Best Lawn Grass Types for Memphis and Year-Round Care Tips

If you’re living in Memphis and dreaming of a lush, green lawn that survives the Southern heat and thrives throughout the seasons, the good news is—you’re in the right climate for some fantastic grass options. But not all grass types are created equal. With Memphis’ hot, humid summers and typically mild winters, choosing the right lawn grass—and knowing how to care for it year-round—is key to keeping your yard healthy and beautiful.

Type: Warm-season

Best For: Full sun areas, high-traffic yards, quick recovery

Why Memphis Loves It: Bermudagrass is drought-tolerant,

tough, and thrives in the intense Southern sun.

Watch Out: It needs full sun—shade can cause it to thin out.

Type: Warm-season

Best For: Moderate shade tolerance, high-end appearance

Why Memphis Loves It: Thick, soft, and resilient, Zoysia creates a carpet-like lawn that’s resistant to disease and weed pressure.

Watch Out: Slower to green up in spring than Bermuda.May have insect concerns. Disease is possible if over irrigated.

Type: Cool-season

Best For: Shaded areas or transitional lawns

Why Memphis Loves It: Grows well in partial shade and stays green longer into the fall and early spring.

Watch Out: Struggles in the peak of Memphis summer without regular watering.

Start Fresh: Rake up winter debris and check for any bare patches.

Fertilization: In our Round 1 application, applied in spring to early summer, we use our Spring Fertilization with a time-released formula that supports healthy root growth (for drought resistance), strong leaf formation (for disease resistance), and vibrant color. For our Round 2 application, once the grass begins actively growing in April, we apply a balanced fertilizer, often combined with weed control. This combination has proven to be highly effective.

Weed Control: Our Round 1 weed control application is done early in the spring, typically before the grass turns green. This application creates a barrier at the soil level, preventing most springtime weeds from sprouting. Any weeds that have already emerged will also be controlled. For our Round 2 application, we apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early March to prevent crabgrass and other annual weeds, alongside fertilizer.

Water Smart: Deep water 1–1.5 inches per week in the early morning.

Mow High: For Bermudagrass and Zoysia, mow at 1–2 inches. For Tall Fescue, mow at 3–4 inches to protect roots from heat.

Fertilize: Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia benefit from a mid-summer feeding. We call this our Round 3 application.

Overseed (if needed): If you’re using Tall Fescue or want a green lawn into winter, overseed in September.

Weed Defense: Apply a pre-emergent herbicide again to fight winter weeds. We call this our Round 5 application.

Aerate: Fall is a great time to aerate your lawn and reduce soil compaction.

Minimal Mowing: Warm-season grasses go dormant—no mowing needed.

Keep it Clean: Remove leaves and debris to avoid mold and smothering the grass.

Plan Ahead: Winter is the perfect time to plan reseeding or upgrades for next spring.

Memphis lawns can look amazing with the right grass type and a little seasonal TLC. Whether you go with hardy Bermudagrass, elegant Zoysia, or cool-weather-friendly Tall Fescue, the key is to match your grass to your yard’s sun, shade, and traffic levels—and stay consistent with your care routine. We find our clients are happiest when they utilize our Preferred Service Program!

A thriving lawn in Memphis isn’t just possible—it’s totally doable. Just pick the right grass, follow the seasonal game plan, and let us and that Southern sun do the rest.

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