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Best Grass For East Tennessee (2024 Updated)

If you're looking for lush and healthy grass for your property in East Tennessee, there are several factors to consider before making a purchase. The climate in this region is humid subtropical, characterized by hot summers and mild winters with occasional snowfalls. Therefore, it's essential to choose a grass type that can withstand both extreme heat and cold temperatures.

Another crucial factor to consider is the soil type on your property. East Tennessee has a diverse range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. Different grass types require varying soil conditions, so it's important to choose a grass variety that is compatible with your soil type.

Are you tired of patchy, brown lawns? Do you want to improve your property's curb appeal? Are you interested in learning which grass options are best suited for your East Tennessee landscape? Look no further! We have compiled a comprehensive guide on the best grass varieties for East Tennessee, taking into account factors such as climate, soil type, and maintenance requirements. Read on to learn more about how to achieve a beautiful and healthy lawn in the heart of East Tennessee.

10 Best Grass For East Tennessee

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
This product is ideal for patching and repairing areas with both sun and shade exposure on a lawn.
2
Ideal for cool season lawns and providing a thick, dark green and drought-resistant grass.
3
Ideal for quickly establishing a dense and lush tall fescue lawn in any soil type with minimal maintenance.
4
Ideal for creating a lush and durable lawn that can withstand high temperatures and drought conditions.
5
Ideal for growing grass in areas with limited sunlight or heavy shade.
6
Ideal for Northeastern climates, drought-prone soil and large lawn areas up to 6,600 square feet.
7
The product is ideal for creating a beautiful and low-maintenance wildflower garden that attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
8
Ideal for growing lush grass in the Northeast region of the United States.
9
The product is ideal for planting high-quality, annual ryegrass in the state of Oregon.
10
Ideal for cool season lawns with heavy foot traffic.
This product is ideal for patching and repairing areas with both sun and shade exposure on a lawn.
Ideal for cool season lawns and providing a thick, dark green and drought-resistant grass.
Ideal for quickly establishing a dense and lush tall fescue lawn in any soil type with minimal maintenance.
Ideal for creating a lush and durable lawn that can withstand high temperatures and drought conditions.
Ideal for growing grass in areas with limited sunlight or heavy shade.
Ideal for Northeastern climates, drought-prone soil and large lawn areas up to 6,600 square feet.
The product is ideal for creating a beautiful and low-maintenance wildflower garden that attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Ideal for growing lush grass in the Northeast region of the United States.
The product is ideal for planting high-quality, annual ryegrass in the state of Oregon.

1. Scotts Ez Seed Patch And Repair Sun And Shade For Grass: Covers Up To 225 Sq. Ft., 10 Lb.

Achieve a lush green lawn in any area with the revolutionary Scotts seeding mix. This product includes high-performance grass seeds, absorbent mulch, exclusive controlled-release fertilizer, tackifier, and protectant that ensures guaranteed growth (subject to proper care). The mulch can absorb up to 6 times its weight in water and expands to create a moist protective layer around the seed. The fertilizer is designed with controlled-release technology to provide essential nutrients for the seedlings' jumpstart growth.

Scotts seeding mix is an ideal solution for growing grass in full sun, dense shade, high traffic areas, and slopes. It can cover up to 225 sq. ft. and can be used in areas that are newly planted. The tackifier helps prevent the seed from washing away while the protectant keeps the seedlings safe from harmful diseases that can attack newly planted areas. This product is not available in Hawaii.

Pros

  • Revolutionary seeding mix that guarantees grass growth in any area (subject to proper care)
  • Includes high-performance grass seeds, absorbent mulch, exclusive controlled-release fertilizer, tackifier, and protectant
  • Mulch can absorb up to 6 times its weight in water and expands to create a moist protective layer around the seed
  • Fertilizer is designed with controlled-release technology to provide essential nutrients for the seedlings' jumpstart growth
  • Ideal solution for growing grass in full sun, dense shade, high traffic areas, and slopes
  • Covers up to 225 sq. ft.
  • Tackifier helps prevent the seed from washing away
  • Protectant keeps the seedlings safe from harmful diseases that can attack newly planted areas

Cons

  • – Requires proper care to guarantee growth
  • – Not available in Hawaii

2. Jonathan Green (10323) Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed – Cool Season Lawn Seed (25 Lb)

Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed is the perfect solution for those who want to establish new lawns or fill in bare spots quickly. This grass seed mix is specifically designed to grow rapidly for the speedy establishment of newly seeded lawns. It also fills in patches and invigorates thin or damaged lawns.

The grass seed mix produces healthy, dense, and attractive turf with a dark-green color. It consists of a blend of tall fescues, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. With roots that can grow up to 4-feet deep and a waxy leaf coating, Black Beauty Ultra preserves moisture and limits evaporation, making it an ideal choice for areas with limited water availability. Additionally, it can withstand heavy traffic, making it a great option for high-use areas.

For optimal growth, Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed requires full sun to partial shade. The best time to apply it is mid-August to mid-October when the ground is still warm, and the nights are cooler. The next best time to plant is mid-March through mid-May.

This 25 lb bag of Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed will seed up to 5,000 sq. ft. for new lawns and up to 10,000 sq. ft. for overseeding. The germination time is 7-14 days, and it is perfect for those who want a lush, green lawn in a short amount of time.

Pros

  • Quickly establishes new lawns and fills in bare spots
  • Produces healthy, dense, and attractive turf with a dark-green color
  • Preserves moisture and limits evaporation
  • Withstands heavy traffic
  • Ideal for areas with limited water availability

Cons

  • – Requires full sun to partial shade, may not be suitable for areas with extreme sunlight or shade
  • – The best time to apply is limited to specific months, may not be suitable for year-round planting

3. Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass, Grass Seed And Fertilizer Tall Fescue Mix, 5.6 Lbs.

Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Tall Fescue Mix is a unique combination of tall fescue seed and fertilizer that results in a full green grass in just weeks. This proprietary mix grows up to 2x times faster than seed alone when applied at the new lawn rate (subject to proper care). With this combination, you can expect to see grass growing in a minimum of 11 days and a maximum of 21 days, perfect for establishing new grass or large problem areas in your lawn.

The best time to plant grass seed is during fall and spring when temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F, and the chance of frost has passed. For best results, lightly rake the soil to remove debris, apply the Scotts spreader to distribute the seed evenly, and water daily or as needed to keep the soil surface moist until the seedlings reach at least 2 to 3 inches tall. With a 5.6-lb. bag, you can seed up to 1,845 sq. ft., making it a complete solution for your lawn.

Please note that Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Tall Fescue Mix may not be available in all states.

Pros

  • Grows up to 2x times faster than seed alone when applied at the new lawn rate
  • Result in full green grass that grows in just weeks
  • Ideal for establishing new grass or large problem areas in your lawn

Cons

  • – May not be available in all states

4. Outsidepride Spf-30 Heat & Drought Tolerant Hybrid Bluegrass Lawn Grass Seed – 10 Lbs

Introducing a new hybrid bluegrass called SPF 30 (HB 128), a cross between Texas Bluegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass, designed to provide genetic diversity to professional turf managers. This hybrid type expands the area of adaptation for bluegrasses and has shown success in areas farther south than traditional Kentucky bluegrasses. It also adds heat tolerance and summer performance to northern zone turf.

SPF 30 (HB 128) produces a high percentage of living ground cover throughout the summer, recovers quickly from drought, and is resistant to brown patch. With its aggressive rhizomes, SPF 30 (HB 128) can improve the ability of tall fescue turf to recover when combined in a mixture. This elite and medium-bladed bluegrass is perfect for landscape contractors, sports turf managers, and golf course superintendents who are looking for a solution to the stress of summer heat.

Hybrid bluegrass germinates from seed slightly faster than Kentucky bluegrass, but the differences in overall establishment rate have not been significant. While it establishes slower than tall fescue, it can survive prolonged heat and drought periods. One of the most noteworthy features of this hybrid bluegrass is its disease tolerance.

Sow 2-3 pounds per 1,000 square feet or 80-100 lbs per acre to begin growing your soft, fine-bladed, and drought-tolerant lawn grass today. Use SPF 30 hybrid bluegrass in sod, sports, golf roughs, and lawns. SPF 30 (HB 128) is a sister to HB 129 TX x KBG.

Pros

  • High percentage of living ground cover throughout the summer
  • Recovers quickly from drought
  • Resistant to brown patch
  • Aggressive rhizomes improve the ability of tall fescue turf to recover
  • Hybrid bluegrass germinates from seed slightly faster than Kentucky bluegrass
  • Can survive prolonged heat and drought periods
  • Noteworthy disease tolerance
  • Soft and fine-bladed texture for a beautiful lawn

Cons

  • – Establishes slower than tall fescue

5. Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Grass Mix 7 Lb

Looking for a grass seed that can thrive in shady conditions? Look no further than this Tall Fescue and Fine Fescue mix. With just 2 to 6 hours of sunlight, this grass seed is the perfect solution for areas of your lawn that don't receive much sun. Not only that, but it's also disease and traffic-resistant, making it a smart choice for anyone who wants a strong, durable lawn.

This grass seed contains the perfect amount of fertilizer to help your lawn succeed. Plus, it can save you up to 30% more water year after year compared to ordinary grass seed. And with a guaranteed growth rate, you'll see results in as little as 8 to 16 days.

Each bag covers up to 1,750 sq. ft., making it a great option for anyone who wants to grow thick, green grass in a shaded area. So why wait? Order your bag of Tall Fescue and Fine Fescue grass seed today and start enjoying a beautiful lawn in no time!

Pros

  • Thrives in shady conditions with only 2 to 6 hours of sunlight
  • Disease and traffic-resistant for a strong, durable lawn
  • Contains the perfect amount of fertilizer to help your lawn succeed
  • Can save up to 30% more water year after year compared to ordinary grass seed
  • Guaranteed growth rate with results in as little as 8 to 16 days
  • Each bag covers up to 1,750 sq. ft.

6. Pennington Smart Seed Northeast Grass Mix 20 Lb, Drought Resistant And Covers 6,600 Sq Ft

Introducing the premium grass seed mix of Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, and Fine Fescues, ideal for those looking for a lush and green lawn all year round. This grass seed mix is perfect for areas that receive 4 to 6 hours of sunlight and can survive both summer heat and harsh winters.

The grass seed mix comes with just the right amount of fertilizer needed to help your lawn flourish, and you can expect excellent disease resistance and very good drought tolerance. Additionally, you can save up to 30% more water yearly as compared to ordinary grass seed.

The grass seed mix is guaranteed to grow, and you can see visible results in just 8 to 14 days. One bag of this premium grass seed mix covers an area of up to 6,660 sq. ft., making it an economical choice for those who want a beautiful lawn without breaking the bank.

Pros

  • Contains Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, and Fine Fescues ideal for all-year-round green lawn
  • Ability to survive summer heat and harsh winters
  • Comes with just the right amount of fertilizer needed to help your lawn flourish
  • Excellent disease resistance and very good drought tolerance
  • Saves up to 30% more water yearly than ordinary grass seed
  • Guaranteed to grow with visible results in 8 to 14 days
  • Covers up to 6,660 sq. ft. making it an economical choice for those who want a beautiful lawn

7. Perennial Wildflower Mix – Buzzing Garden Delight

Bring a rainbow of colors to your garden with the All Perennial Wildflower Seed Mix. This mix is a customer favorite because of its low maintenance and high diversity of flowers. It includes popular perennial wildflowers like blue flax, perennial lupine, Mexican hat, gloriosa daisy, black-eyed Susan, candytuft, gayfeather/blazing star, Maltese cross and seven other beloved varieties. The wildflowers in this mix bloom in vibrant red, pink, yellow, white, and purple colors that will light up your garden throughout summer and fall. They attract hummingbirds and pollinators, making your garden a source of life and beauty.

Growing wildflowers from seed has never been easier. Plant the seeds in the spring or fall and watch them grow. In the second growing season, you'll be amazed by the number of blooms in all shapes and sizes. These wildflowers thrive in full sun and can be planted in all zones in North America. To ensure healthy growth, water them when the soil is dry and cut off dead flowers to encourage new growth. Sit back, relax, and let Mother Nature do the rest!

Eden Brothers offers the highest quality annual wildflower seed mixes and over 2,000 other varieties of flower, vegetable, and herb seeds, and flower bulbs. This mix includes 100% perennial seeds, such as Siberian Wallflower, Shasta Daisy, Lance Leaf Coreopsis, Sweet William, Foxglove, Purple Coneflower, Blanket Flower, Blue Flax, Perennial Lupine, Mexican Hat, Gloriosa Daisy, Black Eyed Susan, Candytuft, Gayfeather/Blazing Star, and Maltese Cross. Plant it in small gardens or huge meadows to enjoy seasons of natural beauty.

Pros

  • Low maintenance and high diversity of flowers.
  • Produces vibrant red, pink, yellow, white, and purple blooms.
  • Attracts hummingbirds and pollinators.
  • Easy to grow in all zones in North America.
  • Includes 100% perennial seeds.

Cons

  • – None.

8. Pennington Smart Seed Northeast Grass Mix 7 Lb

Introducing the premium grass seed mix of Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass and Fine Fescues, the perfect solution for a lush, green lawn all year round. This grass seed mix is specially formulated to survive summer heat and harsh winters, making it a reliable choice for any climate. With just the right amount of fertilizer included, this grass seed mix will give your lawn the nutrients it needs to succeed.

This grass seed mix is perfect for areas that receive 4 to 6 hours of sunlight, making it ideal for most lawns. It boasts excellent disease resistance and very good drought tolerance, ensuring your lawn remains healthy and vibrant throughout the year. Additionally, this grass seed mix can help you save up to 30% more water year after year compared to ordinary grass seed. This means you can enjoy a beautiful lawn while also conserving water.

This grass seed mix is guaranteed to grow, and you can expect to see results in as little as 8 to 14 days. The bag covers up to 2,330 sq. ft., making it a cost-effective solution for larger lawns. Whether you're a landscaping professional or a homeowner looking to improve the look of your lawn, this grass seed mix is the perfect choice.

Pros

  • Survives summer heat and harsh winters
  • Contains just the right amount of fertilizer
  • Excellent disease resistance and very good drought tolerance
  • Can help you save up to 30% more water year after year
  • Guaranteed to grow
  • See results in 8 to 14 days
  • Covers up to 2,330 sq. ft.

9. Grass Seed Premium Rye Gulf Annual Oregon Grown 50 Lbs

Looking for a quick and easy way to cover up to 10,000 square feet with lush, green grass? Annual Rye Grass Seed might just be what you need. This 50-pound bag is packed with high-quality seeds that can help you create a beautiful lawn with minimal effort. Whether you're a professional landscaper or a homeowner looking to improve your curb appeal, this versatile grass seed can help you achieve your goals.

One of the great things about Annual Rye Grass Seed is that it's easy to grow. Simply spread the seed over your desired area, water it regularly, and watch it sprout up in no time. You'll be amazed at how quickly your lawn will transform into a green oasis that's perfect for outdoor activities, picnics, and family gatherings. Plus, the hardiness zones 1-7 ensure that this grass seed can thrive in almost any climate.

Another benefit of Annual Rye Grass Seed is that it's an annual grass, which means it will grow quickly and die off within a year. This makes it ideal for temporary lawns, such as those used for sports fields or community events. However, if you want a more permanent solution, you may need to reseed your lawn every year to maintain its lush appearance.

Overall, Annual Rye Grass Seed is an excellent choice for anyone looking to create a beautiful lawn quickly and easily. Its high-quality seeds, easy-to-grow nature, and hardiness in zones 1-7 make it a popular choice among homeowners and professionals alike.

Pros

  • Covers up to 10,000 square feet with minimal effort
  • Easy to grow, even for beginners
  • Ideal for temporary lawns, such as sports fields or community events
  • Suitable for hardiness zones 1-7
  • Creates a lush, green lawn that's perfect for outdoor activities

Cons

  • – Requires annual reseeding for best results
  • – Not suitable for creating a permanent lawn

10. Jonathan Green (10980) Black Beauty Heavy Traffic Grass Seed – Cool Season Lawn Seed (25 Lb)

The High Traffic Grass Seed is a cool-season mix that contains tall fescues and perennial rye turfgrass varieties. It is designed for areas that experience aggressive foot traffic from athletes, children, and pets, such as backyards, sports fields, and curb strips. This grass seed mix excels on sports fields where uniform lawn texture is important, providing the wear tolerance and uniform good looks that athletic playing fields require.

This grass seed mix is suitable for use in full sun to partial-shaded areas where children and pets play. The roots of the grass can grow up to 4-feet deep, making it tough and durable. It produces healthy, dense, and attractive turf with a dark-green color that gives your lawn an appealing look.

This 25 lb bag can seed up to 5,000 sq. ft. for new lawns, while for overseeding, it can seed up to 10,000 sq. ft. The germination time for Black Beauty Heavy Traffic Grass Seed Mix is 10-14 days. The best time to apply is mid-August to mid-October, or mid-March through mid-May.

Pros

  • Suitable for high traffic areas such as sports fields and backyards
  • Produces healthy, dense, and attractive turf with a dark-green color
  • Can seed up to 10,000 sq. ft. for overseeding

Cons

  • – Germination time of 10-14 days may be longer than other grass seed products

Best Grass For East Tennessee FAQs

How do I properly prepare my soil for planting grass in East Tennessee?

Preparing the soil for planting grass in East Tennessee requires a few essential steps. The first step is to remove any existing vegetation or weeds from the area. This can be done by hand or with the help of a tiller. Once the area is cleared, it is time to test the soil's pH level. Grass thrives in soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. If the pH level is too low or high, add the appropriate soil amendments to adjust it accordingly.

Next, it's important to add organic matter to the soil. This can be done by spreading a layer of compost or aged manure on the surface of the soil and then tilling it in. This will improve the soil's structure, drainage, and nutrient content.

After adding organic matter, it's time to level the soil. Use a rake or a lawn-leveling tool to ensure that the surface is even and smooth. This will help prevent water from pooling and promote healthy grass growth.

Finally, it's time to plant the grass seeds. Follow the instructions on the seed package to determine the correct seeding rate and depth. After planting, water the area thoroughly and keep the soil moist until the grass has established itself.

By following these steps, you can properly prepare your soil for planting grass in East Tennessee and enjoy a beautiful, healthy lawn.

How often should I fertilize and water my grass in East Tennessee?

The frequency of fertilizing and watering your grass in East Tennessee depends on various factors such as the type of grass, soil conditions, weather patterns, and the age of the lawn. Generally, it is recommended to fertilize your grass every 6-8 weeks during the growing season, which is usually from March to November in East Tennessee. However, it is advisable to conduct a soil test to determine the specific nutrient requirements of your lawn.

As for watering, it is best to water your lawn deeply and infrequently, giving it at least an inch of water per week. However, if there is adequate rainfall, you may not need to water your lawn as frequently. It's important to note that watering in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler can reduce evaporation and help your lawn retain moisture.

In conclusion, it's crucial to understand the specific needs of your lawn to determine the ideal frequency of fertilizing and watering. Consistency is key, so make sure to establish a routine and stick to it to maintain a lush and healthy lawn in East Tennessee.

What are some common pests and diseases that affect grass in East Tennessee, and how can I prevent or treat them?

One of the most common pests that affect grass in East Tennessee is the armyworm. These pests can cause extensive damage to lawns by feeding on the grass blades and leaving behind brown patches. Another common pest is the grubs, which are the larvae of beetles. They feed on the roots of the grass, causing it to wilt and die.

As for diseases, brown patch and dollar spot are prevalent in East Tennessee. Brown patch is a fungal disease that causes circular patches of dead grass, while dollar spot causes small, round, straw-colored patches. Both diseases thrive in warm, humid conditions.

To prevent or treat these pests and diseases, it's important to maintain proper lawn care practices. This includes regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing the lawn. Additionally, aerating the soil can improve its health and reduce the risk of disease. Insecticides and fungicides can also be used to treat pests and diseases, but they should be used sparingly and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Overall, taking a proactive approach to lawn care can help prevent and mitigate the impact of common pests and diseases in East Tennessee.

What is the best time of year to plant grass in East Tennessee?

The best time to plant grass in East Tennessee is either in the early fall or early spring. Planting in the fall, between mid-September and mid-October, allows the grass to establish its root system before the winter frost sets in. This helps the grass to survive the cold winter months and grow more vigorously in the spring. Early spring planting, between mid-March and mid-April, is also a good time as the soil temperature is ideal for germination and growth.

It is essential to choose the right type of grass seed, depending on the specific conditions of the area where you live. Factors such as soil type, sun exposure, and moisture levels should be considered when selecting the grass seed. Proper preparation of the soil, including removing any weeds or debris, tilling, and fertilizing, is also crucial for a successful planting.

In summary, the best time to plant grass in East Tennessee is either in the early fall or early spring, depending on the specific conditions of the area. Proper selection of grass seed and preparation of the soil are also vital for successful growth and maintenance of a healthy lawn.

What types of grass are best suited for the climate and soil conditions in East Tennessee?

East Tennessee has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The soil conditions in this region are generally clayey, loamy, and acidic. Therefore, the best types of grass that are suited for the climate and soil conditions in East Tennessee are the warm-season grasses such as Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, and Centipede grass. These grasses thrive in hot and humid conditions and are drought-tolerant, which is ideal for the summer months in East Tennessee.

Bermuda grass is a popular choice for lawns in East Tennessee as it can tolerate heat and drought conditions and can grow in a wide range of soils. Zoysia grass is another warm-season grass that is well suited for the region as it can grow in clayey and loamy soils and has good shade tolerance. Centipede grass is a low-maintenance grass that can grow well in acidic soils and is ideal for areas that have lower fertility levels.

In conclusion, the warm-season grasses such as Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, and Centipede grass are the best-suited grasses for the climate and soil conditions in East Tennessee. These grasses are not only able to withstand hot and humid conditions but are also low maintenance and can grow in a wide range of soil types.

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