Nebraska’s climate and landscape range from the dry, windy western plains to the humid, fertile southeastern region, making proper grass selection critical for creating a healthy and sustainable lawn. Though the differences may seem subtle, the distinct regions of Nebraska are known to experience different climate conditions that affect lawns uniquely. Let’s take a look at some great turf options for you to consider so you can have the best grass for your Nebraska lawn.

Buffalograss For Western Nebraska

Ideal for Scottsbluff, Alliance, Chadron

Western Nebraska experiences semi-arid conditions with hot summers, cold winters, and limited rainfall. Buffalograss, a warm-season native grass, is perfectly adapted to this region's demanding environment. It is one of the most drought-tolerant grasses available, making it a low-maintenance choice for the often dry and windy plains.

After establishment, it needs very little water. Supplemental irrigation may be needed only during extended drought periods. It grows slowly and usually reaches a height of 4–6 inches, making mowing less of a recurring nuisance.

Why it works in Western Nebraska

Drought Resistance: Buffalograss can survive with as little as 10 inches of rain per year. Once established, it can thrive with minimal irrigation.
Heat and Cold Tolerance: It is incredibly resilient in the face of extreme temperatures, from the hot summer sun to the cold winter nights.
Low Maintenance: Buffalograss grows slowly, requiring less mowing and fertilization than most cool-season grasses.

Blue Grama & Perennial Ryegrass For The Mid-Plains

Ideal for North Platte, McCook, Ogallala

The Mid-Plains region of Nebraska experiences hot summers, cold winters, and moderate rainfall, making a blend of blue grama and perennial ryegrass an excellent choice for lawns. blue grama is a native warm-season grass that excels in hot, dry conditions, while perennial ryegrass is a cool-season grass that establishes quickly and provides year-round durability. Together, they create a resilient lawn that can handle the diverse climate conditions of the Mid-Plains.

Blue grama needs minimal water once established, making it ideal for the dry summer conditions. Perennial ryegrass may need supplemental watering during hot, dry spells, but its fast growth helps with recovery. Blue grama grows slowly, reducing the need for frequent mowing, while perennial ryegrass should be mowed to a height of about 2.5–3 inches to maintain a healthy, green lawn.

Why it works in the Mid-Plains

Drought and Heat Tolerance: Blue grama is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in the arid summer conditions typical of the Mid-Plains. It is a warm-season grass that stays green in the heat and requires minimal watering.
Quick Germination: Perennial ryegrass establishes rapidly, ensuring quick coverage and stability, which is ideal for lawns in areas with unpredictable rainfall or high wind. Its cool-season nature means it thrives during the cooler months when blue grama may go dormant.
Year-Round Coverage: This grass combination provides a balance of resilience. Blue grama thrives in the summer heat, and perennial ryegrass keeps lawns looking lush during the cooler spring and fall months.

Kentucky Bluegrass For The Northeast

Ideal for Norfolk, South Sioux City, Wayne

Northeast Nebraska enjoys more moisture and cooler temperatures than much of the state, making it an ideal region for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass. This grass is known for its lush, dense, dark green appearance and is commonly used in lawns and sports fields throughout the region.

While it is more water-intensive than warm-season grasses, the climate of northeast Nebraska naturally supports it during much of the growing season. Supplemental watering is only necessary during droughts. This grass performs best when mowed at 2.5–3 inches.

Why it works in Northeast Nebraska

Cool-Season Adaptation: Kentucky bluegrass thrives in areas with cold winters and cooler summers, making it a top choice for this relatively humid region.
Self-Repairing: Kentucky bluegrass spreads via rhizomes, helping it recover quickly from damage caused by foot traffic, making it an ideal choice for lawns with frequent use.
Moisture Needs: With higher rainfall than the western and central parts of the state, northeast Nebraska can sustain Kentucky bluegrass without excessive irrigation.

Tall Fescue In Central Nebraska

Ideal for Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings

Central Nebraska presents a mix of conditions, with moderate rainfall and warm summers. Tall fescue is a cool-season grass that can handle the variable climate of this region, particularly the hot summers. Its deep root system makes it more drought-tolerant than many other cool-season grasses.

Though it is drought-tolerant, tall fescue still benefits from regular watering during hot, dry summers to maintain its green appearance. For the best results, mow tall fescue at a height of 3–4 inches.

Why it works in Central Nebraska

Heat Tolerance: Tall fescue is more tolerant of the summer heat than many other cool-season grasses, making it ideal for central Nebraska’s fluctuating climate.
Drought Resistance: Its deep roots allow it to access water from deeper soil layers, which is vital during dry spells.
Adaptability: Tall fescue can grow in a variety of soil types, from clay to sandy soils, making it a versatile option for central Nebraska lawns.

Zoysiagrass For Southeastern Nebraska

Ideal for Beatrice, Falls City, Nebraska City

Southeast Nebraska experiences warm, humid summers and relatively mild winters compared to other parts of the state. Zoysiagrass, a warm-season grass, is an excellent choice for this region. It’s known for its heat tolerance and dense, resilient turf, making it perfect for homes and parks in Southeast Nebraska.

Zoysiagrass is drought-tolerant but does best with periodic watering during long dry periods to maintain its green color. It should be mowed to a height of 1–2 inches. Regular dethatching may be needed to prevent the build-up of thatch due to its dense growth habit.

Why it works in Southeast Nebraska

Heat and Drought Resistance: Zoysiagrass thrives in the hot, humid summers typical of this region, staying green even in prolonged heat.
Low Maintenance: Zoysiagrass is slow-growing and forms a thick turf, reducing the need for frequent mowing and limiting weed growth.
Cold Tolerance: While it’s a warm-season grass, Zoysiagrass can withstand the occasional cold snaps of Southeast Nebraska.

Fine Fescue For The Metro Area

Ideal for Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue

Nebraska’s Metro region, which includes Omaha and Lincoln, experiences moderate temperatures, occasional shade from trees and buildings, and fluctuating rainfall. Fine fescue is a shade-tolerant, cool-season grass that performs well in urban and suburban environments where shaded lawns are common.

These types of grass (including chewings fescue, red fescue, and hard fescue) require less water than Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue, but irrigation may be needed during prolonged dry periods. It performs best when mowed to a height of 2.5–3 inches, particularly in shaded areas where taller grass helps reduce weed growth.

Why it works in Metro Nebraska

Shade Tolerance: Fine fescue is one of the best grasses for shaded areas, making it perfect for lawns that are frequently shaded by buildings, trees, or other structures.
Cold Tolerance: This grass variety can handle the cold winters of the Metro region, staying green for much of the growing season.
Low Fertility Needs: Fine fescue can grow in less fertile soils, reducing the need for frequent fertilization.

Though fine fescue can often thrive in the Lincoln area, other grass types can perform just as well if they are seeded and cared for correctly. If you are looking for the best grass and the best lawn care in Lincoln or anywhere else in the Metro area, call Summit Lawns today for all your landscaping needs!