If you live in Alabama and want to start or improve your lawn, you’ll quickly realize there are several common types of grass in Alabama to choose from. Before purchasing, you should make sure you have selected the best choice for your yard. Most residents in The Peanut State know there is no single best grass for Alabama, but rather multiple options that could be a good fit depending on certain factors. You need to take note of the average temperature in your area, the type of soil your property has, and the average level of precipitation. Owners should prepare to invest time in this process – you’ll be glad that you did in the months and years to come.
Overview of the Best Grass for Alabama
Alabama’s size and location make it a unique state which experiences a fairly significant climate change from north to south. Like with real estate, when choosing from the various types of grass in Alabama, the three most important considerations are location, location, and location.
The best grass in north Alabama will differ from the best grass in south Alabama, and below I’m going to quickly outline what the best choices are in each part of the state, so you can easily reference this as a guide.
Best Grass for North Alabama
- Tall Fescue
- Zoysiagrass
- Pensacola Bahiagrass
Best Grass for South Alabama
- Centipedegrass
- Augustinegrass
- Bermudagrass
Best Grass for Central Alabama
- Bermudagrass
- Pensacola Bahiagrass
- Centipedegrass
Six Types of Grass in Alabama that Do Well + Why
Below I’m going to go into a bit more detail about the main types of grass that thrive in Alabama, as well as outline the specific parts of the state they do best in. Hopefully, this will serve to point you in the right direction and give you an idea of what to expect.
Tall Fescue
Tall Fescue is used in much of Alabama but is primarily found in the north, from Birmingham on up. In fact, many residents consider Tall Fescue the best grass for north Alabama. It’s so well adapted to this region because of its tolerance for cooler temperatures that strictly warm-weather grasses can’t survive in. Plus, it does well in warmer temperatures too. It is considered transitional grass.
Tall Fescue is not as drought tolerant as some of the warmer weather grasses, but it grows well in shade and sun as long as the temperatures aren’t too high. Many Alabama residents mix ryegrass in with their Tall Fescue to keep their lawns greener for longer. Tall Fescue does not grow runners on top or underneath the soil and may bunch up or become patchy in less than ideal conditions. Reseeding will likely be needed to keep an even distribution throughout your yard.
Parts of Alabama Particularly Good for: Tall Fescue is found in northern Alabama and middle Alabama. Huntsville is an ideal city for Tall Fescue, with Birmingham and Talledega being on the southern extreme.
Zoysiagrass
Zoysiagrass is one of the more cold-resistant warm-season grasses and might well be considered the best overall grass for Alabama. Zoysiagrass enjoys full sunshine and is moderately tolerant of drought. However, zoysiagrass does better when watered regularly, and homeowners should consider an irrigation system when purchasing.
Parts of Alabama Particularly Good for: Zoysiagrass can be found throughout the entire state of Alabama. However, it will be less common in the most southern and coastal areas like Mobile.
Pensacola Bahiagrass
Pensacola Bahiagrass is hardy enough to withstand the colder temperatures of northern Alabama but can be found throughout the state. It’s a low-maintenance grass that grows well in sandy soil and is known to be relatively disease-free. Bahiagrass is common in Alabama (perfect for grazing) and Florida, but Pensacola Bahiagrass is also found more north. Its versatility may make it the best grass for central Alabama.
Parts of Alabama Particularly Good for: Pensacola Bahiagrass can be found throughout the state but is more common in central and northern Alabama.
Centipedegrass
Centipedegrass is a very well-known grass in southern states. It is found in most of Alabama but primarily in the southern regions. It tolerates mild shade but does best in the sun. It is very tolerant of less fertile soils and somewhat tolerant of drought conditions. It is a slow-growing grass meaning it recovers from damage slower than other grasses. Centipedegrass spreads well on top of the soil, creating a lush, thatch-free lawn that’s easy to maintain around ornamental beds.
Parts of Alabama Particularly Good for: Centipedegrass can be found throughout Alabama but is more common from Montgomery south to Mobile.
St. Augustinegrass
St. Augustinegrass is also very well adapted to most of Alabama’s climate. It is more tolerant of cool weather than the other warm-weather grasses. St. Augustinegrass is also known for its shade tolerance. However, it does not recover well from high traffic. Like centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass is slower growing, spreads through extending runners above ground, and can grow well in less fertile soil.
Parts of Alabama Particularly Good for: St. Augustine grass is found in many of the same areas centipedegrass is located (south of Montgomery). It has proven to do well in the coastal regions. But some St. Augustine grass has adapted to cooler areas like Birmingham.
Bermudagrass
Bermudagrass is very popular because of its ability to grow quickly, and unlike some of the other grasses, it is also reasonably wear-resistant. However, Bermudagrass can be more time-consuming to care for. The fact that bermudagrass grows quickly and spreads runners both underground and above means it requires mowing much more frequently and needs to be regularly tended to prevent it from taking over any ornamental bedding.
Parts of Alabama Particularly Good for: Bermudagrass is very common in this part of the country and is a contender for the title of best grass in Alabama. It is most often found in middle Alabama and further south.
Other Considerations When Choosing a Grass for Alabama
Obvious considerations include your land’s soil type, shading, and the level of maintenance you can handle. The soil’s pH level is also important. Most of the grasses discussed will need healthy soil and regular fertilizing. But, grasses like St. Augustinegrass and centipedegrass don’t do well in soil with a higher pH level and can easily be over-fertilized. So do your research and enjoy your lawn!
Leave a Reply