Florida-Friendly Turfgrass Varieties

     There are several options for turfgrass in our area of Florida.  Below I will discuss the differences between the turfgrass options to help you choose the best grass for your location, lifestyle, and preference.  Each type of turfgrass will require various levels of maintenance, so it is important to consider how much time and money you can invest in your lawn before installing a new turfgrass.  Every location will vary in the best selection, if you have poor irrigation you may want to install a drought-tolerant variety or if you have a lot of shade, it will be important to select a grass that grows well in low-light conditions.  You will want to consider the amount of traffic in the location of turf grass installation, along with drainage at the site, soil PH levels, climate, and fertilization requirements for your selection.  The most-commonly selected turfgrasses in our area is St. Augustine grass, Bahia grass, Centipede grass and Zoysia grass. 
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St. Augustine grass does well in humid, warm regions and is the most widely used turfgrass in Florida.  This grass type produces a blue-green dense turf that does well in most soils and climate zones in Florida.  This quickly established turfgrass grows easily and may be planted as plugs, sprigs or sod.  Some different cultivars include Bitterblue, Classic, Floratam, Palmetto, Raleigh, Provista, CitraBlue, and Seville.  The most recent cultivar, CitraBlue, was developed in 2018 by USF, offering a unique blue-green color, has a more horizontal denser growing habit than other cultivars, allowing it to block out weeds better, it is also more drought-tolerant and has a lower mowing height that other options. 

Bahia grass persists better than other grasses by forming a deep, extensive root system.  This allows it to perform better in sandy, infertile soils as it does not require a lot of water or fertilizer.  This makes it an excellent choice for large acreage or areas that do not have irrigation.  This grass type will turn brown during extended drought periods but will return once conditions become favorable for growing.  This grass type prefers acidic soil and does not form excessive thatch with limited pest and disease problems.  Some of the different varieties include Common, Argentine, and Pensacola.  Argentine is the most often used variety of Bahia grass for lawns. Argentine creates a dense, dark sod, tolerates cold temperatures well and has high pest and disease resistance.

Centipede grass is a low-maintenance, slow growing grass that is the most common grass in the Florida Panhandle.  This grass performs well in acidic and infertile soils, is tolerant of some shade, and can survive drought conditions by going dormant.  This grass produces a heavy layer of thatch and is very susceptible to damage from pests such as nematodes and ground pearls.  This grass type has low freeze, water, and salt tolerance, making it a poor option for salt-waterfront homes.  The most common cultivars of this grass type are Common, Covington, Hammock, Santee, and TifBlair.  If you are considering this type of turfgrass, investigate the different cultivars to choose the best option for your location.

Zoysia grass can be grown throughout Florida, it is a dark green color with a shorter blade and finer texture compared to St. Augustine.  Zoysia grass has a good tolerance to traffic, salt, and shade, adapting to a variety of soils, this grass produces a dense, attractive turf.  While this grass will require about the same amount of water as other grasses, it may require less fertilization.  Disadvantages of this grass include a higher maintenance frequency and a tendency to produce thatch.  Common cultivars that are available in Florida include Cashmere, Diamond, Taccoa Green, Trinity, CitraZoy, and Icon.  Each cultivar offers different advantages and disadvantages, examining your location will help you choose the best option available in your area.

    If you are considering a new turfgrass this season, a little research on the best type and variety for your location will help ensure success in producing a vibrant, healthy lawn that you will enjoy year-round.  If you have any questions about the best turfgrass for your location, give us a call and we’d be happy to recommend a turfgrass that will thrive in your exact location.  Selecting the right turfgrass for your location helps reduce watering and fertilization requirements, reducing red tide and pollution.  Save money, maintenance, and time by choosing the right type of turfgrass for your home.