Sometimes, the soil we have on our property isn’t what we would consider ideal for growing healthy, successful grass. However, with a bit of research, you’ll find that there are some grass types out there that do find your soil conditions ideal. For example, sandy soil is typically challenging for most grass types, but there are plenty of options that will thrive under these conditions.
So, if you have sandy soil and are thinking about installing a new lawn, you’ll be glad to know that you actually have a lot of options. Let’s go over what I believe to be some of the best grass choices available for sandy soil.
Grass that Does Well in Sandy Soil (The Short Answer)
Sandy soil makes up close to 10% of soil within the continental USA. So while it’s not super common, it’s no stranger to lawn enthusiasts. In response to sandy soil’s challenging conditions, homeowners can adopt specific grass types that will flourish in such conditions. Here are the most common and successful grasses for sandy soil.
- Creeping Red Fescue
- Bentgrass
- Zoysia
- Bermuda grass
- Bahia Grass
- Augustine
The Challenges of Sandy Soil
Several factors make sandy soil not ideal for growing all types of grass. These less-than-ideal conditions make it completely impossible for many grass types to grow, let alone thrive in sandy soil. Here are a few factors that can cause problems for most grasses.
Incompatible pH Level
Sandy soil has an average pH level of 5 to 6, which makes it acidic. The vast majority of grass requires a fairly neutral pH level of around 7. Grasses such as Kentucky Blue Grass has an ideal level of 6.5-7.2 pH. As you can see, these types of grass will not survive in sandy soil conditions.
This incompatibility in pH can be overcome by an intense and strict fertilizer and supplement program, but the pH level needed for successful growth usually makes it a non-viable option.
High Drainage
Sandy soil is notorious for having high drainage qualities. As a result, any water added to the sandy soil doesn’t stick around for long. This means that many types of grasses have too short and too small of a root system to reach down and spread out to catch enough water.
Grasses such as Bermuda grass have a root system that can dig down as far as 8 feet, whereas Ryegrasses only extend 3 feet.
Inability to Hold Nutrients
Sandy soil is made up of relatively large particles that allow water to pass through with ease. As the water passes through, it filters out nutrients and water-soluble nutrients. Unfortunately, this process leaves the sandy soil somewhat infertile. Nutrients such as nitrogen and calcium filter down to a low level in the ground and are out of reach of most grasses’ root systems.
Best Grass for Sandy Soil – Try One of These
So, if you take a look at your soil and see that it includes sand, then you’re going to need to pick a grass that thrives in those conditions. Selecting grasses that can’t handle the properties of sandy soil is a recipe for disaster. Here are some grasses that will grow and thrive in sandy soil.
Creeping Red Fescue
Fescue grass is known for being a very adaptable grass, and Creeping Red Fescue is no exception. This slow-growing and low-maintenance grass has a required pH level of 5.5 – 7.0, which sits just on the edge of the properties of sandy soil. This grass can be found growing along the coastline and even throughout inland meadows.
Bentgrass
Bentgrass is a grass that can be found growing successfully in both the north and the south. This grass type has no problem with the heat and the coldness of both regions. Bentgrass likes well-aerated soil, which is a perfect match for the cavernous nature of sandy soil.
Zoysia
Zoysia is an ideal grass for very sandy areas. You’ll often see this grass growing happily on dunes and coastal areas without a problem. It has a deep root system that can grow far down to collect water from the fast-draining soil and absorbs nutrients quickly. Due to its vast root network, Zoysia can handle drought or limited watering.
Bermuda Grass
This is another great grass for sandy soil. If you have a home in a coastal area down in Texas or Florida and are looking for a grass type that will do well, then Bermuda grass is a great option. Bermuda is a fast-spreading grass type that handles the conditions of loose sandy soil and limited water well. In addition, full sun and acidic soil aren’t a problem.
Bahia Grass
Bahia grass is a low-cost turfgrass that is a primary choice for new homes built in the south that are on a budget. Along with being a cheaper option, Bahia is a low-maintenance grass that requires little water and little ongoing care other than mowing. Like my other sandy soil suggestions, Bahia grass has a deep root system that hunts out water deep down in the ground.
St. Augustine
Last on the list, but certainly not least, is St. Augustine Turfgrass. If you are looking for what I believe to be the best grass on the list, then St. Augustine is definitely it. Well, for the warm climate regions, anyway. This grass type isn’t going to survive in the northern areas where there are heavy frost and snow. But, if you are down in the south and you want a thick, lush lawn, then St. Augustine is a great option.
It can handle the acidity of the sandy soil extremely well, with a pH level of 3.5 – 6.5, and can be grown in some shade but not too much. Just be prepared to fertilize, water, and mow a lot to keep St. Augustine in prime condition.
Top Grasses for Sandy Soil in Different Parts of the Country
Before you pick a grass that is good in sandy soil for your yard, be sure that it meets all the criteria for success. Sandy soil isn’t always located in current coastal areas like you might think. Sandy soil has worked its way into different areas through means of wind, water flow, erosion, and marine deposits.
Sandy soil is found all over the country, from Texas to Florida, and Nebraska to Georgia. So, when you are picking new grass to grow in your yard, make sure that it works in your location. Here are a few factors you need to consider when selecting your sandy soil grass type.
Grass Climate Differences
Grasses are divided into two main climate categories: cool and warm. This basically splits the county into two sections. Grass that falls under the warm climate category has a high tolerance for excessive heat, whereas cool climate grasses have a high tolerance for snow and frost. If you try to grow grass in the wrong category, you’ll end up with a dead lawn.
pH Level of your Soil
Grasses that work in sandy soil have a tolerance for acidic soil. The pH level of the soil can vary from region to region; therefore, knowing the pH level of your soil before you install a new lawn is key. The easiest way to figure this out is to have a soil test carried out. This is going to tell you the pH of the soil and also indicate any nutrient deficiencies. Once you have the results, you’ll be better able to select a compatible sandy soil grass type for your property.
Level of Sunlight in Your Yard
The amount of sunlight in a yard can vary from house to house. Factors such as trees, property orientation, and proximity of neighboring buildings can all play a part in how much sunlight a lawn receives during the day.
So, before you select a grass type for your sandy soil, take a look and see how many hours of sunlight each part of your yard receives throughout the course of the day. Once you have the numbers, you’ll be able to make an educated selection of a grass type that will thrive on your lawn.
Sandy Soil Factor Summary
To make things a bit easier, I’ve summarised the season, sunlight, and pH level in a table below. Hopefully, this helps you pick the right grass for your sandy soil.
| Name | Season | Sunlight | pH. Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Fescue | Cool | 4h + | 5.5 - 7.0 |
| Bentgrass | Cool | Full Sun | 5 - 6.5 |
| Zoysia | Warm | Full Sun | 6 - 6.5 |
| Bermuda | Warm | 4h + | 5.8 - 7.0 |
| Bahia | Warm | Full Sun | 5.5 - 6.5 |
| St. Augustine | Warm | 6-7h + | 3.5 - 6.5 |
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