There are over 10,000 varieties of lawn grasses here in the United States that you can choose from for your lawn. Yep, it can be a pretty overwhelming decision. But if you’re looking for warm season grass types, then I’ve got you covered. I’ve pulled 5 of what I believe are the best types of grasses that are perfect for anyone living in the southern states.
So, let’s take a look at my list of warm season grasses.
Warm Season Grass Types (An Overview)
Warm season grasses originate from tropical and subtropical climates, which is why they grow well in the southeastern states. They are perennial, meaning they come back year after year if the conditions are right. Here’s a list of warm season grasses:
- Bahia Grass
- Centipede Grass
- Augustine Grass
- Zoysia Grass
- Bermuda Grass
What Are Warm Season Grasses?
Warm season grasses tend to grow best when the temperature is between 70-95°F. This is the average temperature for the southern US region. These grass types grow mostly in summer and go dormant during the cooler months.
What do they look like when dormant? Well, you can expect warm season grasses to potentially turn brown and stay that way until spring. Warm season grasses have a high tolerance for intense sun and drought, but few can handle shade and cold weather.
A Closer Look At the Different Types of Warm Season Grasses
Now, let’s go over some of the major characteristics and growing conditions for each of the 5 main types of warm season grasses. Knowing the needs of each grass will make it easier to pick the right variety for your lawn.
Bahia Grass – Paspalum notatum
If you live in the Gulf States, then Bahia grass might be the right fit for your lawn. This warm season grass type grows well in sandy soil and salty air. Bahia grass has a high drought and heat tolerance and will outperform many types of grass under these tough conditions.
If you want low-maintenance grass, then think about planting some Bahia grass seeds on your lawn. Their seeds germinate slowly but establish well. It is low-growing and pretty durable and is normally planted in large areas that receive little maintenance.
You can expect Bahia grass to go dormant during extreme drought or low temperatures, but it will bounce back quickly after conditions change. Bahia grass is also one of the warm season grasses to stay green for longer, late into the fall, and greens up earlier in the spring.
Centipede Grass – Eremochloa ophiuroides
Centipede grass is another favorite for those who live in the southeastern states and want low-maintenance grass. Since Centipede grass originates from Southeast Asia, it is ideal for areas that have tropical weather patterns. On the downside, it’s one of the warm weather grass types most sensitive to cold weather, and repeated drops in temperature can be fatal to it.
On the upside, if you live in a very mild climate, then you can expect Centipede grass to stay green year-round. Unlike Bahia grass, Centipede grass doesn’t deal well with drought. This warm season grass type has a low root system, so you’ll really have to keep up with your watering schedule, especially during low rain.
Now, if you have a mildly shaded yard, then Centipede grass will do well. You won’t need to aerate or dethatch it, and it is an overall great grass for anyone in the southeastern states looking for a low-maintenance lawn.
St Augustine Grass – Stenotaphrum secundatum
St Augustine grass is known for growing in dense mats that look like a carpet and is great for weed prevention. Its blue-green leaves are flat and wide and give off a tropical vibe. St. Augustine grass will be ideal for your lawn if you live along the southeastern coasts or southern California since it grows well in the salty air and sandy soil.
One of the benefits of St Augustine grass is its tolerance to shade, more so than any of the other warm climate grasses. You might know St Augustine grass by a few different varieties, like Floratam, Palmetto, Seville, ProVista, CitraBlue, and Raleigh.
Because St Augustine doesn’t really produce many seeds, it is usually only established as sod or grass plugs. Like most warm season grasses, St Augustine is low-maintenance, and its low-growing leaves mean you won’t have to mow it too often. If you notice it turns brown during the winter months, don’t worry, it will turn green once again in the spring.
Zoysia Grass – Zoysia tenuifolia
If you live in Virginia or North Carolina, where you experience really hot summers and colder winters than the southern most states, then Zoysia grass might be a good fit for you. Zoysia is one of the warm season grasses most tolerant to cold weather, and while it prefers full sun, it can handle light shade.
Zoysia grass doesn’t mind the scorching summer sun and is very tolerant to drought. Like Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass forms a thick canopy and is great for lawns that have heavy foot traffic, but is not as quick to grow.
During the growing season, it is a shade of light to medium green, turning haylike in the winter. One key benefit to this warm season grass is that it will go dormant later than most warm season grass types and become green earlier in the spring.
If you experience colder winters, then Pennington Zenith Zoysia grass is a variety that will stay green for even longer than regular Zoysia.
Bermuda Grass – Cynodon dactylon
You’ve likely seen Bermuda grass growing in soccer fields and golf courses in the southern US. Of all the warm season grass types, Bermuda is probably the most tolerant to heavy wear and tear. Bermuda grass grows faster than any of the other warm season grasses and is great for areas with high foot traffic since it recovers very quickly.
On the downside, this can also make it hard to control in areas where it’s unwanted, say your garden. Unlike other warm season grasses, Bermuda grass can grow from seed. You’ll be able to tell it apart from other grasses by its thin blades that stay close together, forming a dense canopy.
Bermuda grass likes full sun and good drainage. For the most part, Bermuda grass roots grow 6 inches underground but can extend up to 6 feet, making this warm season grass very resilient and tolerant to drought. However, it’s less tolerant to cold weather and goes dormant for longer than other warm season grasses.
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