Florida Grass Types to Use for Landscaping
If you’re new to landscape design, you might assume that any old sod will thrive in your yard, but that’s rarely the case. Florida is home to many types of grass that perform best in a wide range of conditions, so choosing the right species is essential. Whether you plan to water and mow on your own or hire a professional landscaping team to design, install, and maintain your space, the right type of grass will make all the difference to your overall success.
How to choose the best Florida grass types for your yard
Understanding your lawn’s unique features is the first step to choosing the right type of grass for your Florida property.
Location
Heat and cold tolerance are critical factors in selecting the best grass types for Florida lawns. For instance, Zoysia and Bermuda grasses are better suited for cool winter weather, while St. Augustine and Bahia require the year-round heat and humidity of the tropics.
Sun exposure
Most warm-weather grasses need full sun to thrive, but some exceptions exist. Both St. Augustine and Zoysia grasses can tolerate some degree of shade without thinning. On the other hand, Bermuda and Bahia require more intense sunlight.
Foot traffic
Consider how your family will use your yard in the years to come. If you have kids who love to play outside, dogs who run the same path every day, or outdoor entertaining spaces, you’ll need a robust grass that can stand up to heavy wear and tear. Bermuda and Zoysia grasses are prolific spreaders, quickly repairing damage caused by heavy foot traffic.
Soil conditions
From sandy, coastal conditions to mucky wetlands, Florida features a broad spectrum of soil conditions. For example, Zoysia and Bermuda grasses prefer well-drained soil, while St. Augustine demands more consistent moisture and high nutrient content.
Maintenance
For many homeowners, lawn maintenance requirements are a determining factor in their ideal grass selection. You may find that a team of knowledgeable landscapers can reduce your workload and keep your lawn in peak condition. Here’s how the maintenance needs of popular Florida grass types differ:
Low: Bahia
Moderate: Zoysia
High: St. Augustine and Bermuda
Related reading: Why You Should Be Looking At Eco-Friendly Landscaping Tools
Popular Florida grass types for landscaping
Before selecting the best type of grass for your needs, let’s compare the top warm-season grasses you’ll find throughout Florida:
St. Augustine grass
St. Augustine grass is one of the most popular types planted in the state, especially in Central and South Florida. It has a lush, carpet-like texture that’s perfect for strolling through with bare feet. Tolerant of salt and partial shade, this species is a great choice for coastal regions. It can even handle occasional flooding better than many other grasses.
That said, St. Augustine can be a bit high-maintenance, requiring regular fertilizer applications, consistent watering, and mowing every week during the growing season. Without adequate irrigation, some homeowners can’t meet this grass’s substantial water needs.
Bermuda grass
If your property features full sun and well-drained soil, Bermuda grass might be the right species for you. Thanks to its hardy cold tolerance, this type of grass is a solid contender for cool-weather destinations in the northern half of Florida.
Bermuda grass is an aggressive spreader, though, and can invade flower beds and neighboring lawns. So weekly mowing may be necessary to help prevent competition with other landscape plants.
Bahia grass
Looking for a low-maintenance alternative to the popular Florida grass types? We’ve got you covered. Bahia grass thrives in full sun and poor, sandy soil. Once the root system is established, it’s also highly drought-tolerant. Since this species requires less frequent mowing and fewer fertilization treatments, it’s great for large properties.
The tradeoff with Bahia is largely one of texture. It doesn’t have that dense, inviting feel beneath your feet like St. Augustine, and the seed heads can grow tall, creating a coarse look and feel over time. They may also trigger allergies in some people.
Zoysia grass
For many homeowners and lawn care companies, Zoysia grass strikes the perfect balance between form and function. It can tolerate more shade and occasional freezing temperatures than other grass types in Florida. Zoysia is also a slow grower with a dense texture, so you can mow and weed less frequently. However, this species requires careful watering and is prone to dehydration when it’s too dry and fungal infections when overwatered.
Read more: Guide to Native Florida Plants for Landscaping
How to maintain your Florida lawn
Here are some of the top questions we get when it comes to maintaining your Florida grass:
Should you water your grass every day in Florida?
In most cases, the answer is no. Daily watering can adversely affect root systems, making grass weaker and more vulnerable to drought and pests. Opt for deep watering two to three times each week during the summer months.
Can I mix different Florida grass types?
While it may be possible to combine different types of grass, it isn’t usually recommended. Each species has different environmental needs and growth patterns, so planting them together can lead to patchy results and an undesirable appearance.
What is the hardiest type of grass for Florida lawns?
The most robust type of grass will depend on your lifestyle and your yard’s unique characteristics:
For dry, sandy soils: Bahia
For high foot traffic: Bermuda
For shady lawns: St. Augustine
For overall balance: Zoysia
Related: Your Guide to Gardening With Edible Plants in Florida
Keep your yard healthy all season long with the pros at Soil & Bloom!
From landscape design and installation to long-term maintenance, the team at Soil & Bloom is here to help you cultivate the ultimate curb appeal using locally-grown sod and native landscaping plants. Get in touch today for a free estimate!
