If you live in an area that gets blanketed with snow in the winter, chances are that you aren’t too concerned with the condition of your grass in January. But if you live in a warmer climate, you can feasibly be landscaping green grass year-round.

When it comes to winter grass, you’ve got a couple options — perennial or annual. These two types of rye grass are the most common types of winter grass, and they each come with certain advantages and disadvantages. Perennial rye grass can be more expensive, but that price tag brings with it a faster germination time, a richer color and lower likelihood of grass stains. You also don’t need to replant perennial grass every year because it is designed to last year-round. However, if heat becomes extreme, there’s a chance the grass won’t survive the summer.

Annual grass isn’t likely to withstand extreme temperatures either, but it is intended to be re-planted every year and, consequently, costs less than perennial rye. It is best to plant annual rye in August or September — if you plant too early, the heat will kill the seeds. Annual rye will last through about May, when it’s time to switch back to a summer grass such as Bermuda.

Whether you choose annual or perennial, both varieties need a lot of sun and regular watering to thrive. Sprinkler systems are recommended rather than irrigation. An advantage of rye grass in general is that the grass will not spread — meaning your landscaping and flower beds won’t be overrun by over-eager grass.

If you want a professional opinion on your backyard, let BidBoomerang hook you up with expert landscapers in Mesa AZ.