The Best Grass Seeds in the San Fernando Valley

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  The San Fernando Valley, commonly referred to as "the Valley," in Southern California. is part of Greater Los Angeles. Temperatures can exceed an average of 80 F from June to September and rainfall can be miniscule for months at a time. As a result, homeowners and landscapers rely on selecting the best "warm season" grass seeds, appropriate for the area and USDA hardiness zone 8, to survive the heat and keep their lawns green and thriving.

Zoysia

• Costly, but beautiful, zoysia is the top choice for seeding San Fernando Valley lawns. It has exceptional tolerance for heat and can withstand, thrive and grow best in temperatures ranging from 80 F to 90 F. What's more, among warm season grasses, zoysia is the most cold tolerant, and will maintain an attractive green appearance instead of going totally brown. If money is no object, zoysia should be the number one lawn seed consideration for the San Fernando Valley area.

Bentgrass

• The bentgrass seed variety is an "old school" favorite. Bentgrass has long been a selection among Southern California San Fernando Valley residents. It has an extremely sturdy root system. It will survive the heat of the summer months, the cold of winter months and the "green-up" again in the spring, displaying a lawn that is compact, green and lush. Because of these qualities, bentgrass is often on golf courses throughout the San Fernando area.

Kentucky Bluegrass

• Kentucky Bluegrass is not only a favorite for the state that it is named for but it is also a favorite in the San Fernando Valley. It performs well in a variety of conditions and most importantly those that are particular to the San Fernando Valley area. Kentucky Bluegrass can thrive and withstand full sunlight and soil that is not well drained, which are common traits of lawns grown in the valley.

Fescue

• Fescue is among the best and most economical choices for the San Fernando Valley area. It is heat tolerant and propagates a thick and compact lawn. Red fescue is a seed variety to strongly consider because it is cultivated to grow and "bind" the lawn so that it produces a continual display of grass that is full and lush.

Buffalograss

• If having a lawn that displays a healthy, green color year-round is a priority, strike Buffalograss from your list of choices. However, if you can withstand a short "brown" period during the winter and early spring months, buffalograss will provide care and sustainability benefits. It grows short, forms its own sod base, and requires minimal watering. In fact, buffalograss will grow downward into the soil to seek and search water on its own. These are all important characteristics and qualities that are worthy of considering for planting grass seeds in the San Fernando Valley area, given the challenges of predictable seasonal heat and watering restrictions.