How To Choose the Right Grass for Your Lawn, Pt. II
Choosing the right grass for your lawn is an important decision that’s largely dependent on where you live, which in turn directly affects the value of your property. It’s not a choice you want to rush. Last week, we began by breaking down the main categories most species of grass commonly used for lawns tend to fall into, and we’ll continue this week by going into a bit more detail on the species themselves. Remember, your property’s lawn is a huge part of its overall curb appeal, so ultimately the main goal should be aesthetics, followed by durability and ease of maintenance. Not all situations carry the same requirements for grass, so what works for one homeowner or investor may not necessarily work for another, even if both own properties in the same zip code.
If you haven’t read last week’s blog yet, do it! Even though each of the species detailed below have their own unique characteristics that may seem like they suit your needs, you’ll still need to understand your area’s local ordinances, climate, and average rainfall, among other things such as predicted levels of foot traffic and maintenance needs. Most importantly, you’ll want to make sure you know where your location falls in terms of the cool-season and warm-season divide, because it’ll do you no good to have a lush lawn for a few months only to find out the species of grass you’ve chosen doesn’t tolerate the seasons and temperatures in your area. As we mentioned last week, if you happen to be in the transition zone between the cool and warm seasonal zones, it’s best to go with cool-season species of grass.
Bahia
Bahia is a tough turfgrass especially suited to the heat and humidity of the southern and southeastern United States, and is usually the most common on display on lawns in these regions. It’s a warm-season species that’s best planted in hot, humid areas, and usually doesn’t take well to transition-zone areas, but can be used in more humid climates at the southern end of that zone. It’s a hardy, tough species thanks to its rougher texture, but because of this toughness it can handle heavy foot traffic with ease. Ideal for lawns frequently trafficked by kids, pets, guests, and the occasional pickup baseball game.
Bermuda
Bermuda is the second most common warm-season species, often chosen because its aggressive growth habit gives it excellent weed resistance. If you have flower beds or rock gardens, this aggressive growth can require extra maintenance and lawn care, because despite its resistance to weeds, Bermuda grass tends to grow and spread like them. It’s wear-resistant and drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for drier areas in the warm-season zone. It’s not as resilient against foot traffic as Bahia, but it’s close enough to get the job done. Plant it and don’t worry about that company barbecue you scheduled for next month.
Bluegrass
If Bahia and Bermuda are the go-to species for southern areas, Bluegrass is their analogue in cooler northern areas. Despite its association with the state of Kentucky, the species is actually indigenous to several regions in the US, Europe, and Asia. Still, they don’t call Kentucky the Bluegrass State for nothing; the color and texture of this species are exceptional and provide beautiful coverage for lawns. That being said, it’s not as hardy as its warm-season counterparts, often requiring specific growing conditions. It’s neither drought-resistant nor especially suited for shaded lawns, so you’ll want to make sure your lawn has plenty of sunlight, good soil and a regular water supply.
Centipede
Centipede is a tough, low-growing, low-maintenance turfgrass that thrives in the acidic soil of the lower southern United States, particularly the coastal areas. If you’ve got a property near the beach in Hilton Head, SC or Destin, FL, Centipede is an ideal candidate for your lawn. Like Bahai, Centipede has a rougher texture than most turfgrasses and is extremely durable, but may not tolerate too much stress on the lawn. With proper care, and under the right conditions, it has excellent weed and pest resistance.
Fescue
Fescue is more of a family of similar species and has several members, including fine fescue, Chewings fescue, creeping red fescue, hard fescue and tall fescue. All of these varieties can survive cold winters well, and are typically the first choice for homes in the northeastern and midwestern United States. While most are tolerant against heat, drought, shade and wear, there are still some variations between them, so check the label for details and apply them within the context of your location and climate. All fescue tend to require a regular fertilizing and aerating schedule, but it’s worth the effort because they make for a great-looking lawn that holds up under extremely cold temperatures.
Perennial Ryegrass
Perennial ryegrass is a cool-season species that germinates quickly, grows fast, and holds up extremely well to foot traffic. It’s a common addition to cool-season grass mixes and the overseeding “wintergreen” option for warm-season lawns. Its potential applications are a bit broader than most varieties here, since it can be used as an auxiliary mixer to toughen up a Bluegrass lawn or to “greenify” lawns with warm-season turfgrass in transitional-zone locations during the cooler months.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is the turfgrass of choice in warm climates where sandy soil is prevalent, generally in coastal areas with a higher PH than the soils preferred by Centipede grass. Its color is especially vibrant, although its less resistant to foot traffic and stress than its low-growing cousin. The brilliant blue-green color lasts well into fall, which is a huge plus. If you anticipate trying to sell a warm-season coastal property during the fall months, consider reseeding the lawn with St. Augustine during the summer to keep it greener longer.
Zoysia
Zoysia is another warm-season species which explicitly prefers a warm, sunny and well-drained growing site. Of all the species listed, this one is the most finicky and high-maintenance. You’ll need to make sure your lawn isn’t prone to any buildup of standing water, and Zoysia tends to not like shade all that much either. A clear, unshaded, and properly drained landscape is ideal, and though Zoysia requires more care and maintenance than most turfgrasses, the result is a lush, beautiful and luxurious lawn.
Whatever your circumstances are, a well-maintained and healthy lawn is crucial to maintaining your property’s value. Make sure you choose a variety of grass that will hold up well to the local climate, and take care to choose one that you can feasibly maintain; a Zoysia lawn may look great if properly taken care of, but you may not be able to accomplish that if you work long hours or travel frequently. As with most things in real estate, plan carefully, choose wisely, and follow through.
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– Get It Right Solutions LLC