Most common turfgrasses used for South Dakota lawns include:
Kentucky Bluegrass
South Dakota Certified Bluegrass
Perennial Ryegrass
Fineleaf Fescues
Tall Fescue
Reduced-input grass species:
Bluegrass requires considerable amount of supplemental watering during South Dakota summers. During extended dry periods when the bluegrass has gone dormant, applying 1/4" - 1/2" of water every 2 - 4 weeks will help your bluegrass survive.
South Dakota Certified Bluegrass is a Category III, Midwest Type bluegrass. This type of bluegrass is a low maintenance turf that is best adapted to high cut turf areas with bright sun, cool nights and low humidity.
Deciding on the best turfgrasses depends on what you are looking for. Having a green lawn in the spring and fall has different requirements than those folks looking for a green lawn in the summer, but not the spring or fall. Bluegrass looks great in the early and late seasons, whilte buffalograss holds up well to summer heat / drought, but doesn't like cool temperatures at all.
Professional Lawn / Turf Associations:
Sioux Falls
Rapid City