So You Think You Know Warm Season Grass, Huh?
Growing grass, as you know is really a pretty simple proposition. But being simple does not equate with being easy. In other words there’s more to it than heading down the lawn care aisle, grabbing a bag of grass seed and spreading it over some dirt then letting nature take it’s course.
No, ideally you want a grass strain that anymore demands little to no watering and thrives when summer temperatures climb into the brutal range each afternoon. That and ease of maintenance and length of time to become established all need to considered before choosing a specific variety for your lawn. Keeping in mind there is no perfect turf grass.
There are five candidates to strongly consider. They would be Bahia, Bermuda, Centipede, St. Augustine, and Zoysia. Let’s take a quick look at what each has to offer.
St Augustine grass is a fast growing, dense variety of grass that can grow in wide range of soils. It can withstand salt exposure too just not too much cold. Now St Augustine can only be put down as sod or plugs since seed is not readily available. Plus this thirsty turf is not all that drought tolerant, tends to dry up without a weekly drenching, and requires a decent amount of fertilizer - making it what you’d call high maintenance. Some would compare it in appearance to Astro Turf. It is also not for you if your yard gets a lot of traffic.
If you want a medium turf grass which can be easily planted from seed then you can choose Bahia grass. Once established, Bahia will generally need only rainwater to stay green. Plus it can survive almost indefinitely in a dormant state and greens up fast after droughts. This coarse textured grass can grow in variety of soils and due to its extensive root system it is drought tolerant. It is less prone to diseases and insect problems. Drawbacks? This grass requires frequent mowing and some compare mowing it to cutting wire. Plus it doesn’t do well in high shade areas or high pH soils.
Now those looking for a slow growing, low maintenance, warm season grass will find Centipede to their liking. It’s a drought tolerant strain that flourishes in full sun. The fact that it’s low maintenance, meaning less need for mowing, appeals to many busy homeowners. As is the fact you can establish a lawn quickly with this grass from either seed or sod. It’s not for high traffic applications however.
If you’ve got plenty of flower bed common Bermuda may not be a good choice since its runners can quickly take them over. This is a grass that appreciates full sun and has little tolerance for shade which for some would be a deal breaker. Bermuda has enough cold and drought tolerance however and has no known disease susceptibilities.
If cold hardy is a concern, Zoysia is your grass. Yes it is a slower grower than Bermuda and only has an average ability to grow in shade. But being thick and dense it easily thwarts weeds. Zoysia is typically established using sprigs or plugs. Given that don’t expect a plush green yard over night. It’s biggest drawback, if you consider it that, is its need to be more fairly frequently.
Your lawn is a beautiful and integral part of your home’s landscape. Getting a heat-and drought-tolerant yard with warm season turf grass is not all that tough. As long as you know how much time and money you want to devote to the project you can pick a strain of grass that fits the bill.
If you want to know how to get rid of grubs in your lawn, need help growing thick, lush grass, or just want more tips on zyosia grass feeding then you’ll find MowerMania.com to be a helpful yard care site with the practical ideas and advice you’re looking for.