Best Grass Types for Lawns in Memphis

If you live in Memphis, TN, you know that the summers can be scorching, with temperatures often climbing above 90°F. Combined with the city’s humid subtropical climate, your lawn is exposed to some pretty harsh conditions, especially during the peak of summer. To maintain a beautiful, green lawn in Memphis, it's crucial to choose the right grass type—one that can withstand the heat, humidity, and periods of drought. In this guide, we’ll explore the best grass types for Memphis and what makes them ideal for your lawn.

Bermuda Grass

Why It’s Great for Memphis: Bermuda grass is one of the most popular grass types for lawns in Memphis due to its ability to thrive in high temperatures. It has excellent drought tolerance, making it perfect for the hot, dry spells that often occur in the summer. Bermuda grass also grows rapidly and can recover quickly from wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for lawns that see a lot of foot traffic.

Key benefits include:

• Heat Tolerant: Can handle temperatures over 100°F.
• Drought-Resistant: Stays green with minimal water.
• Hardy: Grows well even in sandy or clay soils, common in the Memphis area.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal fertilization.

Drawback: While Bermuda grass is tough, it can become invasive and spread quickly into flower beds if not properly maintained. Regular edging and mowing are required to keep it in check.

Zoysia Grass

Why It’s Great for Memphis: Zoysia grass is another warm-season grass that does exceptionally well in Memphis’s climate. It is slower to establish than Bermuda grass but is known for its dense, carpet-like texture and ability to crowd out weeds. Zoysia thrives in the hot, humid summers of Memphis and can handle both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile option for a variety of lawn conditions.

Key benefits include:

• Shade Tolerant: Performs well in partial shade, unlike many other warm-season grasses.
• Drought-Resistant: Requires less water than some cool-season grasses.
• Weed Control: Dense growth helps prevent weeds from taking over.
• Soft Texture: Feels great underfoot, making it ideal for families.

Drawback: Zoysia grass can be slower to recover from damage, making it less suitable for high-traffic areas than Bermuda grass. It also requires patience, as it can take a full growing season to establish.

Fescue Grass

Why It’s Great for Memphis: Though fescue is a cool-season grass, it’s often used in Memphis, particularly in shady lawns where warm-season grasses struggle. Fescue varieties, such as Tall Fescue, are known for their deep root systems, which help them survive periods of drought. In Memphis, fescue can stay green most of the year but may require extra care during the hottest summer months.

Key benefits include:

• Thrives in Shade: Excellent for lawns with large trees or shaded areas.
• Cold Hardy: Stays green throughout the fall and early spring, extending your lawn’s beauty.
• Low Maintenance: Doesn’t require frequent mowing.

Drawback: Fescue grass can struggle in the heat of summer, particularly during extended periods of drought. It may go dormant or require supplemental irrigation during peak summer temperatures.

Centipede Grass

Why It’s Great for Memphis: Centipede grass is a low-maintenance grass type that works well in Memphis lawns, especially for homeowners looking for a lush lawn without a lot of upkeep. It has a slow growth rate, which means less frequent mowing, and it’s well-suited for the sandy soils often found in parts of Memphis. Centipede grass prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.

Key benefits include:

• Low Maintenance: Requires less mowing and fertilization than many other types of grass.
• Shade Tolerant: Can handle some shade while still thriving.
• Slow Growth: Less time spent on maintenance.

Drawback: Centipede grass can be sensitive to high foot traffic, making it less ideal for homes with active children or pets. It can also turn yellow if over-fertilized, so a light hand with lawn care is essential.

St. Augustine Grass

Why It’s Great for Memphis: St. Augustine grass is a heat-loving grass that thrives in the hot, humid climate of Memphis. It grows quickly and has a thick, carpet-like texture, making it a great option for residential lawns. It’s also relatively shade-tolerant, making it a good choice for properties with both sun and shade.

Key benefits include:

• Heat and Humidity Tolerant: Ideal for Memphis’s summer climate.
• Shade Tolerant: Performs well in both sunny and shady spots.
• Thick Growth: Provides a lush, dense lawn that’s soft to walk on.

Drawback: St. Augustine grass can be susceptible to pests like chinch bugs and requires regular irrigation and fertilization to maintain its rich color and texture.

Choosing the Right Grass for Your Memphis Lawn

When selecting a grass type for your Memphis lawn, consider the specific conditions of your yard. Is it mostly sunny or shaded? Do you need a grass that’s tough enough to handle kids, pets, or frequent activity? And how much time do you want to spend maintaining your lawn?

For most Memphis homeowners, Bermuda grass or Zoysia grass will be the go-to choices for sun-drenched, high-traffic areas. If your yard has significant shade or you want a lawn that stays green year-round, fescue may be the best option. No matter which type of grass you choose, ensuring proper watering, fertilizing, and mowing will go a long way in keeping your lawn looking beautiful through the Memphis heat.

Have Southern Spray Help You Pick

Selecting the right grass for your Memphis lawn will set the foundation for a healthy, vibrant yard that can stand up to the city’s hot summers and occasional droughts. Whether you prefer a low-maintenance option like Centipede grass or need a hardier variety like Bermuda, you can create a lawn that’s lush, green, and perfect for enjoying all year long. Contact our team today to ensure you get the expertise necessary to choose the right grass for your yard!