Many homeowners wonder if any type of grass can survive the cold winter months. While most lawn grasses go dormant and turn brown in winter, there are some varieties that stay green throughout the season. Choosing a winter-hardy grass can give your lawn a vibrant, lush look even when everything else is faded and bare.
In this article, we’ll explore what kinds of grass grow in winter and how they are able to survive the cold. We’ll also provide tips on selecting, planting, and caring for winter grass so you can have an attractive lawn all year round.
Page Contents
- 1 What Allows Grass to Grow in Winter?
- 2 Types of Grass That Grow in Winter
- 3 Grass Species to Avoid for Winter
- 4 Best Regions for Growing Winter Grass
- 5 When to Plant Grass for Winter
- 6 How to Plant Grass Seed for Winter
- 7 Caring for Winter Grass
- 8 Overseeding for Winter Grass
- 9 Using Grass Alternatives
- 10 Conclusions
What Allows Grass to Grow in Winter?
Most lawn grasses are cool season grasses, meaning they thrive in cool temperatures and naturally go dormant when it gets hot. Warm season grasses like zoysia and bermuda cannot tolerate cold winters and turn brown after first frost.
Cool season grasses can survive the winter because:
- They have deeper root systems – Cool season grass roots can grow up to 6-8 inches deep or more. The extensive root system allows them to absorb moisture and nutrients from deep in the soil even when the surface is frozen.
- They have more stored energy – Cool season grasses produce more carbohydrates and sugars through photosynthesis. This gives them more energy reserves to tap into during winter dormancy.
- They go dormant but don’t die – The above-ground blades may turn tan or brown but the crowns, roots, and stolons remain alive. When temperatures warm in spring, the grass easily revives.
These natural adaptations allow some cool season grasses to not just survive, but stay green and actively growing even in frigid winter conditions.
Types of Grass That Grow in Winter
While many cool season grasses can withstand winter to some degree, the following varieties are best able to retain their color and growth:
Tall Fescue
Tall fescue is a popular choice for winter lawns. This durable, deep-rooted grass stays evergreen in all but the harshest winters. It holds up well to cold, ice, snow, and even light foot traffic.
There are several subspecies to choose from including Turbo, Rebel Exeda, and Titanium LS. Look for cultivars specifically bred for cold hardiness.
Perennial Ryegrass
Like tall fescue, perennial ryegrass remains green through winter. Growth does slow considerably, so don’t expect the same vigor as spring and summer. But the blades will still be actively growing.
Use perennial ryegrass alone or as part of a grass seed mix. Make sure to choose a winter hardy cultivar like Wintergreen, pharmacia and Sultan. Avoid annual ryegrass as it will die out.
Fine Fescue
Fine fescues like hard fescue, chewings fescue, and creeping red fescue transition to a darker emerald green in late fall. Growth becomes sparse but the grass blades remain alive and green.
Fine fescues tolerate cold better than other grasses. They perform well even in freezing temperatures and icy conditions.
Kentucky Bluegrass
While Kentucky bluegrass doesn’t have the best winter color, it can still actively grow through winter. Combine it with ryegrass or fescue for a more vibrant winter lawn.
Choose cold tolerant cultivars like Midnight, Everest, and Blue Velvet. Avoid mixes with annual bluegrass as those will die out.
Bentgrass
Like fine fescue, bentgrass becomes greener and more lush in fall. It maintains good winter color and thrives in cool, moist climates (but not typically zone 7 or warmer).
Use bentgrass mainly on golf courses and lawns cut less than 1”. It doesn’t perform as well in home lawns.
Grass Species to Avoid for Winter
Some grasses that do well in spring and summer will go completely dormant and brown once cold weather hits. Avoid the following grass species if you want winter color:
- Zoysia grass
- Bermuda grass
- St. Augustine grass
- Centipede grass
- Carpetgrass
- Bahia grass
While these warm season grasses thrive in hot, southern climates they cannot tolerate frosty winters further north.
In transition zones where winters are mild, some warm season grasses may retain some winter color. But they will still go dormant sooner than cool season counterparts.
Some cool season grasses like annual ryegrass and annual bluegrass (Poa annua) act as short-lived perennials and die out each winter as well. Avoid using these species for permanent winter color.
Best Regions for Growing Winter Grass
The northern and middle portions of the U.S. give cool season grasses enough cold weather to stay active through winter. This includes northeastern states across the northern Plains, Midwest, and inland Pacific Northwest.
Most southern states don’t experience long or cold enough winters for grasses to remain evergreen. Temperatures may drop below freezing but quickly rebound back to 50 or 60 degrees Fahrenheit. These fluctuations encourage grass to go in and out of dormancy.
However, northern parts of the transition zone down to Tennessee, northern Georgia, Arkansas, and Oklahoma can sustain winter grasses. Microclimates also play a role. Choosing sheltered, shaded spots works better than open, windy areas.
This map shows the best areas for winter grass:
| Zone | States |
|---|---|
| Zone 6 | Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont |
| Zone 7 | Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey |
| Zone 8 | Colorado, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, Northern Georgia |
Zone 8 can sustain winter grass growth depending on location and microclimate. Zone 9 and warmer generally do not get cold enough.
When to Plant Grass for Winter
The ideal time for planting winter grass is during the fall. This gives the new grass time to establish before severe cold sets in.
Follow this fall planting schedule based on region:
| Region | Planting Dates |
|---|---|
| Northern states (zone 6) | August 15 to September 15 |
| Central states (zones 7) | September 1 to October 15 |
| Southern states (zone 8) | October 1 to November 1 |
Plant at least 6-8 weeks before first expected frost. This gives roots ample time to grow deep and establish before winter dormancy.
Spring and summer planting is fine for long-term establishment. But the grass may not have the reserves needed to remain green through winter.
How to Plant Grass Seed for Winter
Planting winter grass seed is similar to planting regular cool season grass:
- Test soil pH and nutrients. Adjust as needed to match grass species’ preferences.
- Eliminate existing weeds and vegetation. Spray non-selective herbicide or smother with mulch.
- Till soil to a depth of 4-6 inches. Break up compaction and remove debris.
- Apply starter fertilizer high in phosphorus to stimulate root growth.
- Spread seed according to package directions. Most winter grasses need 5-10 lbs per 1000 sq ft.
- Gently rake seeds into the soil surface. Cover with thin layer of compost or straw.
- Water lightly 2-3 times per day until sprouted. Cut back once established.
The most important step is soil prep. Grass needs loose, weed-free soil so roots penetrate deeply. Proper planting depth and consistent moisture also boost establishment.
Caring for Winter Grass
Winter grass still needs proper care through the off-season to look its best:
Continue Watering
Water grass as needed during dry periods to prevent browning. Morning is ideal to allow blades to dry during the day. Provide around 1” per week from rain or irrigation.
Apply Fall Fertilizer
Make the last fertilizer application around Halloween. This gives nutrients to support color and cold tolerance. Use a balanced formula or winterizer.
Mow Leaves
Shred and mow leaves into the lawn or remove excessive amounts. Too many leaves will mat down and smother grass through winter.
Remove Snow
When possible, clear heavy, compacted snow from the lawn. This prevents grass blades from breaking and allows sunlight to reach plants.
Overseeding for Winter Grass
If your existing lawn lacks winter hardiness, overseeding can infuse color into fescue, bluegrass, or ryegrass. This involves scattering new grass seed over the current lawn.
For best results:
- Mow lawn short and dethatch if needed
- Overseed with winter grass in fall
- Water lightly to sprout new seedlings
- Let new grass mature before freezing temps hit
The new grass will fill in thin or bare spots to create a lush, green lawn through winter.
Using Grass Alternatives
In regions too warm for winter grasses, non-grass alternatives can provide winter green:
- Clover – Microclovers and white clover stay evergreen in warm winters
- Mazus reptans – Winter-hardy groundcover with blue flowers
- Creeping thyme – Dense, low-growing thyme stays green through winter
- Irish moss – Tiny-leaved moss tolerates light foot traffic
- Wintercreeper – Evergreen Euonymus ground cover
These plants can fill in around stepping stones or pavers to provide color. Or use them in place of grass altogether.
Conclusions
Having a green lawn in winter takes planning and preparation. Planting the right grass species and providing adequate care through the offseason are key. Cool season grasses like fescue, ryegrass, and bluegrass hold potential to stay evergreen with proper maintenance. Transition zone lawns may also support winter grass growth.
Focus on proper timing, seed selection, soil prep, and aftercare. Test different winter grass species to determine which grows best in your climate. With the right approach, you can maintain a lush, vibrant lawn despite the cold conditions.