The Best Grass Seed For Nevada
What is Nevada’s Planting Zone?
Nevada is part of the “transition zone.” This means the cool seasons are too cold while the warm seasons are too hot.
When it comes to growing grass, there’s more to the process than simply choosing between warm or cool-season grasses.
The climate also impacts geological conditions like soil, moisture, and sunlight. In transition zones like Nevada, determining how much warm-season versus cool-season grass seeds you’ll need gets tricky because these factors change. Your grass types will need to be able to withstand and respond to these changes.
Source: Agricultural Research Service
Above is the state’s plant hardiness zone map. There are 13 zones in Nevada ranging from 4a (-30 to -25°F) to 10a (30 to 35°F) being their lowest temperatures. From here, identify your location and the corresponding zone from the map.
For example, if you’re in Lincoln, expect to be in zones 5b (-15 to -10°F) to 9b (25 to 30°F). With this information, you should be able to find grass seeds that can withstand these temperatures to keep your lawn’s appearance in correspondence with the weather.
That said, below are the two types of season grasses and the best ones available in the state.
Warm Season Grasses
As the name suggests, heat-tolerant grasses thrive in humid climates like Southern Nevada with temperatures above 50 degrees F.
Warm-season grasses are also known for their high drought tolerance, especially when compared with other types of plants that only require watering during periods of extreme heat. This makes warm-season varieties a great option if you live in Nevada, where water resources are limited due to desert conditions.
Pro tip: If you live in Las Vegas, reseed your lawn when the turf is damaged or when you notice bare patches. You can reseed your lawn at any time between late spring and fall, or during the warm seasons.
Here are the different types of grasses to choose from if you live in a zone with warm temperatures nearly all year-long. Alternatively, you can also use our Seed Selector, which can give you specific options for your location:
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia grass is a hearty warm-season grass that works well in transition zones. It features a high amount of drought tolerance and exhibits low to moderate water requirements. Zoysia grass is also tolerant of consistent foot traffic, making it the perfect grass for playing fields and parks during the summer.
When the cool season kicks in, Zoysia grass changes color from light-medium green to a straw-like brown hue. It endures winter much longer than other grasses of the warm season variety, and eventually regains its color back during the spring.
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass referred to as a common name for the species (Cynodon dactylon). It establishes quickly on your lawn and you can recognize it by its finely textured blades.
Bermuda grass ideally grows well in full sun and is tolerant to drought conditions, making it a popular choice among residents in Southern Nevada.
Finally, Bermuda grass is also low maintenance as it requires 40% less water than your typical cool-season grass.
Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass is another warm-season grass that can withstand the arid conditions in Nevada.
Unlike other grasses, this type of grass can grow a bell-shaped head from the stalks, which gives the grass a decorative feature.
It doesn’t require lots of fertilization and mowing to keep up its appearance. However, it needs a lot of sunlight for this grass to grow properly.
Centipede Grass
Among the different warm-season grasses, centipede grass is one of the most popular varieties for Nevada lawns.
Despite its slow growth, this grass type requires low maintenance, counters weed growth on your lawn or yard, and can grow under poor soil conditions. It can also endure more shade compared to other warm-season grasses.
Centipede grass seed should be planted on soil temperatures above 55 degrees.
Cool Season Grasses
Cool-season grasses grow under less sunny conditions or in areas with moderate summers, but that’s not a bad thing at all.
In fact, these grasses are often more drought tolerant because they don’t need as much water to survive. At the same time, their ability to stay green during the cool season or under the shade allows your lawn to look vibrant despite the lack of sunlight.
Cool-season grasses best for Nevada include the following varieties:
Perennial Ryegrass
Perennial ryegrass is the type of grass used in golf courses, athletic fields, and parks. It spreads quickly on damaged or thin turf. Due to its fast growth, perennial ryegrass is not mixed with other turfgrasses other than its other cool-season counterparts.
Tall Fescue
Tall fescues are highly recognized to be the best grass seed in Nevada for both warm and cold seasons. They have a dark green color that is nice during summer, but they will turn brown when winter arrives.
However, this bunch-type grass is categorized as cool-season grass because its deep root system provides natural drought and shade tolerance.
Kentucky Bluegrass
Kentucky bluegrass is an excellent choice if you are looking for a cold-tolerant variety that thrives during the winter season.
One of this variety’s grass enduring qualities is its ability for self-repair. As long as you prevent growing it in shady areas, Kentucky bluegrass can grow properly and repair itself on its own.
Fine Fescue
Unlike tall fescues, fine fescues are much more tolerant to shade and cold, making them ideal grasses to grow in coastal regions and in parts of Nevada where winter is longer. They also have a deep dark green appearance for those for this color on their lawn. Due to their low tolerance for wear and tear, fine fescues are not ideal grasses for golf courses and playing fields.