Is it time to finally start updating or redesigning your landscape? Are you in a newly constructed home and want to get your lawn ready for the neighborhood? Or do you need to repair/replace your current lawn? The good news is that choosing from the types of grass in Kansas is less overwhelming than in some other states. The plant hardiness zones are relatively consistent throughout the state, reducing the research you need to do, but not eliminating it.
Overview of the Best Grass for Kansas
Being solidly in the Midwest, Kansas is primed for cool-season grasses. Although the best grass for extreme north Kansas and the best for the south may vary (and can be addressed using mixes), most of the state is suitable for the same varieties.
- Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis)
- Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
- Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea)
- Zoysiagrass (Zoysia species)
Four Types of Grass in Kansas that Do Well + Why
Below, I’ll describe these turfgrasses, their ability to adapt to different environments, identify the best places to plant, and explain how to maintain them.
Kentucky Bluegrass
An established lawn of Kentucky Bluegrass is beautiful. Its lush green turf is appealing to look at and tolerates regular traffic well. In fact, Kentucky Bluegrass is found on golf courses and some commercial areas because its appearance and resilience are so appreciated.
Kentucky Bluegrass is one of the more popular grasses in the state and may be the best grass for Kansas lawns. It tolerates cooler temperatures (a plus the further north you are), does well in full sun, but will require regular maintenance. You’ll need to apply adequate water and fertilizer to ensure the soil stays fertile and encourages continued growth. Kentucky Bluegrass can be started by seeding or laying sod.
Parts of Kansas Particularly Good for: Colby and other cities in northeast Kansas
Perennial Ryegrass
Perennial Ryegrass is a versatile grass that grows well in various conditions. However, it is rarely used alone and does well when used with Kentucky Bluegrass. It can also be found in golf courses and commercial properties.
Perennial Ryegrass is lower maintenance than Kentucky Bluegrass alone and is often used to overseed it. It’s used to repair lawns because of its wear tolerance and ability to germinate quickly. Owners must regularly inspect their property for insects and disease as Perennial Ryegrass is more susceptible than other grasses. It is best started by seeding.
Parts of Kansas Particularly Good for: Most of Kansas (best in cooler areas)
Tall Fescue
Tall Fescue can often be found in lawns, parks, golf course rough areas, and other lower maintenance locations. They also make pasture fescue that is more appropriate for utility purposes.
You’ll find Tall Fescue requires regular attention but is not considered a high-maintenance grass. It has good drought and heat tolerance, requiring minimal watering during Midwestern summers. Tall Fescue is well adapted for Kansas’s transition zones in the southern parts of the state and could be referred to as the best grass for Wichita, Kansas. It starts best by seeding.
Parts of Kansas Particularly Good for: Wichita and other cities in middle and Midwest Kansas
Zoysiagrass
Zoysiagrass is also found in serval different Kansas locations. It is a proven, exceptionally good grass for home or commercial lawns and can also be found on golf courses and ball fields. It is considered to have a moderate level of maintenance due to its ability to handle drought and warmer conditions.
Zoysiagrass is slow-growing, can take longer to establish in Kansas, and has a shorter green period. It is also one of the more expensive grasses. It is best started vegetatively, but owners can use seed on occasion.
Parts of Kansas Particularly Good for: Wichita and further south
Summary of Considerations When Choosing a Grass for Kansas
There are not many additional aspects of your lawn you need to consider when choosing turf for your yard. The planting conditions in Kansas are consistent and vary little. But, it’s still necessary to investigate your area closely. The more Western or Southern your property is, the more heat and drought tolerance you’ll need. The farther north you are, the more you’ll need a grass that tolerates cooler temperatures.
I haven’t gone into great detail about site-specific concerns you’ll need to address, but don’t forget to evaluate the propensity your property has to attract pests and exactly how to best treat your soil to prepare for planting. These are critical considerations to factor in when planning your lawn.
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