If you’re aiming to have a dark green lawn, then starting with the right seed or sod is the first step. Different grasses come in different shades of green, and no matter how much you take care of them, only certain grass varieties turn dark green. So, let’s go over the 5 darkest green grass types and see which one is a good fit for your property.
Dark Green Grass Types (An Overview)
Dark green grass varieties mainly thrive in cooler weather. These grasses have a darker color because they store more chlorophyll to compensate for the shorter periods of sunlight. However, a few warm-weather grass types have a darker green color than others. Here’s a list of dark green grass types:
- Perennial Ryegrass
- Kentucky Bluegrass
- Hard Fescue
- Zoysia Grass
- Bermuda Grass
A Closer Look At Darkest Green Grass Types (5 Options)
For those of you living in the northern states, growing a dark green lawn is a bit easier since most dark green grasses are cool-season grasses. But for those living in the south, I’ve pulled a couple of warm-season varieties that are a darker green. But you guys in the south will have to work a bit harder to get that dark green you are looking for. So let’s take a look.
Perennial Ryegrass – Lolium perenne
Perennial Ryegrass is a common lawn found all over the United States. It grows in cooler weather and is a favorite in the Pacific Northwest, where it thrives in the cold winters and mild summers. In the north, it is used as a year-round turf grass, and in the south, it is used as a winter filler for lawns that turn brown when the temperatures dip.
Perennial Ryegrass has one of the darkest green grass seeds and establishes quickly. It spreads in clumps through vertical shoots called tillers. If your Perennial Ryegrass lawn starts to look brown in summer, it is likely because it has a shallow root system that requires more irrigation during hot months.
You’ll notice that Perennial Ryegrass has the darkest shade of green during the spring and fall. If you want Perennial Ryegrass to maintain its dark green color, make sure to plant it under full sun, keep your soil ph between 5.5-7.5 and feed it nitrogen. Now, perennial Ryegrass will grow differently depending on whether it is grown in the north or the south due to the vast difference in weather patterns plus the difference in the soil makeup.
So, you’ll need to adjust your watering and feeding schedules to meet your lawn’s needs. What works in the south might not work in the north, and you’ll find the growth will vary between the two areas. Also, before you head out on your lawn mower, check how your grass is doing and if it’s ready to mow. Mowing a Perennial Ryegrass at the wrong time can very easily turn a green lawn brown.
Kentucky Bluegrass – Poa pratensis
Don’t let the word blue fool you. Kentucky Bluegrass is one of the darkest green grass types available. This grass variety is a favorite across the United States because it produces the ideal lawn. There are a few varieties of Kentucky Bluegrass, but all are known for growing thick and hardy emerald lawns.
Kentucky Bluegrass has some of the darkest green grass seeds available. This is a great grass type for those of you living in the northern states as it is very tolerant to cold weather. However, if you’re in the south, expect Kentucky Bluegrass to go dormant when temperatures climb in the summer. While Kentucky Bluegrass is a crowd favorite, you’ll need to put in some work to maintain its dark green color.
This grass type needs more fertilizer and irrigation than most other grasses. Plus, it is prone to developing thatch which you’ll have to remove every year or every other year. If you don’t dethatch, then your grass might struggle and might end up with issues like lawn fungus and poor blade growth. But the extra effort is worth it when you see your healthy, dark green lawn.
Fescues – Festuca
Fescues are a great grass type for those living in the northern states who want a dark green and low-maintenance lawn. Several fescue varieties produce a dark green color, like hard, tall, and creeping red fescues. These dark green grass types have long root systems, which means they are more tolerant to drought than other grasses.
Fescues are also shade tolerant, produce little thatch, and are great in high-traffic areas. The only time fescues will turn brown is during hot summer climates, so they are not recommended as year-round lawns for the southern states. Overall, fescues are a win-win for those who want a dark green lawn year-round with little effort.
If you find your fescue lawn slowing down during the hot summer months, you’ll want to ease up with the mowing. This is because your lawn is going dormant and trying to protect itself from the heat. Jumping on your lawn mower might cause your lawn to go into shock, which will only turn your lawn brown.
Zoysia Grass – Zoysia tenuifolia
If you live in the south or the transition zone, then Zoysia grass is an excellent dark green grass type for your lawn. Zoysia is one of the darkest green grasses for warmer climates, and in ideal conditions, it stays green all year. However, it can turn brown when the temperatures cool and is not recommended for cold regions.
Zoysia is a low-maintenance grass that can grow in full sun or light shade. While it is slow to grow, it forms a thick canopy that is very resistant to wear and tear. It thrives in well-drained soil with an acidic to neutral ph. So, if you’re a southern homeowner wanting an easy-to-care-for lawn that is a deep emerald green color, then Zoysia grass is a great fit for you.
Because Zoysia likes well-drained soil, you should get an aerator to help with potential drainage issues. Failing aeration, you might want to consider additional drainage if you are down in the south, like in Florida. Zoysia doesn’t take kindly to water-logged soil, so a swale might come in handy.
Also, because Zoysia likes neutral soil, you don’t want to go too crazy with the fertilizer. Now, I know nitrogen is key to greening up your lawn, but too much can be a problem, especially with Zoysia.
Bermuda Grass – Cynodon dactylon
Bermuda grass might be a good fit for your lawn if you live in the southern states from the Atlantic to southern California. While most warm-season grasses are a lighter shade of green, Bermuda grass tends to be a darker shade. Bermuda grass thrives in direct sun and well-irrigated soil.
This grass type grows quickly and aggressively and is a great fit in those high-traffic areas. When Bermuda grass gets all of its needs met, it can turn a lush dark green color. To keep your Bermuda grass happy, water it thoroughly, aerate it in early summer, use the right nitrogen-rich fertilizer, and test that your soil’s ph is between 6 and 7. This might sound a bit complicated, but there are soil testing kits and even meters that you can use to directly test your soil without needing to send a sample to a lab.
Like with Zoysia, don’t overdo the lawn feed. Try to get it just right. Also, slow-release fertilizer will help give your lawn a continuous slow feed over a few months. If you are looking for a quick fix, then a liquid fertilizer will start to work after just a couple of days.
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