In an area that gets lots of sun and humidity, there are several varieties of grass that will provide you with a healthy and lush lawn. It’s important to know which type of grass to plant, as well as how to care for it, so you can keep your lawn looking its best no matter the season. Here are a few varieties you may want to consider.
Zoysia
This grass, which is native to Asia, is a great turf grass because you can walk barefoot on it on a hot day. Zoysia also thrives in tropical climates and has dense soil that is thick and grows closer together. This is ideal for keeping weeds and crabgrass out of your lawn. This type of grass can also tolerate salt spray and shade and can withstand mowing and a lot of foot traffic. Zoysia japonica is often used in Florida to create thick turf from seed. The tenuifolia form of the grass is also ideal for Florida weather since it grows well in hot and humid weather and bounces back after extreme foot traffic. This variety of grass is very thin, however, so you’ll need to monitor it to make sure that thatch doesn’t form on the top layer of your lawn.
Bermudagrass
This is a warm-season grass that is ideal for turf, especially if you want a dense lawn. The grass can tolerate most of Florida’s soil conditions, and the plant loves the heat, which means it can tolerate salty and dry soils. Bermudagrass can grow quickly from seeds, and, since it grows in a dense fashion, it can keep weeds from growing in the lawn. This variety of grass is also ideal for a lawn that sustains heavy foot traffic. Bermudagrass has a fine texture and is often used for sports fields and golf courses because of its stand-out green hue. If you’re growing Bermudagrass in Florida, it may be best to use the FloraTex variety. It is a hybrid with a leafy texture and dense look and will remain green for most of the year. This grass doesn’t require much water and is resistant to several of the local diseases and pests, such as dollar-spot disease and stunt mites.
Seashore Paspalum
Seashore paspalum is a grass that grows well in warm weather and is naturally found in tropical and coastal regions. The grass actually does very well in hot temperatures and can withstand the high salt content of ocean spray. If you live in an area that gets heavy flooding or rain, this is the grass for you; it grows nicely along the Florida coast. The seeds of Seashore paspalum produce dense grass that is a deep green color, and it doesn’t require much mowing. If you’re not sure which cultivar to use, Sea Isle is one of the best choices. It has fine leaves and dense sod, making it ideal for both residential and commercial lawns, as well as sports fields, parks, and golf fairways. It’s best to plant this grass in full sun since it doesn’t grow well in shade.
Centipedegrass
This is an excellent grass for warm weather and offers a medium-to-dark green turf that looks great around homes and businesses. The grass has a coarse texture, so it’s more for adornment than foot traffic. It’s extremely low maintenance, which makes it the ideal choice for those who are installing turf for the first time. Centipedegrass adapts to tropical climates very well and even grows well in places where there is significant rainfall and a humid climate. Even in the hot Florida sun, the grass will continue to thrive and doesn’t require shade. However, the grass can grow in moderate shade, and some varieties will maintain their color in up to 60 percent of tree shade, particularly from pine trees. Centipedegrass is sensitive to very low temperatures and has a moderate drought resistance. If the grass is not watered enough, it will become dormant in the summer but will rejuvenate once it has enough moisture. Centipedegrass is slow to recover from damage, but because it doesn’t require much maintenance and is easy to care for, it should be easy to keep the grass healthy.
Fine Fescue
Fine Fescue can grow in both warm and cold climates and gives a striking green color when it’s grown in warm Southern weather. The grass blades grow upright, which adds visual appeal to a lawn, and Fine Fescue has a fast seedling establishment and germination period. The grass blends well with other grasses and is usually combined with bluegrass because this combination grows successfully in dry soil or shade. This grass is great for parts of Florida that experience tropical summers and springs but has significantly cooler winters. Fescue has a good drought tolerance and will become dormant during the summer if it is not irrigated. Regular watering will cause the grass to thrive again. Fine fescue has a moderate tolerance for shade. The blades are hardy and non-succulent, so this grass makes a great play surface. That is why many homeowners choose it.
St. Augustine
This variety is among the most popular choices for lawns in the South. The grass is native to Africa, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean, and does very well in tropical and subtropical climates. St. Augustine grass does very well in the heat and can tolerate some shade. Soil that is moist and somewhat fertile is best for growth. The grass is very fine and forms a dense turf, so it’s ideal for residential lawns. People also choose St. Augustine grass because of its striking blue-green color. Even though the grass can survive in a drought, it should be watered once a week. Pests, such as grubs and cutworms, like St. Augustine grass, so avoid overwatering.
These are just some of the grass types you can choose for your lawn. Look at the condition of your soil and determine your landscape goals to find the grass that is right for your commercial or residential space.