Understanding which grass variety is best for you can help you make the best choice about what type of lawn will last and looks its best. We will assess the pros and cons of five of the best lawn varieties.
A lawn is one of the most attractive features in any garden. But before you can enjoy a beautiful expanse of thick, lush green lawn where kids can play or dogs can roam, you’ll need to choose the right lawn grass suitable for your place.
From new homeowners to seasoned gardeners, people have different preferences when it comes to choosing the suitable grass for their yard. To help you make the best choice about what grass is right for you, we’ve compiled a list of five popular types of grass among homeowners.
1. Zoysia Grass
Climate: Warm Season
Appearance: light to medium green, pointy leaf tip
Light: Sun
Zoysia grass is known for being able to thrive in hot, dry conditions and withstands heavy foot traffic. It is a warm-season grass that is perfect in warmer regions. This type of grass delivers a thick, dense, and low-maintenance lawn.
Zoysia grows more slowly than some other types of lawn grass, but it forms dense, thick leaf grass. It is commonly used in lawns because its root system keeps the soil moist and resists drought during hot weather. It stays light to medium green during its active growing season and turns brown in winter. Zoysia prefers direct sunlight but will grow in partial shade.
2. Kentucky Bluegrass
Climate: Cool season
Appearance: Thick, lush boat-like tip
Light: Sun- semi shades
Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass. It grows during the temperate seasons of fall and spring and is most vigorous in cooler weather. It can withstand cold temperatures better than other grasses. Kentucky bluegrass is a type of grass widely used for lawns.
This perennial grass typically has shallow roots, which means a lower tolerance for heat and drought. Kentucky bluegrass grows best in moist, well-drained soil and sunny locations. When kept well-maintained, this grass produces a dense, deep-green carpet of blades that is both durable and attractive.
3. St Augustine Grass
Climate: Warm Season
Appearance: Dark green, Coarse-textured leaf blades
Light: Tolerates shade
St. Augustine grass grows vigorously and spreads a lush, green dense lawn thick enough to prevent weeds from growing. This coarse-textured warm-season grass is popular throughout warmer regions. St Augustine is also very versatile when it comes to planting locations which can be planted in full sun or partial shade. It prefers sandy soils but can adapt well to other types of soils.
St. Augustine requires moderate levels of maintenance, with occasional mowing required. It turns brown with fall freezes and will be slow to green in the spring. It is also less cold tolerant and has limited drought resistance than other warm-season lawn grasses.
4. Bermuda Grass
Climate: Warm Season
Appearance: tall, flat leaves, has five slender spikes
Light: Sun
Bermuda grass is a great choice for homeowners who want to have a low-maintenance lawn that can withstand heavy use, as well as withstand drought conditions. This type of grass is resilient and will recover quickly after being trampled on or dug up.
Bermuda can withstand superior heat and salinity. In addition to being drought tolerant, it has a quick growth rate. It has an extensive root system that reaches deep into the soil, providing superior resilience against environmental stresses.
5. Buffalo Grass
Climate: Warm Season
Appearance: bluish green color, slightly curly leaves
Light: Sun-moderate shades
Buffalo grass is a great option for lawns that require little maintenance, are tolerant of drought, and can thrive in cold climates. They don’t require much watering or fertilizer, and they’re low-maintenance. Mowing frequency is low and doesn’t need frequent trimmings like other lawn grasses.
Buffalo can thrive in moderately shady locations. It goes dormant in the fall, so it can handle cold temperatures without becoming damaged. And it only awakens in spring when the air and soil are warm enough to support its growth. Buffalo’s growing season is between May and September.
When choosing a new grass for your yard, consider these things:
Climate: The most important factor is to choose a lawn grass that will thrive in your climate. If you live in a cold and snowy area, you’ll want to choose a type of grass that can withstand those conditions. Likewise, choose grass that will thrive in a hot and dry climate.
Shade tolerant: A shade-tolerant lawn will thrive in the shade of trees and shrubs. A good example of shade-tolerant grass is Kentucky bluegrass, which can grow in partial shade. If you have more sun each day, consider planting more sun-loving grass like Bermuda.
Drought tolerance: In areas that experience regular droughts, choose drought-tolerant grass. Lawns that are not drought tolerant will quickly burn out during dry periods. Good examples include buffalo grasses. With so many options out there, it can get a little bit overwhelming at first. But by better understanding which types of grass are available and suitable for your place, you’ll be able to choose a variety that blends in beautifully with your neighborhood and climate.