Even when soil is in good shape, a lawn can thrive only if it’s composed of the right grass. Since not all grasses are suited to all parts of the United States, find what works in your area by visiting a local nursery or contacting your local USDA cooperative extension office. The following are six of the most common types of grass in the United States.

Bermuda Grass

• Hardiness zone: 7–10
• Shade tolerance: Low
• Water needs: Low, once a week
• Fertilizer needs: 4 times a year
• Pros: Deep roots; drought-proof; grows in all soil types
• Cons: Doesn’t tolerate shade; forms lots of thatch

Buffalo Grass

img: aglandturf.com

• Hardiness zone: 4–9
• Shade tolerance: Medium
• Water needs: Very low, once a month
• Fertilizer needs: Once a year
• Pros: Very low maintenance; requires mowing only 2–3 times a season
• Cons: Doesn’t thrive in wet, poorly drained soil; gray-green (not deep green) in color

Fine Fescue

img: nixahardware.com

• Hardiness zone: 2–7
• Shade tolerance: Very high
• Water needs: Low, once a week
• Fertilizer needs: 2 times a year
• Pros: Dark green color; shade tolerant
• Cons: Doesn’t thrive in high heat or drought conditions

Kentucky Bluegrass

img: amazon.com

• Hardiness zone: 2–7
• Shade tolerance: Low to medium
• Water needs: Medium, 3 times a week
• Fertilizer needs: 4 times a year
• Pros: Dark green color; durable; propagates quickly
• Cons: During prolonged periods of hot, dry weather, goes dormant, and color changes to light brown

Ryegrass

• Hardiness zone: 3–7
• Shade tolerance: Medium to high
• Water needs: Medium, twice a week
• Fertilizer needs: 4 times a year
• Pros: High wear tolerance; fast germination
• Cons: Not a cold-weather grass; dies in severe winters

St. Augustine Grass

img: scotts.com

• Hardiness zone: 8–10
• Shade tolerance: High
• Water needs: Low, once a week
• Fertilizer needs: 4 times a year
• Pros: Grows well in full sun or shade; thrives in humid, coastal locations
• Cons: Prone to thatch; low wear tolerance; no cold tolerance