As summer transitions into fall, homeowners have a chance to refresh their lawns, and Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini suggests several good options for over-seeding or replacing cool-season grasses.

While the popular K-31 tall fescue has long been a favorite in Kansas, newer varieties are now offering improved color, density, and finer leaf texture. Domenghini recommends using a regional blend of tall fescue cultivars. However, she cautions that grass varieties typically sold in big-box stores may not perform well in Kansas due to their lack of tolerance for the state’s challenging weather conditions.

To select a reliable grass cultivar, Cynthia Domenghini suggests checking the label for the percentage of “Crop Seed” and “Weed Seed.” She recommends avoiding any blend with more than 0.01% of either for Kansas lawns. While K-31 tall fescue remains a good option for large, open areas where weeds and lighter green color are acceptable, newer cultivars offer better performance for those seeking high-quality turf.

Domenghini also noted that Kentucky bluegrass is becoming a popular choice for home lawns. Although it’s less heat and drought-tolerant than tall fescue and warm-season grasses, Kentucky bluegrass thrives in areas like northeast Kansas with sufficient rainfall and in northwest Kansas where irrigation and cooler summer nights create favorable conditions.

K-State Research has published a list of top-rated Kentucky bluegrass cultivars for Kansas, highlighting more than two dozen for high-quality lawns focused on appearance and ten for low-maintenance, limited watering needs. Domenghini explains that high-maintenance lawns receive regular irrigation and at least three fertilizer applications annually, while low-maintenance lawns get limited watering and fertilization, typically 1-2 pounds of nitrogen per square foot per year. Though low-input lawns may not look as attractive, recommended cultivars will still perform well in spring and fall, going dormant in summer.