A well-manicured, green lawn is as American as apple pie — nearly 80% of all homes in the U.S. have a lawn. Installing an irrigation system makes maintaining a lawn more convenient and cost-effective, but the type of grass you use is an important factor, as well. You have a lot of choices, but there are some that are better suited to the unique Florida climate. And, whether you are improving an existing lawn or starting on a new one, the best time to seed grass in Florida is from April through July.
Grasses Common in Florida
St. Augustine and Bahia grasses are the most commonly found grasses in Florida. There are other choices available, depending upon the area of Florida in which you reside. The type of soil you have and how much time you want to spend on your lawn can determine which grass is best for you.
St. Augustine. This grass is known for salt tolerance, which makes it a good choice for coastal areas. It takes the heat well but does not do well in shade. The recommended height is 3 to 4 inches, which is higher than some other grasses, and it grows quickly. You might find that it needs a little more mowing than some other grasses.
Bahia. There are several varieties of Bahia grass, with Pensacola Bahia grass being the most common. Bahia thrives in the heat and in dryer conditions. It is often chosen because it is drought resistant and low maintenance. However, its appearance in a lawn may not be as appealing since the grass produces an abundance of seed heads.
Centipede. This is another low-maintenance grass that not only thrives in the heat, but also does well in cooler temperatures and shaded areas. It doesn’t require frequent mowing since it is a low-growing grass. However, it can’t handle a lot of traffic and it is not very salt tolerant, so it isn’t always the best choice.
Bermuda. Bermuda is a good drought-resistant grass due to its deep root system. It’s good for high traffic and it spreads well — some might say too well. It is not as shade tolerant as some others.
Zoysia. This is another good high-traffic grass. It is reasonably drought and shade tolerant. In cooler parts of the year in some areas, including Central Florida, zoysia will go dormant, so don’t expect a lush, green lawn year-round if you go with this grass.
As you can see, choosing the right grass for your lawn depends on a variety of factors. A great place to start your lawn project is with the irrigation specialists at Challenger Irrigation. No matter which grass you choose, we can help get your lawn off to a great start. We serve Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, and Citrus counties. Call for an appointment today!
