Map of the United States of America with the Midwestern States highlighted in green

The Best Tips for Turf and Lawn Grasses Grown In the Midwest

September 03, 2025

Growing grass in the Midwest presents challenges, particularly weather extremes, including hot summers, cold winters, and high humidity. Regions of the Midwest can have different types of soils, ranging from heavy clay loam to sandy loam. Given these factors, it is vital to select a resilient grass type that can perform well in these various conditions and growing environments.

Types of Grass Grown in the Midwest US

Cool-season grasses make up the majority of lawns and turf areas in the Midwest because they can adapt to the cooler climate and harsh winters. However, warm-season grasses are used and can thrive in the Southern sections of the Midwest. The following grass types can grow and perform well in the Midwest:

Growing Kentucky Bluegrass in the Midwest

The most popular cool-season grasses have a bluish-green appearance and can withstand the cold winters and summer heat. Kentucky bluegrass doesn’t grow in the Midwest without challenges due to its inability to withstand long periods of drought and shade. However, it is very dense and self-repairs itself with rhizomatic growth.

Kentucky bluegrass thrives in cooler weather and can survive colder winters in the region. It will go dormant in extreme heat and drought, however, it will recover with irrigation or rainfall. Summer months are the most challenging for Kentucky bluegrass in the Midwest. In some areas within the region, Kentucky bluegrass doesn’t perform well due to harsh summer temperatures. During the extreme summer heat and moisture, Kentucky bluegrass is susceptible to turfgrass diseases. Kentucky bluegrass performs best in full sun and is not best for shade tolerance.

Overseeding will be required each fall to accomplish full density after the hot summer climate, and should take place between mid-August and mid-September. Soil temperatures should be between 60 and 75 degrees F so germination is at the highest possible rate. Germination is slow and takes between 2 and 4 weeks. Maintaining soil moisture during this period is key—it's best not to saturate the seed, but to keep it lightly moist.

Tall Fescue Lawns in the Midwest

A durable and adaptable grass with a deep root system, tolerant of heat and drought. Tall fescue handles the Midwest heat and seasonal drought better than other cool-season species, partially because it is less prone to diseases and pests than other cool-season grasses. Tall fescue thrives in full sun, but does perform better than Kentucky bluegrass in shaded areas. Blending tall fescue into other seed blends works well for areas where other cool-season grasses struggle.

In most Midwest areas, the best time to seed Tall Fescue is mid-August to mid-September, and germination takes between 1 - 2 weeks when properly managed. The seeding rate for Tall Fescue is between 6 - 8 lbs. per 1000 sqft for new lawns and 3- 4 lbs. per 1000 sqft when overseeding established lawns. It can be susceptible to certain diseases during high heat and humidity. Because of tall fescue's growing habits, it doesn’t spread, so overseeding is recommended every 1 - 2 years.

Caring for Fine Fescues in Midwestern States

Creeping red fescue, chewing fescue, hard fescue, and sheep fescue are all types of fine fescue. They are known for low maintenance requirements and are excellent for growing in shade, making them a fantastic selection in areas with limited sunlight. Fine fescues can’t withstand heavy foot traffic.

It is essential to know the characteristics of this type of grass to grow it successfully. Several cultivars will perform well if appropriately managed. They are known for their increased tolerance for growing in moderately shaded areas. Selecting the correct cultivar for the location is key, as some cultivars outperform others in shaded areas. Fine fescues are drought-resistant and can go dormant, but usually make a full recovery.

Chewing, hard, and sheep fescues are bunch-type grasses and do not spread. However, creeping red and slender creeping red spread by rhizomes, which are underground stems. Little fertilization is required on fine fescues (½- -2 lbs of N annually), they are low-maintenance, requiring very little water, and adapt to a wide range of soil types.

Growing Perennial Ryegrass Lawns in the Midwest

A fast-germinating turfgrass with a medium-fine leaf texture that tolerates foot traffic well. Perennial ryegrass is often used in combination blends with Kentucky bluegrass and fescues for overseeding in the fall. Sports fields, golf courses, and home lawns that consist of Bermuda or zoysia can be overseeded with perennial rye grass so there is green coverage late into fall and early spring. However, perennial ryegrass is not tolerant of temperatures above 87 degrees Fahrenheit and can die from heat or drought. It is best to chemically and mechanically remove ryegrass before the summer heat arrives in warm-season grasses when overseed with perennial ryegrass in the Midwest.

Perennial ryegrass can adapt to many types of soil when growing and has a high watering requirement when germinating and growing. Frequent mowing is required and should be maintained between 2” - 3” tall on home lawns. Perennial ryegrass is a bunch-type grass and rarely requires dethatching. However, soil compaction can occur, and core aeration needs to be performed 1-2 times per season to alleviate compaction. It is suitable for high traffic but will not recover, and additional seeding may be required.

Zoysiagrass Care in the Midwestern States

A warm-season grass variety that grows well in many regions in the Midwest. It is a very versatile turfgrass that adapts well to the summer's heat and the winter's cold. Zoysiagrass does go dormant in the winter and turns brown, is very tolerant of foot traffic and grows well in the shade.

Zoysia thrives in hot weather when temperatures rise above 80 degrees F. It is a slow-growing and slow-recovering grass, which should be considered when installing zoysia. The recommended cutting height of zoysia is between 1” and 2.5”, and blade sharpness is essential. Nitrogen requirements for zoysia are 1 - 2 lbs. per 1000 sqft annually. Thatch accumulation can be an issue for home lawns if not reduced to ½” or less thick. After dethatching, zoysia recovers and fills in slowly, so timing is essential so the plant has ample time to heal.

Zoysia can be a good selection for lawns in the Midwest, especially those within the transition zone. Its success depends on managing its slow growth, winter dormancy, and thatch build-up. Selecting a cool-tolerant variety and following a detailed management program will be crucial for maintaining a healthy zoysia lawn in the Midwest.

Buffalograss Tips in the Midwest

A warm-season grass that grows on the Great Plains and into the Midwest. Buffalograss is low-maintenance, is tolerant of drought and heat and has a medium tolerance to heavy foot traffic.

Buffalograss is considered the most cold-tolerant of warm-season grasses. It can survive cold winters, as some cultivars perform better than others. It requires 6 - 8 hours of sunlight daily and will not tolerate dense shade. Buffalograss will tolerate compacted soils, but doesn’t perform its best when growing in sandy soils. It requires less mowing, watering, and fertilization to grow and in most cases, natural rainfall is sufficient for growth.

Buffalograss in the Midwest is susceptible to weeds and grubs. Buffalo webworms and Western chinch bugs can also be an issue in parts of Nebraska and the surrounding states. However, it is suitable for homeowners who want a low-maintenance lawn, require lower fertilization rates, and have a drought-tolerant yard.

How to Care for Bermudagrass in the Midwest

Bermudagrass can be grown successfully in the southern regions of the Midwest. Bermudagrass has poor cold tolerance in most varieties and will go dormant and turn a straw-like color after the first seasonal frost. It is susceptible to “winterkill” when temperatures fall below the mid-20s. There are varieties of bermudagrass that are more cold-tolerant than other types of bermuda, with Tahoma 31 performing well in colder, more northern regions. However, bermudagrass is best suited for areas with milder winters.

Bermudagrass is known for its high tolerance to foot traffic and its quick recuperative ability. It has a shorter growing period in some regions of the Midwest and performs better in southern locations like Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas. Bermudagrass grown in these and other areas throughout the Midwest is susceptible to “winterkill.” Many factors can cause winterkill, like low temperatures, rapid temperature drops, drying out, strong winds, and poorly drained soils. Younger establishment of bermudagrass is most susceptible.

Bermudagrass has a fast establishment rate and is high maintenance, with higher nitrogen needs for continued growth. It requires more frequent mowing than other turfgrasses and responds well to lower mowing heights if reduced gradually throughout the growing season. Although drought-tolerant, it responds best to a regularly scheduled irrigation program. Thatch is a serious issue with bermudagrass and requires frequent removal. Core aeration is beneficial so that soil compaction doesn’t become a condition that slows growth and root depth. Winter dormancy color can be addressed by overseeding with perennial ryegrass. Still, it must be removed chemically and mechanically before the following summer, so there is less competition with bermudagrass growth in late spring and early summer.

Bermudagrass can be an excellent option for lawns in the Midwest during the summer months. Its heat and drought tolerance is superior for the resilience of a healthy lawn. However, homeowners must be prepared for its winter dormancy and the possibilities for winterkill. Bermudagrass has aggressive growth habits, but it will not grow in shade and requires full sunlight exposure.

Photograph of a checker pattern striped bermudagrass lawn

Challenges of Growing Cool and Warm-season Grass Types in the Midwest

Growing grass in the Midwest presents its own set of challenges. Cool-season grasses make up the majority of lawns and turf areas in the Midwest. Kentucky bluegrass is the most popular of cool-season grasses to grow in the region. Tall fescue is a durable and adaptable grass with a deep root system and has great heat and drought tolerance. Fine fescues are known for low maintenance requirements, are excellent for growing in shade, which makes them a good selection in areas where there is limited sunlight. Perennial ryegrass is often used in combination blends with Kentucky bluegrass and fescues for overseeding warm-season grasses in the fall.

Zoysia is a very versatile turfgrass that adapts well to the heat of the summer and the cold of the winter. Buffalograss is considered the most cold-tolerant of warm-season grasses. It can survive cold winters as some cultivars perform better than others. Bermudagrass can be grown successfully in the southern regions of the Midwest. Selecting one of these grasses for your home lawn depends on where one is located in the Midwest region. Successfully growing grass in the Midwest transition zone takes great effort and attention to detail due to some grasses' higher maintenance levels.