Best Grasses to Plant in Quebec

Having a luscious green lawn in Quebec can be challenging. Lawns in Quebec have to be able to withstand cold weather and harsh winter conditions, which is why the first step towards that goal is to choose the best type of grass for your garden. 

In this case, cool-season grasses that actively grow in the spring and fall are recommended. The summers in Quebec are short and the winters are long, which makes cold weather grasses perfect because their growth slows during the summer and they go dormant during the winter. 

If you are considering which grass to plant in your garden, there is a variety of cool-season grass seeds to choose from.

The best cool-season grass seeds 

Kentucky bluegrass

Kentucky bluegrass has a fine to medium texture and is characterized by a bluish dark green color. This type of grass requires adequate irrigation, sun and maintenance. It is commonly used for golf courses, playing fields and home turfs. 

Characteristics: 

• Disease resistant
• Slow to germinate 
• Does not tolerate frequent mowing very well
• Supports low and high temperatures very well if maintained properly 
• Does not tolerate drought or saline soils 
• Prone to pest infestations due do its shallow roots 
• It does not adapt well to poorly drained soils

Creeping bentgrass 

Bent grass is a perennial grass that has a fine texture and which usually bends when it reaches a certain height (hence its name). It needs frequent watering and mowing. It is most commonly used in golf and tennis courses. It is not so frequent in lawns because it requires frequent maintenance.  

Characteristics: 

• Dense coverage
• Resilient to wear and tear
• High cold temperature tolerance 
• Good tolerance to foot traffic
• Good tolerance to poor soil conditions
• Prone to disease due to its shallow roots 
• Low to medium shade tolerance 

Fine and tall fescues 

Fine and tall fescues have a fine texture and are characterized by their wide green leaf blades. They are often used in lawns because they are easy-to-maintain. They do not require frequent watering or mowing and require fewer nutrients than other types of grasses such as the Kentucky bluegrass.

Characteristics: 

• Shade-tolerant
• Heat tolerant 
• High tolerance to drought 
• High cold temperature tolerance 
• Good tolerance to poor soil conditions
• Often mixed with other types of grasses 
• Prone to diseases and pest infestation 

Perennial ryegrass

Perennial ryegrass has a fine texture and is characterized by its dark green color. This long-leafed grass is commonly used for temporary and permanent lawns. It is a high-maintenance grass that needs an average amount of water but has to be fertilized and mowed regularly. It is found on playing fields, golf courses and lawns.

Characteristics: 

• High maintenance
• Fast germination and growth 
• Often mixed with other types of grasses 
• Good cold tolerance 
• Good tolerance to foot traffic
• Drought-tolerant
• Prefers sun but tolerates shade 
• Prone to disease due to its shallow roots 
• Resistant to weeds 

Which cool season grass type is best for your lawn? 

Ultimately, the grass type that is best suited for your lawn in Quebec will depend on the soil type, conditions in your yard and the level of maintenance you prefer. It is best to contact a lawn care specialist so that they can assess your needs and perform a soil analysis to recommend the best grass type or blend. 

Need help with your lawn maintenance?

If you need help with your lawn maintenance or if you need guidance to choose the best type of grass for your lawn, don’t hesitate to contact Forever Green. We have been specializing in lawn treatment for over 30 years. Our services and high-performance solutions respect the environment. 

Browse our packages