Many homeowners probably think that all grass is the same. The reality is, there are a ton of different types of grass, each with unique benefits. So which grass is best for your Wichita lawn? Different types offer different advantages, like better drought tolerance, increased disease resistance and fuller growth patterns. Here, Elite Landscape Solutions explains the best grass types for Kansas lawns.
Understanding Kansas Climate and Lawn Challenges
Your lawn is up against some fierce opponents. If you live in Kansas, you’re well aware of the rapid temperature changes, severe storms, and climate extremes. Scorching summers with intense heat and dry spells can stress your lawn, while sudden temperature swings in the spring and fall make it difficult for grass to thrive. Powerful thunderstorms and high winds that can damage your lawn and cause soil erosion. According to the U.S. drought monitor, over 70% of Kansas was in a moderate drought during 2024, further highlighting the challenges your lawn faces. So choosing a resilient grass species is vital for its survival.
Best Grass Types for Kansas
Warm-Season Grasses
Warm season grasses are a good choice for Kansas lawns because they tend to thrive in hot conditions. Temperatures between 80-95°F are typically the sweet spot for bermuda, zoysiagrass, and buffalo. This is especially helpful in Kansas where the average summer temperature is 76°F, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. And since these grass types grow throughout higher temperatures they’re often more drought tolerant than other cool season grasses. Eventually, this type of grass goes dormant and turns brown in the fall and winter, but greens up again with the warmer temperatures of spring.
On top of their drought resistance, warm season grasses require less water and fertilizer on average. This low maintenance landscaping can save you money over time compared to maintenance-heavy grasses like Kentucky bluegrass. Lastly warm-season grass types also prefer full sunlight, making them great for landscapes with little shade or tree coverage. If you’re looking for a lawn that’s both beautiful and easy to care for, a warm-season grass might be the perfect choice.
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- Bermuda Grass
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- Buffalo Grass
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- Zoysiagrass
| Bermudagrass
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| Pros | Cons | Best For |
| High drought tolerance | Not suited for shady areas | Sunny locations |
| High heat resistance | Goes dormant in the winter | Sports fields |
| Handles heavy foot traffic | Can be invasive | Areas with good drainage |
| Grows quickly in warm temps | Susceptible to heavy thatch | Warm and humid climates |
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Zoysiagrass |
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Pros |
Cons | Best For |
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Highly drought tolerant |
Clumps easily | Low maintenance areas |
| Produces dense turf | Scattered growth pattern |
Midwest residential lawns |
| Suppresses weeds with turf | Doesn’t like heavy shade |
Northern, cooler climates |
| Tolerate shade better | Doesn’t self-repair |
Full sun to partial shade |
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Buffalograss |
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Pros |
Cons |
Best For |
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Needs less water than others |
Slow to establish |
Areas with full sunlight |
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Native to Kansas |
Susceptible to weeds |
Low-water-use areas |
| Improved cold tolerance |
Needs full sunlight |
Dry, arid midwest climates |
| Soft-fine, walkable texture | Less resilient to foot traffic |
Low maintenance lawns |
Cool-Season Grasses
Cool season grasses are a lot like their warm-season counterparts. However, these grasses typically grow during the spring and fall in cooler temperatures ranging between 60-75°F. According to Kansas State University, most turfgrasses in the midwest are cool season grasses. The lower temperature growth also allows the grass to maintain its lush, green color throughout much of the year, even through mild winters. Unfortunately, this also means that this type of grass struggles more during intense heat waves and dry spells. And if temperatures are too extreme, cool-season grasses may even go dormant in the middle of the summer.
On average, cool-season grasses require more maintenance than warm-season varieties. This means you’ll have to practice frequent watering, fertilizing and consistent mowing. On the bright side, cool-season grasses hold their color and appearance throughout the year better than other grass types. This makes them a popular choice for homeowners throughout Kansas.
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- Perennial Ryegrass
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- Tall Fescue
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- Kentucky Blue Grass
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Tall Fescue |
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Pros |
Cons |
Best For |
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Deep roots conserver water |
Clumps easily |
Low maintenance areas |
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Handles foot traffic well |
Scattered growth pattern |
Midwest residential lawns |
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Low maintenance |
Doesn’t like heavy shade |
Northern, cooler climates |
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Doesn’t self-repair |
Full sun to partial shade |
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Perennial Ryegrass |
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Pros |
Cons | Best For |
| Grows quickly | Less cold tolerant |
Cool, humid climates |
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Handles foot traffic well |
Less drought tolerant | Full sun environments |
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Good for overseeding |
Less uniform appearance |
Well drained soils |
| Can help other types of grass | Susceptible to disease |
Mixing with other grasses |
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Kentucky Bluegrass |
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| Pros | Cons |
Best For |
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Dense, lush appearance |
High maintenance | Cool, humid moderate areas |
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Very cold tolerant |
Slow to establish and fill |
Residential lawns |
| Soft texture, good for walking | Easily invasive |
Full sun to light shade areas |
| Tolerates moderate foot traffic | Less drought tolerant |
Areas with good drainage |
How to Choose the Right Grass for Your Lawn
First, consider how much sunlight your yard receives. If it’s mostly sunny, warm-season grasses like Zoysia or Bermuda might be a good fit. For shady lawns, tall fescue is a better option. Next, think about foot traffic. If you have kids or pets that love to play on the lawn, a durable grass like Bermuda is a good choice.
For less active lawns, buffalograss or a fine fescue blend might be suitable. Your desired level of maintenance also matters. If you prefer a low-maintenance lawn, buffalograss is a winner. But if you enjoy the process of lawn care and want a lush, manicured look, Kentucky bluegrass might be more your style. Finally, consider your watering habits. If you tend to be forgetful with the sprinkler, drought-tolerant grasses like Zoysia or buffalo grass are a must.
Tips for Lawn Care Success in Kansas
- Practice deep and infrequent watering
- Mow your lawn using the ⅓ rule and practice routine lawn care.
- Fertilize based on soil health and grass species
- Aerate and overseed during the spring and early fall
Elite Landscape Solutions Can Help
While some grasses are better than others for Wichita’s climate, consider your personal priorities when choosing a grass type. Elite Landscape Solutions is here to help you navigate the decision with a free estimate.