has you covered. Whether it’s the exceptional durability of Empire Zoysia or the vibrant appeal of Centipede Grass Sod, we provide quality that stands the test of time.
Our expertise extends beyond just offering premium grass varieties in Atlanta. We understand the importance of timing, and we can advise you on the best time to lay sod for each specific type, ensuring your lawn thrives year-round.
