Grass is a staple of many lawns and landscapes. A lush, green lawn can really enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home or business. But have you ever wondered just how fast grass grows on a daily basis? In this article we’ll take a deep dive into the growth rates of various grass species and the factors that influence how quickly your lawn fills in.
The Basics of Grass Growth
There are around 12000 species of grasses worldwide. The types commonly used in lawns and turf include cool season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and tall and fine fescues. Warm season grasses like zoysia, Bermuda grass, centipedegrass and St. Augustine are also popular in warmer climates.
Grasses grow via cell division and elongation in their stems and leaves. Most grass species grow best in full sun and perform well in a wide range of soil types and pH levels. Proper mowing, irrigation and fertilization will optimize the growth rate.
So how much can grass grow in a single day? Here are some key statistics:
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In well-fertilized soil, most grass species will begin emerging within only 8-10 days after seeding.
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In a single day, healthy grass can grow a maximum of around 1/5 of an inch.
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In a week, well maintained grass grows roughly 1 inch if the soil meets ideal conditions.
These rates can vary based on grass species, time of year, climate, soil quality, moisture levels and maintenance practices. Next we’ll look more closely at how these different factors impact daily grass growth.
Factors That Influence Grass Growth Rates
Many variables affect how quickly grass grows on a daily basis. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:
Grass Species and Variety
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Cool season grasses grow best in the spring and fall when temperatures are between 60-75°F. Warm season grasses excel in summer.
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Breeding has created “improved” varieties that spread aggressively via rhizomes or stolons. These varieties fill in quickly.
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Growth habits vary – bunch grasses grow in tufts while spreading grasses fill in via above-ground stems or below-ground rhizomes.
Time of Year and Climate
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Peak growth occurs in spring and early summer for cool season grasses, and summer for warm season types.
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Hot, humid regions enable faster growth. Cool and dry climates slow growth.
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Growth naturally slows in summer for cool season grasses and in winter for all species.
Soil Quality
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Deep, loose, fertile soil with ample organic matter enables the fastest growth.
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Clay soils or compacted soils restrict root development.
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Ideal pH range is 6.0-7.0. Extremely acidic or alkaline soils will hamper growth.
Mowing Height
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Following the 1/3 rule – never cutting more than 1/3 of blade height – preserves growing points and photosynthesis potential.
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Longer cut height (3-4″) results in faster daily growth vs very short mowing heights.
Irrigation and Rainfall
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1″ of water per week from rainfall or irrigation provides optimal growing conditions.
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Excessive water can leach nutrients while drought stunts growth.
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Growth slows naturally in periods of drought. Prioritize deep, infrequent watering.
Fertilization
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Applying 1-2 lbs of nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per growing month fuels fast, lush growth.
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Slow release fertilizers provide a steady supply of nutrients over 6-8 weeks.
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Overfertilization can damage grass; always follow product labels.
Pest, Disease and Weed Pressure
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Insect, disease and weed competition drains energy, slowing growth.
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Herbicides combat weeds but can temporarily slow grass.
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Address pest and disease issues promptly to restore vigor.
Shade and Sunlight
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Grasses thrive on 8 or more hours of direct sunlight per day.
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Too much shade from trees and buildings restricts photosynthesis. Prioritize sunniest areas.
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Reduce shade with pruning or selective removal of trees/shrubs.
Typical Grass Growth Timeline and Rates
Now let’s look at what typical growth rates look like over the course of the growing season:
Spring
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Cool season grasses thrive, initiating rapid growth.
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Warm season grasses green up but grow slowly until temperatures rise.
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Growth of 1/2 inch per day or more under ideal conditions.
Early Summer
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Warm season grasses accelerate, growing up to 1/2 inch per day.
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Cool season growth slows but still substantial at 1/4 inch per day.
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Seeding/overseeding projects will show new grass in 5-7 days.
Mid Summer
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Warm season grasses peak, with growth up to 1/2 inch per day.
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Cool season grasses nearly dormant, growth under 1/8 inch per day.
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High temps and drought stress can inhibit growth of all grasses.
Late Summer/Fall
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Warm season grasses slow down entering dormancy.
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Cool season grasses rebound with new growth up to 1/4 inch per day.
Winter
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Warm season grasses fully dormant.
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Cool season grasses semi-dormant and growth minimal.
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Frost seeding of cool season grasses possible prior to snow cover.
Early Spring
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Cycle begins again with renewed growth of cool season grasses.
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Continued dormancy for warm season types until soil temps rise.
Best Practices for Optimizing Growth
Your lawn care regimen is key for maximizing daily grass growth. Here are some best practices:
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Mow at the ideal height for your grass species using a sharp blade. Never remove more than 1/3 of grass blade when mowing.
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Water deeply and infrequently. 1″ per week is ideal. Avoid frequent, light watering.
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Apply a slow release fertilizer near the start of each growing season. Follow product labels.
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Dethatch and aerate periodically to alleviate soil compaction.
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Overseed bare or thin areas in fall or early spring.
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Monitor for insects, diseases and weeds. Treat issues promptly and selectively.
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Address drainage problems, soil pH or nutrient deficiencies.
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Reduce excessive shade through pruning or selective removal of trees/shrubs.
Grasses Worth the Growth Investment
Given proper care and conditions, most grass species can deliver lush growth and fill in bare spots relatively quickly. Here are some types that are prized for their vigor and spreading capabilities:
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Kentucky Bluegrass: Forms an dense mat via rhizomes, with rapid spring growth when temperatures are 60-75°F. Requires significant maintenance.
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Perennial Ryegrass: Bred for fast germination and establishment. Grows up to 2″ per week with adequate fertility. Can be prone to disease.
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Fine Fescue: Germinates and establishes quickly. Grows well in shade and cooler temperatures. Deep root system.
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Zoysia: A warm season grass known for its luxurious texture and lateral spread via stolons and rhizomes. Slow to green up.
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Bermuda: Aggressive warm season grower that tolerates heat, drought and foot traffic. Spreads via stolons. Requires dethatching.
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Centipedegrass: Another low maintenance warm season spreader. Good heat and drought tolerance once established. Slow recuperative potential.
Daily grass growth is dependent on several factors – climate, soil, maintenance regimen, and inherent traits of the grass species and variety. With a little TLC, most lawns can deliver lush green growth during peak periods at rates over 1/2 inch per day. Stay tuned into the needs of your grass type while following sound agronomic practices, and you’ll be rewarded with a thriving lawn.
Grass Roots Growing Underground Time Lapse – 30 days
FAQ
How fast does grass grow after rain?
Does grass grow faster the more you cut it?
What time of day does grass grow fastest?
Does grass grow in 3 days?
How fast does grass grow in a day?
This means that the amount that the grass would grow in a day would range from between .07 to .3 inches. In total, grass does grow a noticeable amount from month to month, and even from week to week. But you will probably not be able to see the height of your grass change overnight. How Fast Does Grass Grow After It Rains?
How much does grass grow per month?
Depending on the type of grass and the amount of sun and water that it is getting, the amount of inches that it grows per month is about two to six. This means that the amount that the grass would grow in a day would range from between .07 to .3 inches. In total, grass does grow a noticeable amount from month to month, and even from week to week.
What is the fastest growing grass?
In general, bermudagrass is the fastest growing grass. It grows in about 10 days on average, compared to the 7 to 30 days that it takes grass to grow in general. Bermudagrass only grows in warm climates, though.
How long does grass seed take to grow?
Of course, the amount of time that it will take for grass to grow depends on the kind of grass seed that you have planted. If you have a fast-growing grass type, then it will be closer to seven days. If the kind of grass that you planted is slow-growing, it could be closer to 30 days. What’s the Fastest Growing Grass Seed?