The 4 Best Types of Lawn Grass For Rhode Island Lawns

Wondering which grass will thrive in your Rhode Island lawn? Well, not all are created equal! This point is especially true when considering the unique climate and soil conditions of the Ocean State. Each type of lawn grass has its strengths, but balancing them can help you select a variety or blend that matches your needs. The right choice can make all the difference. If you plan to overseed your turfgrass this fall, check out our top four best grass types for growing a thriving Rhode Island lawn!

The Unique Features of Rhode Island Grasses 

Rhode Island has a naturally cool climate, with the hottest average temperatures reaching the mid-70s and the coldest winter temperatures dipping to a chilly 22°F. Cool-season grasses thrive best in Rhode Island because they can withstand severe winter weather and survive the toughest environments, including hard freezes and melts. The regional climate threatens local lawns with plenty of hazards like snow molds and breakage, but selecting a durable cool-season type boosts your lawn’s ability to withstand them.

Top 4 Types of Lawn Grass for Rhode Island Yards

1.   Kentucky Bluegrass

Kentucky Bluegrass is the staple grass type in Rhode Island and a solid choice for most homeowners! It’s hard to go wrong with KBG; it’s beautiful, can withstand wild winters, and has no problem soaking up direct sunlight. True to its name, this grass species grows into a rich blue-green hue you can’t get anywhere else. It’s an all-around, classic grass any RI resident can rely on.

Key features:

        • Cold tolerant
        • Drought tolerant
        • Quick growth
        • Self-repairing

        2.   Fine Fescue

        Fine fescues are a perfect choice if you prefer your lawn as soft as a down bed! They are a group of five distinct varieties famous for their needle-thin blades, wispy texture, and minimal maintenance requirements. You can choose to keep it trimmed and tidy for a sharp appearance or let it grow wild for a verdant meadow look. If you’d prefer lounging on the weekend over mowing in the humid Rhode Island summers, fine fescues will do you a favor!

        Key features:

        • Shade tolerant
        • Low maintenance
        • High-stress recovery
        • Thrives in poor soil conditions

        3.   Perennial Ryegrass

        Perennial Ryegrass is like the titanium of the lawn world—it is very durable and can withstand tons of foot traffic and stress (It’s no wonder why PR is the favorite among busy golf courses)! Not only will it be mowable in under 20 days, but it can add strength to your existing lawn. That’s what makes it an especially good type of lawn grass for overseeding your yard.

        Key features:

        • Traffic resistant
        • Quick establishment
        • Shade tolerant
        • Slow thatch development

        4.   Tall Fescue

        Last but never least, tall fescue is a highly adaptable, deep-green grass with a coarse texture. Like most other fescues, it’s also relatively low maintenance, making it popular for Rhode Island residents who want to spend less of their summers sweating their tails off for their lawns. However, it’s Tall Fescue’s deep root system that really impresses. Its roots grow 2-3 feet deep, which protects it from frost damage and allows it to bounce back when spring arrives.

        Key features:

        • Heat tolerant
        • Low maintenance
        • Drought tolerant
        • Rapid growth

        Mixing Types of Lawn Grass for Optimal Results in RI

        What can you do if you want the best of both worlds? Sow a mixed-seed lawn, of course! Since each grass type has its own advantages, some Rhode Island lawn owners prefer to establish or overseed a lawn with multiple types. For example, Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass make a fantastic seed pair. Kentucky Bluegrass brings its dense growth and unique bluish color to the mix, while Perennial Ryegrass is known for its rapid germination and ability to withstand foot traffic. Together, they concoct a lawn seed blend that grows a lawn that is both visually appealing and durable.

        Grow a Lush Lawn in RI with MissionGreen!

        Want your lawn to make a statement this fall? Have the envy of the neighborhood with a freshly touched-up, lush lawn! At MissionGreen, we introduce a curated blend of grass seeds in our overseeding services that withstand common lawn diseases and pests in RI. Hurry – we have limited overseeding service spots available this fall. Contact us today for a FREE quote to meet your lawn maintenance goals.