Quick Guide to Warm Season Grass

You know, growing grass in your lawn is pretty simple. But just because it is simple does not mean it is easy. Or that you can just barge into a garden store, grab a bag of some random grass seed, scatter or spread it and sit back and relax as your lawn blossoms.

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.

One fast growing variety that grows thick enough to ward off weeds is St Augustine. But the list of drawbacks with this one is rather lengthy. Not good for high traffic. Not all that drought resistant. Doesn't like being cold. Can only be started from plugs or sod. Requires lots of water to maintain it's good looks. All of which would make it rather high maintenance. But a good choice if that's not a problem.

Okay so perhaps a turf grass that can be started from seed would be more like it. Then set your sights on Bahia grass. This is a low maintenance variety that can often get by on rain water only. Not to mention it is quite drought resistant and bounces back green and all in no time once the rains return. It doesn't often fall prey to insects or diseases either. Some don't like how it looks or the fact that it require frequent mowing. And don't go planting Bahia in the shade and expect it to do well either.

Gray-green Centipede grass is a slow growing turf variety that is naturally drought tolerant. Grown best in full sun it has about average tolerance for shade and acidic soil. Centipede can be started from seed or put down as sod. It withstands cold temps and need less mowing than others on the list. A drawback to keep in mind is it doesn't do well in heavy traffic situations.

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.

Admitted lawnologist Dewey J Capasso is passionate about yard care. Whether it's taking care of lawn grubs using biological controls, or explaining the care and feeding of zoysia grass, you'll find the help you need at MowerMania.com.

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