Cultivating a luscious lawn year-round requires regular mowing and aeration, but the type of lawn grass you have will also play a significant role in the health and appearance of your lawn. With some grasses more suitable to warmer climates, and others thriving in cooler temperatures, identifying the appropriate lawn grass for your property is crucial.
To the uninitiated, one grass may seem the same as any other, but there are actually considerable differences between the varieties of grasses. If you wonder why some of your Charlottesville neighbors have green lawns all through summer, whilst others quickly turn brown, it’s probably because their grass isn’t suited to the hot, humid heat we have here in Virginia.
By choosing the right type of lawn grass for the climate, soil and area, you can enjoy a healthy, green lawn and minimize the amount of maintenance your lawn will require throughout the year.
Bermuda Grass
Particularly popular in the South, Bermuda grass grows well in warmer climates and is often used in residential lawns. With a deep green hue and densely packed shoots, Bermuda grass can be the perfect option if you want to cultivate a rich, luscious lawn.
As Bermuda grass tolerates a low cutting height, it’s a popular choice with homeowners who want to maintain a picturesque lawn. Its thickness and color will add depth to your lawn, while low cutting will ensure it’s well-kept and easy to maintain.
Above ground, runners facilitate the spread of Bermuda grass, while the rhizomes below ground also aid in this process. As a result, it offers a dense and thick turf, much like those seen on golf courses throughout the South.
St Augustine
Also known as Floratam, St Augustine grass is a particularly popular option on the Gulf coast and the southern states. Well-suited to warmer climates, this species of grass doesn’t cope well in colder temperatures and it may struggle during a harsh winter.
With a coarse texture, St Augustine grows above ground, producing broad blades of grass. St Augustine is capable of growing several feet if left unchecked, so it might be the right option if you prefer a longer lawn. With regular mowing, however, your St Augustine lawn can be kept to a manageable height.
Similar to many of the other grasses suited to warmer climates, St Augustine will require frequent moisture. With effective sprinklers or watering, however, St Augustine can be used to cultivate a stunning lawn in residential areas.
Zoysia
Predominantly found in the middle of the US, Zoysia can also flourish in the south-eastern states. While it won’t tolerate colder temperatures, it can grow well in the relatively mild Virginian winters. Once established, Zoysia forms a thick lawn, although its narrow blades can feel prickly and stiff.Â
Although Zoysia is a viable option for residential lawns, it is fairly slow-growing. If you’re laying a new lawn, for example, it could take around a year for Zoysia to become fully established.