Regions Overview
Conceived as a way to both better represent the diverse turf markets in North America and account for geographic variability in the trialing process TWCA has adopted an 8 region system based on two things: Koppen climate maps and turf markets. Together they inform not only where TWCA selects cooperators but also where, within the cooperator pool, each species is trialed.
It is important to contact your the local extension agency for help and guidance with any turfgrass questions to get the most regionally appropriate information possible.
Conceived as a way to both better represent the diverse turf markets in North America and account for geographic variability in the trialing process TWCA has adopted an 8 region system based on two things: Koppen climate maps and turf markets. Together they inform not only where TWCA selects cooperators but also where, within the cooperator pool, each species is trialed.
It is important to contact your the local extension agency for help and guidance with any turfgrass questions to get the most regionally appropriate information possible.
Region 1
WA, OR, CA, NV This western region is host to the full spectrum of cool season turfs in the northern reaches and a broad selection of warm season turf in the south with Bermudagrass being, by far, the most popular warm season species. Perennial Ryegrass is used for over-seeding on warm season turfs. Tall Fescue Kentucky Bluegrass Bermudagrass Fine Fescues Perennial Ryegrass |
Region 2
ID, MT, ND, SD, WY, UT,NE, KS, CO The high plains and intermountain West region is afflicted with serious rain shadow affect from the Rockies. All cool season turfs are on the markets with some warm season turf, primarily Bermudagrass, also occurring. Tall Fescue Kentucky Bluegrass Bermudagrass Fine Fescues Perennial Ryegrass |
Region 3
MN, IA, MO, WI, IL, MI, IN, OH These Midwestern states are primarily cool season turf makrkets with very limited bermudagrass presence in the south as the region crosses into the transition zone. Tall Fescue Kentucky Bluegrass Bermudagrass Fine Fescues Perennial Ryegrass |
Region 4
ME, VT, CN, MA, NH, RI, NY, NJ, PA, MD, DE, WV, VA The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region has numerous pressures on turf managers for both cool and warm season turfs. Cool season turfs typically dominate this market with warm season turfs being stronger in that transition zone of VA and MD. Tall Fescue Kentucky Bluegrass Fine Fescues Perennial Ryegrass |
Region 5
NC, SC, GA, FL Primarily a warm season turf, this region is very challenging for most cool season turfs. Tall Fescue presents an option to some consumers in NC, SC, and parts of Georgia. Tall Fescue Bermudagrass |
Region 6
KY, TN, MS, AL, LA Primarily a warm season turf market, TN and KY have robust cool season markets as well with some consumers opting for a cool season/warm season blend called "Bluemuda". Tall Fescue Kentucky Bluegrass Bermudagrass |
Region 7
AZ, NM, OK, AR, TX This warm season dominated region does have some cool season option on OK, Northern TX and AR with Tall Fescue and to a lesser extent Kentucky Bluegrass being strong performers. Tall Fescue Kentucky Bluegrass Bermudagrass |
Region 8
Canada's Southern Provinces This cool season exclusive region presents unique challenges to turf growers with short growing seasons and disrupted rhythms. Kentucky Bluegrass and fine fescues, particularly Strong Creeping Red Fescues dominate the markets with Tall Fescue being much more of an emergent crop. Kentucky Bluegrass Fine Fescues |