Finding The Right Grass For Your Southern Climate By Mr.Andrew Caxton At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Did you know that different types of grasses are more suitable for different climates? There are types of grasses that are suitable for different climates due to the different needs and varieties. You can find a type of grass for any climate that you need, including a hot, dry climate or a moist climate and everything in between. If you happen to live in a more southernly climate, then you will find that these three types of grasses will work the best for you.

1. Zoysia
If you need a grass that is very tolerant of the cold, then you will want to choose Zoysia. This type of grass has a very dark and dense turf. A pH level between six and seven in the most ideal spot for this type of grass.

If you are growing Zoysia from seed, then you may find that it can be slow to take root. If you do not have the patience to wait, then you may want to choose sod over planted grass from seed.

Zoysia is more suited for an area with full sun, but you can find a few sub-varieties that will also grow good in the more shady areas. Emerald Zoysia has a high shade tolerance for those shady areas. This type of grass has some drought tolerance, but it is important that you watch the water level carefully and ensure that if the drought lasts longer than a week that you water your grass. Zoysia can make it well through shorter dry spells, but not ones that last a long time. You should fertilize your Zoysia grass in both the fall and the spring.

This type of grass is the most attractive looking of the warm climate grasses, but it does take a little more time and effort than the other types. If you are not able to give the grass the time and energy that it will need, then you will want to consider one of the other types of grasses for your yard.

2. Bermudagrass
Bermudagrass is one type of grass that can give you great rewards and great pain. It can quickly get out of control and take over your flowerbeds, causing them to sprout grass due to the large amount of seeds that are released. This extra work and frustration can be worth it, however, if you do not have enough time in the day to take care of your yard. It will last for many years, even if you do not take very good care of it. It is also a great substitute for perennial ryegrass during the winter. You commonly see this kind of grass on the side of the roads in the South, mainly because it is hardy and durable enough for people to walk on it and drive on it without harming the grass.

For Bermudagrass to thrive, it needs warm weather. This grass grows very fast and is inexpensive compared to other kinds of grass. You need to make sure that it is only used on a lawn that gets full sun, because it does not flourish in shade areas.

3. Centipede

Centipede grass does not take much maintenance, either. It does not need to be mowed frequently or fertilized on a regular schedule which is great news if you do not like to work in your yard or don’t have time to work in your yard. Unlike Bermudagrass, however, it does not like heavy traffic and does not grow very fast.

Centipede grass is an ideal choice if you live in the deep South and have acidic soil. It will flourish in areas where other types of grass have not. It will grow in the shade, but it most likely will grow better if it grows in areas where there is full sun or almost full sun.

A low-nitrogen fertilizer should be used on your Centipede grass in the springtime. It is important, however, to make sure that your fertilizer is phosphorous free. The right mix for this type of grass is 15-0-15. Check the pH level of your soil as well, because it should be between 4.5 and 5 for the Centipede grass to have optimum growing conditions.

If you happen to live in the South, then you will be able to find some other types of grasses that will work as well. Some varieties of tall fescue will do well, especially the types that are drought-resistant.

Your local home and garden center will have a mix that will work for your area. Grass companies do a great deal of research and testing to create the right grass mix for different areas of the country. If you don’t have the time or money to do that yourself, then take advantage of their knowledge and choose a mix that is already prepared and ready for your lawn.

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