6 Fast-Growing Grass Seeds That Will Quickly Fill the Bald Spots in Your Yard

The grass will be greener on your side of the fence when you use these fast-growing grass seeds.

traditional lawn in front of blue house
Photo:

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They say the grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence—and for homeowners with dry spots, brown patches, or sections of their yard that are more dirt than lawn, that saying is especially true. Fortunately, there is an easy solution to fixing your lawn’s bald spots, and it includes throwing down a bit of fast-growing grass seed in those areas that need a little extra TLC. 

We spoke with lawn and landscape pros to find out which grass seeds they recommend for a quick fix. The good news is that there are plenty of grasses to choose from.

  • Ryan Walts, lawn expert with an extensive background in turfgrass management and maintenance; business coach at Lawn Squad, a lawn care and landscaping service
  • Sam Niemann, garden and landscape expert and founder of Bleume, a maker of natural plant food
01 of 06

Perennial Ryegrass

perennial ryegrass lawn

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Perennial ryegrass is one of the quickest germinating and establishing grasses on the market for homeowners in the cool season region of the country, according to Ryan Walts, a lawn expert with an extensive background in turfgrass management and maintenance and business coach at Lawn Squad, Perennial ryegrass can germinate in five to 10 days and be fully established in two to three weeks. "Because of its quick germination rates and slender leaf blades, perennial ryegrass is often used in popular lawn mixes with Kentucky bluegrass, which generally takes longer to germinate and establish," he says.

While perennial ryegrass can do well in sunny locations, Walts notes it can struggle in high heat and drought conditions. "Perennial ryegrass may also not be as cold tolerant as other cool-season species," Walts says.

  • Classification: Cool season
  • Care requirements: Well-drained, black, fertile soil; full sun to partial shade; mowing height of 2 to 3 inches

Types of Grasses

Cool season: These are grasses that thrive in the northern regions of the United States and can withstand cold temperatures and various soil conditions.

Warm season: These grasses are common in the southern United States up to North Carolina and the border of California and Nevada.

Transition zone: Some warm- and cool-season grasses can also grow successfully in the transition zone, which bridges the two areas.

For more, see: 9 Most Common Types of Grasses—and How to Choose the Right Variety for Your Yard

02 of 06

Fine Fescue(s)

fine fescue grass

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Fine fescue grass handles shade really well, so Walts says this grass variety is a popular choice for homeowners who have shady lawn conditions. "Fine fescues typically require less nutritional input than other popular grass species such as perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, or turf-type tall fescue, making them a lower maintenance turf option for homeowners," he says, adding that because of their fine leaf texture, fine fescues are less tolerant to mechanical stresses such as foot and machine traffic. 

Walts also notes that high temperatures can also be an issue for this type of fast-growing grass. "Fine fescues can be temperamental in high heat situations and may tend to go ‘heat dormant’ during high heat periods of the season," he says. That being said, this grass is great for anyone looking for turf that will germinate in five to 14 days and become fully established in five to eight weeks. 

  • Classification: Cool season 
  • Care requirements: Well-drained to dry soil (can survive in sandy, rocky, or clay soils); partial sun to shade; mowing height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches
03 of 06

Tall Fescue

Tall fescue grown for stock feed on farms
Sheryl Watson / Getty Images

Turf-type tall fescue is becoming more of a popular option, according to Walts, who says that homeowners in both cool-season and warm-season transition zones can benefit from using this grass. "This is because of its ability to handle heat and drought extremely well, while also being a finer-bladed grass," he says. "Turf-type tall fescue is also tolerant to mechanical stresses such as foot and machine traffic, making it a great option in high-use areas such as sports fields."

But, there are some things homeowners should be aware of before spreading this seed on their lawns. "The downside to turf-type tall fescue is its recuperative capabilities," he says. "Unfortunately, due to its bunch-type growth habit, any damaged or thin areas of a turf-type tall fescue grass stand will need to be reseeded to regain full grass coverage." For those who don’t mind a little extra work, this grass will grow quickly, germinating in seven to 21 days and establishing itself in three to four weeks. 

  • Classification: Cool season/Transition zone
  • Care requirements: Well-drained, clay soils; does well in sun and shade; mowing height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches
04 of 06

Bermudagrass

Bermuda grass; best grasses for dogs

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Warm-season homeowners looking for a fast-growing grass seed may want to consider Bermudagrass, according to Walts. "Bermudagrass is an extremely aggressive grass that can quickly grow over concrete edges or into landscape bedding," he says, noting that this type of grass may require a bit of extra maintenance from homeowners. "However, aggressive growth is not always a bad thing. This aggressive nature means Bermudagrass can quickly fill in thin or bare areas without the need to replant." Bermudagrass germinates in seven to 10 days and is established in five to six weeks.

Walts adds that Bermudagrass can be a bit of a nitrogen hog, requiring ample nutrition through fertilization throughout the growing season to maintain its healthy appearance. 

Bermudagrass prefers sunny lawns and can be intolerant of shady spots, says Walts. When Bermudagrass is planted in shaded locations, it may not perform well and thin out. "Because it is considered a 'warm season' variety, it will also tend to turn brown and go dormant in cool or cold temperatures," he says.

  • Classification: Warm season 
  • Care requirements: Well-drained soils (can grow in clay or sandy conditions); full sun; mowing height of 1 to 2 inches
05 of 06

Annual Ryegrass

Annual ryegrass and clover grown in a rural field for stock food and hay

Sheryl Watson / Getty Images

Sam Niemann, garden and landscape expert and founder of Bleume, says the fastest-growing grass seed he has ever grown is annual ryegrass. "In my garden in San Diego, I would use annual ryegrass to overseed my Bermuda lawn when it went dormant in the winter," he says. “Annual rye is a cool-season grass that will germinate in just a couple of days after planting."

But, pay attention to the name—this type of grass is an annual. "Unfortunately, annual ryegrass is, as the name suggests, an annual variety of grass," Niemann says. "This means it will only live for one season. Due to the annual nature, I recommend using annual ryegrass as part of a mix of longer-lasting lawn seeds or in areas where you need coverage very quickly."

  • Classification: Cool season
  • Care requirements: Drought tolerant; full sun; mowing height of 3 to 4 inches
06 of 06

Creeping Red Fescue

Blades of grass, red fescue or creeping red fescue grass (Festuca rubra), Freiamt, Black Forest, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
Helmut Meyer zur Capellen / Getty Images

If you are growing grass in a shady area, Niemann recommends using creeping red fescue seeds. "Creeping red fescue will germinate in two to three weeks after planting and is a cool-season variety," he says, noting that while this grass variety can handle more shade than other grasses, it will not do well in deep shade. 

He adds that while creeping red fescue can handle somewhat dryer conditions, you should still water it regularly for the best results. 

  • Classification: Cool season
  • Care requirements: Well-draining soil; full sun to partial shade; mowing height of 3 to 4 inches
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