As you probably know there's not a lot to growing grass. Or so it would seem. But that's not so say it's super simple either. Or that you justy need to pick up a bag of grass seed, scatter it about and then sit back as a well manicured lawn sprouts up.
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.
Now five strains that should be on your short list to consider would be Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine and Bahia. Here's a quick rundown on each.
If you want a fast, dense growing grass that does well regardless of the quality of soil then St Augustine might be the one for you. But before you run out to buy some seed you need to know you can only establish a St Augustine lawn from sod or plugs. It's also a thirsty variety that surprisingly isn't all that drought tolerant either. Others are not taken with its Astro Turf like appearance either.
Bahia grass might be the ticket if you want to establish a drought resistant lawn from seed. It's a coarse textured blades ward off insects and disease. Fans of this variety point out it pretty much survives on rain water alone and can hold on nearly indefinitely in a dormant state when things get too dry. Those who aren't fans are quick to point out it doesn't do well in shady applications. Also mowing it can be a challenge that compares well to mowing wire. Probably not that bad but you get the idea.
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.
One of the most cold hardy in the group is Zoysia. It's a thick growing strain that makes it hard on weeds. A slow grower compared to Bermuda it's got average tolerance for shady growing conditions. Typically you establish a Zoysia lawn with sprigs or plugs. If you go that route you'll need to be patient. The biggest draw back here is the need for frequent mowing. Plus Zoysia should be regularly de-thatched as well.
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. - 30234
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.
Now five strains that should be on your short list to consider would be Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine and Bahia. Here's a quick rundown on each.
If you want a fast, dense growing grass that does well regardless of the quality of soil then St Augustine might be the one for you. But before you run out to buy some seed you need to know you can only establish a St Augustine lawn from sod or plugs. It's also a thirsty variety that surprisingly isn't all that drought tolerant either. Others are not taken with its Astro Turf like appearance either.
Bahia grass might be the ticket if you want to establish a drought resistant lawn from seed. It's a coarse textured blades ward off insects and disease. Fans of this variety point out it pretty much survives on rain water alone and can hold on nearly indefinitely in a dormant state when things get too dry. Those who aren't fans are quick to point out it doesn't do well in shady applications. Also mowing it can be a challenge that compares well to mowing wire. Probably not that bad but you get the idea.
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.
One of the most cold hardy in the group is Zoysia. It's a thick growing strain that makes it hard on weeds. A slow grower compared to Bermuda it's got average tolerance for shady growing conditions. Typically you establish a Zoysia lawn with sprigs or plugs. If you go that route you'll need to be patient. The biggest draw back here is the need for frequent mowing. Plus Zoysia should be regularly de-thatched as well.
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. - 30234
About the Author:
About the Author: Dewey J Capasso is a bit of a mower jockey. He's written about dealing with lawn grubs that are turning your grass brown, how to pick walk-behind motor-powered lawn mowers, plus offered other zyosia grass tips. Get the lawn care help you need at MowerMania.com.
