Differences Between Cool-Season and Warm-Season Grass
Are You Cool? Or Just Warm? Turfgrass Comparisons That Help Your Decision
Do you wish your lawn were green in the heat of summer? Or do you prefer it to be green in the fall and spring? These are the questions you should ask when you are deciding what turf to use for your yard. Why? Cool-season grasses green up during the cooler months of spring and fall, and warm-season grasses are green and thriving in the heat of summer. However, additional environmental and economic considerations should also influence your choice.
Water, Fertilizer, and Maintenance Needs of Turfgrass
How much water do you use for irrigation? Do you have an in-ground sprinkler system, or are you hooking up your hose every couple of days to water your lawn? When establishing turf, keep the new grass seedlings moist so their roots can grow into the soil. But established turf needs to be watered at semi-regular intervals, and this will depend on the turf species. Cool-season turf doesn’t usually get watered in the late fall or early spring because irrigation maintenance requires lines to be drained or “blown out” to prevent freezing from breaking them. But to remain green and avoid summer dormancy, it needs to be watered during the heat of summer. This can become costly, especially during dry years, and doesn’t even account for fertilizer programs, mowing, and various pest and weed control options that can run up thousands of dollars in a short amount of time. Let's face it, cool-season turf is one of the most, if not the most, labor-intensive plants that humanity manages.
Why Cool-Season Lawns Are So Popular
The reason why we put ourselves through such a headache maintaining these cool-season lawns? Status, perception of economic value, and sports. Cool-season grass is very tolerant of foot traffic, and there isn’t quite anything like that dark green color that you see when it is very healthy. Plus, the crisscrossing mow lines make the lawn look especially pleasing to the eye. Repairing cool-season turf is also relatively easy because grass seed is cheap and readily available.
Benefits of Warm-Season Turf Like Buffalograss
Contrast that with warm-season turf. Warm-season turf will look brown and dead during its dormancy in the cool months of fall and winter. It only starts to green up when the soil temperatures are consistently above a certain threshold. Warm-season grasses are special because of their photosynthesis process. Without getting into high-level organic chemistry, let's just say they are more efficient at collecting carbon out of the atmosphere than their cool-season counterparts. Because of this more efficient process, they don’t need as much water and fertilizer to stay green. In fact, overfertilization of native buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides), a warm season turfgrass, can increase weed infestation. Some of these grasses also grow relatively slowly compared to cool-season grass, which can mean mowing less frequently. While you might save on irrigation, fertilization, and mower gas, establishing and repairing these turf types can be slow and expensive.
So, if you are looking to establish your turf this year, take the time to consider what you really want to use your turf for. In highly visible areas, cool-season turf might be worth the economic investment. In areas without in-ground irrigation or heavy foot traffic, warm-season turf might be more economically viable and sustainable.
by Markis Hill, Horticulture Ornamentals and Turf Agent 2026