Turfgrass climate zones, more accurately called turfgrass adaptation zones, are a description of the general temperature and humidity conditions in specific areas relative to the turfgrass. Turfgrass adaptation zones are structured very differently from plant hardiness climatic zones. Turfgrass climate zones are grouped based on “Temperature/Humidity” variations. The US has five primary grass adaptation zones, as follows:

• cool/wet
• Warm wet
• Cool/Arid
• hot/arid
• area transition

The transition zone is not a true climate zone, but was added because of the extreme variations found here. This climatic zone extends through the central part of the country. Warm-season grasses give way to cool-season grasses within this zone. However, it is not as dry as it seems due to the variety of summer and winter temperatures, humidity, and other conditions within this zone. The transition zone is considered the most difficult area in the US to grow quality grass.

Climate zones and preferred pastures

Tea Cold/humid climatic zone in the coastal area of ​​the northwest it can receive a lot of rain. That can be problematic for some grass types due to prolonged soil moisture. Fescue, bluegrass, and ryegrass are common turfgrasses in that area. The state of Oregon is known for its production of high-quality turf-type fescue. Although the mild temperatures of the Northeast favor cool-season grasses, zoysiagrass and buffalograss can be found in the drier parts of the area.

The second Cold/humid climatic zone it is the larger of the two cold/wet sections. The range is from the Midwest extending throughout the Northeast. Cool-season grasses predominate in this area, including fescues, bluegrasses, and ryegrasses. Warm-season grasses are not as favored in this area because the summers are too short and the winters are too long and cold. It is too wet for buffalo grass to survive in this area.

Tea Cold/arid climatic zone it is more suitable for some cool-season grasses. Water use can be high during the summer for some species. Certain winter-hardy varieties of Zoysia can be found here. In this area, buffalo grass is becoming a preferred grass species. It originated in this cold/arid part of the US and thrives in dry climates. There are many improved varieties that make beautiful lawns.

Tea Hot/arid climatic zone The southwestern grass is best suited to warm-season grasses, including bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, buffalograss, and bahai grass. Turf-like tall fescue grasses are common in southern California. However, in this hot and dry climate, the grass consumes a lot of water.

Tea Hot/humid climatic zone from the southern US is specifically adapted to warm-season grasses, with the exception of buffalo grass. Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, Centipedegrass and others are grown here, maintaining their preferred temperature ranges. Annual ryegrass is sometimes sown over bermudagrass in winter to provide some green color.

Tea area transition is a special zone in the central part of the US This zone was added due to extreme temperature and other variations in this area. Winters are too cold for many warm-season grasses and too hot for some cool-season grasses. Throughout the center of the zone the challenges are even greater. For example, southern Missouri grasses are predominantly fescue, while just across the border in Arkansas, it changes to predominantly bermudagrass. The transition zone can extend for 300 miles from north to south in some areas and extends from eastern New Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean.

Choosing the right type of grass for your area is very important. Keep in mind that some grasses will have different cultivars (varieties) that were developed to grow in specific conditions. Spending time researching different varieties can be a good investment. Choosing the right variety can save you a lot of extra expense and time to fix or replant your lawn.