Choosing lawn grass in Florida that will result in a beautiful landscape is sometimes overlooked by homeowners when building their new custom home.
There are more variations of types of Florida landscape grass and lawns than most people realize. The type of Florida grass installed should take into account what is best suited for the location.
Six types of lawn grass in Florida most commonly used:
St. Augustine Grass
The most common turf grass in Florida for home lawns and commercial properties. It is ideal for the warm humid sub tropical conditions in Florida. It loves the heat, is resistant to drought and can tolerate high levels of salt. St. Augustine grass types will grow in varying soil types. This grass has broad flat blades and is a dark blue green color offering a dense, thick green lush landscape. Established by laying sod, St. Augustine grass is easy to establish. It does require proper mowing, watering and fertilization to keep that lush green look, and it can be susceptible to cinch bugs, but proper care and pesticides should eliminate that concern. Mowing should be done every 7 days in the spring and summer, every 14 days in the Fall and Winter.
Bermuda Grass
This grass is green-gray in color andn has blades that are short with long rough edges. It gros very well in hot climates and has a deep roots system making it incredibly resistant to drought, weeds and high traffic. As a result, Bermuda Grass is a popular choice for golf courses and sports fields. However, it is highly invasive leading some gardeners to call it “the devil’s grass” as it often sets up shop in nearby gardens and flowerbeds. Bermuda grass grows rapidly in all types of soil, producing seeds, runners and rhizomes. However, it is sensitive to cold temperatures, pests and shade. It requires regular maintenance and weekly watering help maintain appearance.
Bahiagrass
Bahia grass is a popular grass in Florida because of its ability to grow in less fertile sandy soils. This crab apple green grass is grown by seeding and produces a dense sod. It is very tolerant to drought conditions and has a stron resitance to lawn pests. Pensacola Bahiagrass is the most common type of Bahiagrass in Florida. However, this grass has unattractive seed heads, is sensitive to overwatering, is susceptible to weeds, and grows poorly in shaded areas. Weekly mowing is often needed.
Centipede Grass
Centipede grass is a popular choice for Florida homeowners who want a low-maintenance lawn. Yellow green in color, it spreads by stolons producing a medium texturel. Because it is a low-growing grass, it doesn’t require a lot of mowing. Unlike other types of Florida grass, Centipede grass grows in cooler temperatures and shade. On the other hand, this type of grass can’t handle a lot of traffic or salt, and it is susceptible to nematodes and ground pearls.
Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass is distinctive in its blue green color and curling leaf blades. It has an excellent tolerance for high temperatures and can grow in all different types of soil. Unfortunately, Buffalo grass is not shade tolerant and not suitable for high traffic areas. Excessive watering weakens the grass, leaving it prone to disease. Weeds are also common.
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia grass is probably the most beautiful landscape grass in the south. Zoysia is established in lawns by planting sod, plugs , and or sprigs. Zoysia is a dark green turf-like grass with stiff leaf blades. Great for high traffic areas, it grows well in the sun, making it a popular choice for golf courses and coastal areas. Once established Zoysia creates a dense sod reducing weed invasion. Drought tolerance and disease tolerance levels are good, and it can also handle partial shade. This grass does need frequent irrigation and has high fertilization requirements.
Which Lawn Grass is Right for Your Landscape?
As you make your choice of which type of grass to use for your new lawn, think about the conditions it will need to endure. What type of irrigation will be installed? What is the nature of your soil. Will your lawn need to withstand a lot of traffic? Will you be maintaining your lawn or hiring a service? Do you want a low-maintenance lawn or do you enjoy working in your yard? Keep these thoughts in mind as you make you selection.
Soon, you will be gazing our over your beautiful landscape, thankful that you made the right decision for your landscape.