planting a new lawn

Basic Distinctions

Perennial versus Annual Grasses

The penalty for not knowing whether your grass is a perennial or an annual may be disappointment when your lawn dies out after one growing season.

Perennial

Given appropriate conditions, grass labeled as perennial will persist year after year.

Annual

Annual grasses, although they last for just one season, are prized for their fast and vigorous growth.  This makes them a good cover crop that prevents soil erosion, and as a nurse, or companion, to shade perennial grasses that have slower-growing seed.  Use annual ryegrasses in the South to overseed warm-season grasses, providing green during the winter.