5 Best Grass Types for California Lawns

California's diverse climates require specific grass types to ensure optimal lawn health year-round. Although this golden state is known for its wonderful Mediterranean climate, temperatures here can reach scorching highs and freezing lows. Therefore, numerous grasses, including both warm-season and cool-season varieties, can thrive in California's climate. Temperatures don't fluctuate significantly here, but some regions of California are hotter and have drought conditions than other parts, whereas some are colder, which can harm warm-season grasses. As a result, some grass species thrive more than others depending on where you live in California.

In this article, we'll share the list of the top five grass types for California, discuss why they thrive in the Golden State, and which grass types grow best in Central, Northern, and Southern California. We'll also share many additional tips to help you keep your lawn lush green and ready for outdoor activities.

1. Bermudagrass

Classification: Warm-season grass

Ideal for: Inland areas with hot summer temperatures

Bermudagrass is a popular warm-season grass used in California's inland areas, where temperatures are higher in the summer. This grass type grows quickly and has excellent heat, traffic, and drought-tolerance. The grass maintains its lovely light green color and creates a dense ground cover that thrives from spring to early fall.

This turfgrass thrives in full sun but requires frequent upkeep. Since it grows rapidly, it requires regular mowing and fertilizing. However, mowing too often may increase the risk of pests and weeds.

Bermudagrass Care and Maintenance

Mowing

Mow this grass once or twice a week at a height of 0.5 to 1.5 inches for hybrid cultivars and 1.5 to 2.5 inches for common Bermudagrass types. Regular mowing helps to maintain density and reduce thatch buildup.

Fertilization

Apply high-nitrogen lawn fertilizers, such as Ferti-MAXX-Landscape, in the growing season, usually from late spring through early autumn. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks to promote strong growth.

Watering

Deep watering through drip irrigation once or twice a week is best. Make sure the soil is moistened to a depth of six inches to allow the roots to grow deeper and increase its drought tolerance.

2. Tall Fescue

Classification: Cool-season grass

Ideal for: Central California and Shady Areas

Tall Fescue is a fast-growing, low-maintenance, cool-season turfgrass that works well in Central California. It also grows well in Southern California, especially on shady properties. This tolerant grass is commonly used in California for parks, roadsides, sports fields, recreation areas, and residential and commercial properties.

Since it is a cool-season grass type, it has the appealing characteristic of retaining its lovely color all year-round. Tall fescue is not as drought and heat-tolerant as warm-season grasses, but the rich green coarse grass is the most heat-tolerant cool-season grass, requiring less water than others. Tall fescue varieties can recover quickly from wear and tear, especially those with deeper root systems. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. Also, this turfgrass is disease-resistant if maintained properly.

Tall Fescue Care and Maintenance

Mowing

It needs frequent mowing in spring. Regular mowing helps to prevent weed invasion and maintain density. Mow only when the grass reaches 3 inches tall and cut it to 2 inches.

Fertilization

It requires little fertilization and does not develop much thatch. Apply mild, balanced lawn fertilizer in fall and spring. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can cause disease problems.

Watering

Regular, balanced watering is essential for optimal health. Maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, to keep your lawn lush and healthy.

3. Buffalograss

Classification: Warm-season grass

Ideal for: Southern California lowlands with adverse weather conditions

California buffalograss is an ideal lawn grass type for areas of the Golden State that experience harsh weather, such as the southern lowlands of California's desert region.

This dark green covering is low-maintenance grass with high drought tolerance. Unlike most other grasses, this warm-season grass can only be propagated using plugs. Buffalograss is a perfect choice for individuals looking to save water and money on chemical treatments because it requires little to no fungicides or insecticides.

Buffalograss does not have many downsides. However, like other warm-season grasses, California buffalograss goes dormant in winter and turns brown. It does not tolerate shade well, so this grass is not the right choice for shaded properties.

Buffalograss Care and Maintenance

Mowing

This grass needs less frequent mowing compared to other grasses because of its slower growth rate. Mow every 2 to 3 weeks to maintain the height of 2 to 3 inches.

Fertilization

Buffalograss requires minimal fertilization. Use organic lawn fertilizer moderately in late spring or early summer to promote growth without developing excessive thatch.

Watering

Bermudagrass is less thirsty and highly drought-tolerant than other grasses. It can even survive with minimal irrigation, perfect for the California climate. Water sparingly as needed, usually only in dry periods.

4. Zoysiagrass

Classification: Warm-season grass

Ideal for: Southern California and salt-tolerant areas

Zoysiagrass, one of the ideal grass types for San Diego, is another good option for Southern California. Zoysiagrass is salt-tolerant, cold-tolerant, drought-tolerant, and highly foot-traffic-tolerant. This grass grows slowly, grass grows slowly, making it low maintenance. Zoysiagrass is dense, dark emerald green, and rather stiff.

Zoysiagrass can adapt to various soil types, has a deep root system that helps it hold water, thrives in California droughts, and handles high temperatures. This warm-season California grass is an excellent choice for homeowners who don't want to put much effort into their lawns. It does not need a lot of fertilizer or water, but too much of these nutrients can promote excessive thatch.

Zoysiagrass Care and Maintenance

Mowing: Zoysiagrass grows slowly, so it does not need mowing often. Mow every ten to fourteen days and maintain a mowing height of 1-2 inches.

Fertilization: Apply low-nitrogen lawn fertilizers to avoid thatch buildup. Fertilize carefully in late spring or early summer.

Watering: Deep, less frequent watering via drip irrigation or subsurface drip irrigation is ideal for this grass. However, make sure the soil is moistened to a depth of at least 6 inches to promote strong root growth.

5. St. Augustinegrass

Classification: Warm-season grass

Ideal for: Shaded areas with moderate shade

This salt-tolerant, dense, and coarse grass is one of the best grass types for Los Angeles and other coastal cities with salty air. Although it is not a low-maintenance grass, it has numerous attractive qualities. St. Augustinegrass is a blue green to medium-green grass type that's ideal for homeowners living near the coast.

Unlike buffalograss and Bermudagrass, the St. Augustinegrass type grows well in the shade. From the list, it is the most shade-tolerant warm-season grass. As a bonus benefit, it also thrives in full sun. St. Augustinegrass cultivars like 'Raleigh' and 'Palmetto' grow well in shade and full sun. Unlike Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass, St. Augustine is less cold-tolerant and does not handle foot traffic as well. It also requires frequent mowing and regular dethatching.

St. Augustinegrass Care and Maintenance

Mowing

This grass type requires frequent mowing due to its fast growth rate. Mow the St. Augustinegrass weekly and set the mowing height to 3.5-4 inches. Higher heights help grass grow well in shaded conditions.

Fertilization

Fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers every 6-8 weeks in the growing season. Don't overfertilize your St. Augustinegrass to prevent excessive growth and thatch buildup.

Watering

Provide regular, deep watering. Water the grass early in the morning to reduce evaporation and the risk of fungal disease.

Best Grass Types for Northern California

The northern part tends to be cooler and wetter than the rest of California, as it lies within the Pacific Northwest. Many cool-season grasses thrive in Northern California, including Kentucky bluegrass, fescue grass, colonial bentgrass, and perennial ryegrass. You can also grow Bermuda grass if you don't mind it going dormant over the winter.

Best Grass Type for Southern California

Southern California is very hot and dry, so if you live in this part of the state, you should consider growing drought-tolerant and heat-tolerant grasses like Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, California buffalograss, St. Augustinegrass, and Kikuyugrass. If you prefer grass that stays green all year, tall fescue is also a great option.

Best Grass for Central California

Central California experiences fewer extreme temperatures compared to Northern and Southern California. However, it may still get hot. Bermudagrass, tall fescue, St. Augustinegrass, and Zoysiagrass are good turf options for this part of the state.

Grow a Beautiful California Lawn with DripWorks

Now you know which grass types are ideal for California. Choose the right type of grass for your lawn based on your climate and specific lawn conditions, to create a dream lawn. However, you also need to keep up with regular lawn care to maintain a lush, healthy lawn. Using the best lawn fertilizer, proper lawn mowing, watering your turf appropriately, and controlling weeds are all essential for a healthy lawn.

DripWorks offers premium-quality lawn fertilizers, sprinkler irrigation systems for uniform coverage, weeding tools to remove those annoying lawn weeds, and much more. We are committed to providing top-notch lawn and garden care products to keep your yard vibrant and healthy across the lovely cities of California.