Cool-Season vs Warm-Season Grasses

As a lawn care specialist serving Georgia homeowners, one of the first things I assess on any property is the type of grass. Understanding the difference between cool-season and warm-season varieties is key to building a lawn care plan that actually works.

Warm-Season Grasses

These are ideal for most Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair lawns. They thrive in heat and are drought-tolerant but go dormant (brown) in winter.

Top choices I recommend:

• Bermuda Grass: Fast-growing, durable, full sun

• Zoysia Grass: Dense, softer, handles partial shade

• Centipede Grass: Low-maintenance, slow-growing

  
  

Best for: Homeowners who want a resilient, low-fuss lawn that looks great spring through fall.

Cool-Season Grasses

Less common here, but occasionally the right fit—especially in farther North Georgia or shaded areas.

Most common:

• Tall Fescue: Stays green in winter, tolerates cooler temps

  
  

Trade-off: Performs well in shade and winter, but struggles in summer without irrigation.

My Recommendation

For most properties I service, a warm-season grass offers the best year-round performance. But no two lawns are the same. I evaluate sunlight, soil, traffic, and homeowner goals before recommending a custom plan. That’s how I keep lawns healthy, green, and low-stress all year.

Not sure what kind of grass you have—or what care it needs right now? I offer personalized lawn assessments and seasonal care plans built specifically for Morgan, Greene, Putnam and Baldwin County lawns.