What Assortment of Grass Types do We Have Available to Us in Austin, Texas

A lush, well-maintained lawn does more than improve the appearance of your home. It absorbs rainfall, reduces soil erosion, provides filtration for ground water, and improves air quality by absorbing dust and other particles and produces much needed oxygen. Starting a new lawn from sod or seed is a cost-friendly way to create exactly the type of outdoor environment you want. There are many different options, and it is important to select the variety that matches both the Austin climate and the amount of sun and shade exposure in your yard.

Zoysia

This grass makes a thick turf and can be started from plugs, seed or sod. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day and is resistant to heat, drought, disease, and insect problems. The seed can be more expensive and is slow to establish. Although more expensive, zoysia is a good, shade tolerant alternative to St. Augustine.

Buffalo

Buffalo grass is native to the arid prairie regions of the United States and it is often used in arid areas because of its lower water requirements. It tolerates alkaline soil, and may turn brown outside of the growing season. This grass grows no more than 4 to 6 inches but can be maintained shorter and has a blue-green appearance.

St. Augustine

St. Augustine is one of the fastest-growing grasses. It is one of the most shade tolerant sods and does not have severe cold tolerance, which makes it perfect for Texas. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sun a day and isbest planted in early spring. Currently, there are no seeded varieties so it must be started by plugs or sod.

Bermuda

Durable and does very well in the heat, which makes it the most common grass in the South. This grass is very soft, fine bladed and is commonly used in golf greens. Does not do well in the shade and is best planted in the spring.