If you live in the southern half of the United States, you’ve likely heard of warm season grass. This type of grass is prized for its ability to thrive in hot climates, stand up to drought and provide a lush, dense lawn during the summer months. But exactly what is warm season grass, and how do you care for it?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from identifying common types of warm season grasses to understanding how and when to fertilize, aerate and overseed your lawn.

What Is Warm Season Grass?

Warm season grass refers to grass varieties that grow best in temperatures between 80 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. These grasses begin growing in late spring, hit their peak during the heat of summer, then slow down and go dormant as temperatures cool in the fall.

Where Do Warm Season Grasses Grow?

Warm season grasses are most common in the southern United States, particularly in areas such as the Southeast, Gulf Coast, Southwest and lower portions of the transition zone. They love full sun, tolerate drought and perform well in sandy or clay-heavy soils.

Types of Warm Season Grasses

Warm season grasses come in a variety of textures and colors and with different maintenance needs. Here are five of the most popular options you’ll come across.

Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass is one of the most commonly used grasses in the South. This grass grows quickly, spreads aggressively and stands up to heavy use, which makes it a favorite for sports fields and high-traffic lawns. It loves full sun and doesn’t perform well in shade.

Zoysia Grass

Zoysia is known for its dense growth and soft texture, making it a popular choice for homeowners seeking a manicured look. It’s more shade-tolerant than Bermuda grass and handles foot traffic well. Once established, it’s relatively low maintenance.

Centipede Grass

Centipede is sometimes called the “lazy man’s grass” because it grows slowly and needs minimal care. It has a light green color and prefers acidic soil. While it’s not great for high-traffic areas, it’s a solid choice for a low-maintenance lawn in warm climates.

St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine is a warm-season favorite in coastal areas. It has broad, coarse blades and a rich green color. St. Augustine handles heat and humidity well and grows in a thick mat that helps crowd out weeds. However, it’s more susceptible to pests and diseases than other warm season grasses.

Bahiagrass

If you’re dealing with poor soil and dry conditions, planting bahiagrass might be the answer. It’s often used in pastures and along roadsides, but it also works as a lawn grass in some southern areas. Bahiagrass doesn’t require a lot of fertilizer or water, but it can look rough due to its coarse texture and tall seed heads.

When Do Warm Season Grasses Go Dormant?

Warm season grasses begin to go dormant as soil temperatures fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This usually happens in mid-to-late fall depending on your region. During dormancy, the grass turns brown and stops growing. However, it’s not dead but simply conserving energy until warmer weather returns.

How Do You Maintain Warm Season Grass?

Caring for warm season grass involves timely mowing and watering, and completing seasonal tasks such as fertilizing, aerating and overseeding. Here’s a breakdown of how and when to care for your lawn.

Fertilizing

Warm season grasses benefit from fertilization during their active growth period. Here’s when to fertilize warm season grasses for the best results:

• Apply the first feeding in late spring, once the lawn has fully greened up
• Continue fertilizing every 6 to 8 weeks throughout the summer
• Stop feeding in late summer to avoid pushing growth as the lawn heads into dormancy

Aerating

Soil compaction can be a problem, especially in lawns that get a lot of use. Aerating helps relieve compaction, improves water and nutrient flow and encourages deeper roots. So when to aerate warm season grass?

• Late spring or early summer is best, once the lawn is actively growing
• Aerate every 1–3 years depending on soil conditions and traffic levels

Overseeding

Overseeding helps thicken your lawn and fill in bare spots, but it can be tricky with warm season varieties since they spread more through runners than seed. Still, overseeding with warm season grass seed can be useful when establishing new areas or reinforcing older turf.

• Overseed in late spring to early summer when temperatures are consistently warm
• Use seed that matches your existing lawn for a uniform look

What Warm Season Grass Grows in the Shade?

Most warm season grasses prefer full sun, but some varieties perform better in partial shade. Zoysia and St. Augustine are the best options if your lawn has shady areas. They tolerate filtered sunlight better than Bermuda or centipede, however, no warm season grass thrives in dense shade.

Is Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass a Warm Season Grass?

You might be wondering about some commonly used grasses. Is fescue a warm season grass? No. Fescue, including tall fescue, is considered a cool season grass. The same goes for Kentucky bluegrass. These grasses do best in cooler climates and typically don’t hold up well in prolonged summer heat, which is why they’re not suited for the southern United States.

What Is Warm Season Grass Seed?

Warm season grass seed includes varieties such as Bermuda, zoysia, bahiagrass and centipede. Each has its strengths and is suited to different soil and sunlight conditions. Choosing the best warm season grass for your lawn depends on your location, lawn use and the level of care you’re willing to commit to.

At Lawn Doctor, we specialize in regional lawn care plans tailored to your grass type and growing conditions. Whether you need a one-time lawn treatment or a full-service plan, we’re here to help your lawn thrive through every season.

Contact your local Lawn Doctor today and let’s bring out the best in your warm season grass.