Whether you’re native to Florida or a recent transplant, chances are you’ve noticed the climate isn’t exactly ideal for lush turf. The scorching heat, torrential rains, and salty air seem to join forces to wreak havoc on our lawns. We can either battle the elements, or we can select a grass that will work well with them. Fortunately, there are several varieties to choose from.
St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum)
St. Augustinegrass is possibly the favorite grass of Florida. It produces a rich blue-green color, is very dense, and can adapt to most soils without any trouble. This grass withstands high heat, is salt-tolerant, and also does well with heavy shade. It takes root easily and grows quickly, making it ideal for sod. Though well-suited for the Florida climate, a St. Augustinegrass lawn does require regular watering and irrigation for long periods of drought. The downside is that this particular grass is not intended for high-traffic areas and does not easily recover from repeated wear, such as being driven over by a vehicle.
Zoysiagrass (Zoysiagrasses)
Zoysiagrass was introduced to the U.S. from Asia, cultivated to be more weed- and insect-resistant than its competitors. It establishes quickly, thrives in multiple soils types and has a high tolerance to wear and tear. This deep, rich green grass is arguably the most attractive of sod options in Florida, but beware. At the first sign of frost, Zoysiagrass will turn brown and remain dormant through the rest of the cold period. Ideal for high-traffic lawns, Zoysiagrass is extremely aggressive and can grow out of control if not managed properly.
Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon)
Bermudagrass is one of the more widely used grasses for Florida lawns. This medium-to-dark green groundcover is very dense and well-adapted for the challenges Florida brings. With a high tolerance for wear, drought, salt and temperature, Bermudagrass is an excellent choice of turf for high-traffic areas and is ideal for golf courses. This hearty grass spreads so rapidly that it overcomes most weeds, and works great for plugs and sprigs. The downside of Bermudagrass is that it requires more maintenance than the other varieties and has a low tolerance for insects, making it more susceptible to disease.
Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum)
Bahiagrass is probably the most regularly seen grass type in Florida. It may not have the lush carpet feel of the more desired varieties. But Bahiagrass has such an aggressive, deep-root system that it is virtually impervious to anything Florida can bring. This grass grows well in sand, requires little water and is low-to-no maintenance. It is not typically affected by insects or disease, and is the perfect choice for pastures or homes with lots of acreage.
No matter what grass you choose for your lawn, keep it protected and thriving by reaching out to Slug-A-Bug for regular care. We will service your lawn every two months to keep it looking great, and weed and pest-free. For more information, visit slugabug.com or call us today at (321) 259-7844.
For more information:
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/LH010
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/LH011