Turfgrasses perform more effectively within temperatures that most closely match their growth patterns. Turfgrasses are divided into two temperature categories: cool season and warm season.
Cool-season turfgrasses are those species with optimum growth at temperatures between 60 and 75°F (15.5 to 24°C). Cool season grass species include creeping bentgrass, fine fescue, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, annual ryegrass and perennial ryegrass.
Warm-season turfgrass are those species with optimum growth at temperatures between 80 and 95°F (27 to 35°C). Warm season grass species include Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bentipedegrass, St. Augustine and Zoysiagrass.
Cool Season Grasses
Northern Region
Rye, Bluegrass, Fescue and Bentgrass varieties.
Transition Territory
Warm Season and Cool Season grasses grow in this region.
Warm Season Grasses
Southern Region typically go dormant in water.
Bermuda, Centipedegrass, St. Augustine, Zoysia.