Across the country, various regions have different conditions that pair best with different grasses.
Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass grow best in the northern states. These grasses put on 60% of their top growth from March to June. Then from September to October, they continue growing underground until the soil freezes and then go dormant in January and February.
Warm-season grasses like Zoysiagrass and Bermudagrass grow best in the southern states. They prefer those drier soils and have a high tolerance for drought. This also gives them the ability to handle traffic better. But these grasses turn brown when temperatures dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Then, there are the transition zone areas of the country, like Central and Southern Maryland. Here, since we’re neither in a cool-season region or a warm-season region, those grasses don’t always grow best here.
Let’s talk about the best types of grass in Maryland since this can be a trickier area to understand.
Growing Grass in Maryland
The grass type you grow matters when you’re looking for a thicker, greener lawn.
Building a perfect lawn means controlling mowing height, water needs, and fertilization requirements. And determining the ideal tasks in each of these categories means knowing what grass types you’re growing. Every grass is different and, therefore, has different preferences for care. 
But you don’t have to worry about having a lot to remember about different grass types here. Since we’re in that tricky transition zone, we only have one ideal type of grass in Maryland: tall fescue.
Best Grass Seed for Maryland
Tall fescue is perfect for Maryland lawns.
Not only is tall fescue wear-resistant, but it’s also heat-, drought-, and shade-tolerant. This means it doesn’t require crazy high amounts of maintenance compared to other grasses that will brown more quickly in summer. Tall fescue tends to brown much less than others in our transition zone climate. 
But just like any grass, this best grass type for Maryland lawns has it’s preferences for care in order to thrive.
Building the Best Lawn
One you have the right grass, the perfect lawn takes the right kind of care.
Tall fescue needs about 1.5 inches of water per week -- whether that comes from rain, irrigation, or both. Slower, longer periods of watering can adequately saturate grass roots. 
Mowing tall fescue takes a thoughtful approach as well, especially in the summer. Mowing to a 3- to 4-inch height is ideal to ensure thick, strong, healthy grass.
Annual aeration and overseeding can help this best grass type for Maryland lawns by improving air movement, as well as water and fertilizer uptake. It also reduces soil compaction, which improves root development. This helps tall fescue better battle heat and drought. 
Proper fertilization is another great regular practice that done at the right times encourages healthy growth. Spring fertilization helps support top growth, while fall fertilization helps support root growth -- giving the entire plant what it needs.
We Understand Growing Grass in Maryland
You want a thick, green lawn, and you don’t want to think about the challenges that can make this possible.
We totally get that. You don’t want to be a slave to your lawn care.
Choosing the right grass type for Maryland and taking care of it properly can do wonders in creating a thriving lawn.
Think you have a weird mix of grass types that aren’t working out for your Maryland lawn? Wishing your grass would look just as good as the neighbor’s? Natural Green Systems can help. We know Maryland lawns, and with one look we can tell you what your lawn needs to thrive and provide you with some tips and tricks to get that picture perfect lawn you crave.
Let’s get you that grass you desire. Natural Green Systems has all the grass-growing knowledge you need for your Central or Southern Maryland lawn. Get started today with a free quote. Together, we’ll customize a plan that gives your lawn the facelift it needs.
Image Source: Lawn Mowing
