There’s no place quite like St. Louis, Missouri. The Gateway to the West is full of culture, history, and personality. From the iconic Gateway Arch, and the mighty Mississippi river, to the breweries and restaurants that keep popping up all over town, there’s always something new to explore.
And what would all of these attractions be without the perfect backdrop? The beautiful green grass covering the city makes it all the more special.
While it may seem like all of the grass in St. Louis is naturally perfect, the truth is that a lot of work goes into making sure it looks that way.
If you’re thinking about starting a lawn in St. Louis, you’ll need to choose the right grass seed for the job. The challenging climate of the Midwest can make it tough to grow grass that looks good and is also resistant to disease.
Belonging to the USDA Hardiness Zones 6, St. Louis experiences hot summers and cold winters. In July, the average high temperature is 87 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average low temperature in January is 22 degrees Fahrenheit.
With such extreme conditions, it’s crucial to choose a grass seed that will withstand both the heat and the cold.
Whether you’re new to the area or planning to landscape your yard for the first time, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of choosing the best grass seed for St. Louis lawns.
We’ll also provide some tips on properly caring for your lawn so that it always looks its best.
The Best Grass Seed for St Louis: Shady Areas
Not all grass is created equal. Just like people, grass comes in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. And just like people, some types of grass are better suited for certain conditions than others.
When choosing the best grass seed for your lawn, it’s important to consider the amount of sun and shade that your yard gets throughout the day. If your lawn is in a shady area, you’ll want to choose a grass type that is tolerant of low light conditions.
Some of the best options for shady areas include:
St. Augustine Grass Seed
If you’re looking for a lush, green lawn that can withstand both the hot summers and cold winters of St. Louis, then look no further than St. Augustine grass.
This hearty grass is tolerant of both shade and sun, making it a perfect choice for those difficult-to-grow areas of your yard. In addition, St. Augustine grass is known for its ability to resist pests and disease, meaning you’ll have one less thing to worry about come springtime.
For a thick, beautiful lawn that will make your neighbors green with envy, choose St. Augustine grass seed. You won’t be disappointed.
St. Augustine grass seed is best planted in the spring or fall. Remember to fertilize your lawn regularly and water it deeply to prevent the grass from drying out.
Zoysia Seed
Another great option for shady areas is zoysia grass. Zoysia grass is warm-season grass, which means it goes dormant during the winter months.
This makes it a good choice for those who don’t want to worry about their lawn during the coldest months of the year. Zoysia grass is also known for its ability to tolerate shade, making it a perfect choice for those shady areas of your yard.
Zoysia grass seed is best planted in the spring or early summer. Be sure to water your zoysia grass regularly, as it does not tolerate drought conditions well. Once your zoysia grass is established, it will be more tolerant of dry spells.
The Best Grass Seed for St Louis: Sunny Areas
If your lawn is in a sunny area, you’ll have more options to choose from. Almost any type of grass will do well in a sunny spot. However, there are a few that stand out above the rest.
Some of the best options for sunny areas include:
Tall Fescue Grass Seed
For those looking to take their lawn to the next level, Tall Fescue is the way to go. With its thick blades and dense root system, Tall Fescue is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and hot summer days.
According to the University of Missouri, tall fescue is the best type of grass for sunny areas, particularly in St. Louis. Tall fescue is a cool-season grass, which means it stays green throughout the year.
In addition, tall fescue is known for its drought tolerance and disease resistance.
However, it should be noted that Tall Fescue does require more maintenance than some other types of grass, including regular mowing and watering.
But for those who are willing to put in the work, Tall Fescue will give them a beautiful and luxurious lawn that will be the envy of the neighborhood.
Perennial Ryegrass Seed
This fine-bladed grass is a popular choice for those looking for a fast-growing, low-maintenance lawn. Perennial ryegrass germinates quickly and establishes itself quickly.
It is also an excellent choice for yard owners who are looking to give their winter yard a little boost, as it is one of the few types of grass that continues to grow during the colder months.
According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, Perennial Ryegrass is best planted in the fall. It should be mowed regularly and fertilized a few times a year to maintain a healthy lawn. Among the different kinds of grass seed, perennial ryegrass has the highest tolerance for cold weather and can withstand snow and ice.
Kentucky Bluegrass Seed
For a lush and verdant lawn, Kentucky Bluegrass is hard to beat. This type of grass is known for its deep green color and its ability to tolerate both heat and cold.
Kentucky Bluegrass is also relatively resistant to disease, making it a low-maintenance option for busy homeowners. In addition, Kentucky Bluegrass seed is relatively inexpensive, making it a great option for budget-minded homeowners.
Best grass seed for St Louis: Final Thoughts
As any gardener knows, a healthy lawn is the foundation of a beautiful garden. The right grass seed can make all the difference in achieving a lush, green lawn that withstands the rigors of the St. Louis climate.
For those looking for the best grass seed for St Louis, the options above are a great place to start. With a little care and attention, any of these grasses can provide you with a beautiful, showstopping lawn.