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Texans spend more time, energy, effort and dollars on their lawns than any
other landscape aspect. As we promised you in the
Summer 2002 Newsletter,
we have provided extensive information to assist you in selecting the
perfect sod for your lawn. There are many options of installation for your
lawn. You can start from seed, plugs, sodding, sprigs, or even
hydro-mulch.
Most
Texans choose Bermuda grass if they have a full sun location and would
like a hardy grass for children and pets. Ryegrass is used in Texas as a
temporary cover during the winter to allow a green grass year-round. St.
Augustine is known for growing well in partial sun/shade areas. It does
not do well in complete shade. Tall fescue has recently been promoted as
an alternative to St. Augustine. They are primarily cool-season, northern
grasses, but some varieties have adapted well to clay soils.
Below, you will find more detailed information on various types of
sod.
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Bermuda
Grass – Cynodon dactylon
Warm-season, narrow-bladed grass less than 1/8 in. wide. Vigorous
perennial, hardy throughout Texas. Spreads by above-ground runners and
below-ground stems. Drought tolerant. Will not tolerate heavy shade. May
be successfully planted in spring, summer and early fall. Demands full
sun. Tough and resists wear. |
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 Buffalo
Grass – Buchloe dactyloides
Fine-bladed, slightly curly, blue-green grass, native to Texas and
much of the prairies. Established from seed or sod, spreads by seed or
above-ground runners. Good for low maintenance lawn in full sun locations.
Grows to 4-6 inches. You may mow it to 2-3 inch height. Does poorly in
sandy soils. Works great for steep areas that are difficult or impossible
to mow. Great grass for xeriscaping. Free of pests. Little to no
fertilization is necessary. |
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Rye
Grass – Lolium multiflorum
Medium to dark green bunch grass
with no above or below ground runners. It spreads strictly by seed. Used
during the warm season. Plant in full sun to partial sun/shade locations.
Plant 6-8 weeks before first killing frost to establish winter lawn.
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St.
Augustine- Stenotaphrum secundatum
Coarse, wide-bladed perennial grass widely grown in Texas. Used for lawns
since 1700’s. Best time to plant is springtime after danger of frost has
past. Will grow in full/partial sun, but not in complete shade. Needs a
minimum of 4 hours of sun per day. Easy to keep from intruding into
gardens and flowerbeds.
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Zoysia
Grass – Zoysia japonica
Perennial turfgrass that spreads by stolens above ground and
rhizomes below ground. Winter hardy throughout Texas. Very slow in
establishing. The colors of zoysia grass are very deep green. One variety
is called “Emerald.” Relatively free of insects. Good resistance to
drought. |
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Name
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Shade
Tolerance
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Water
Requirement
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Mowing
Height
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Leaf
Texture
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Methods
of Establishment
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Bermuda
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Low
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Med-Low
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1-1.5”
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Fine
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Seed, Hydromulch, Sprigs, Sod, Plugs
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Buffalo
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Low
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Low
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2.5-3”
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Fine
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Seed, Hydromulch, Sod
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Rye
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Med-High
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Med-High
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2-3”
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Medium
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Seed, Hydromulch
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St. Augustine
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High
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Med-High
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2.5-3.5”
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Coarse
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Plugs, Sod
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Zoysia
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Medium
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Medium
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1-1.5”
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Medium
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Plugs, Sod
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Source: Dale
Groom’s Texas Gardening Guide
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