The Best Southern Grass for Wear Tolerance

There are many species of grass that grow well in the Florida climate, so you’ll have a lot of options to choose from for your lawn. Each type of grass comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, so you’ll need to consider your options carefully. For many lawns, durability is a primary concern, like for sports fields, schools, and other high-traffic areas. Even for homeowners, resistance to general wear is a key factor in the decision-making process. Here’s what you need to know about some of the most popular grass types to help you make your decision.

Zoysia

Zoysia sod is softer than many other varieties, making it a great choice for a wide range of purposes, as it is nice underfoot. However, because the blades are more delicate, they also require more care and maintenance. You’ll want to keep your Zoysia grass to no more than an inch in height to keep it looking its best. This means you’ll have to mow it at least once a week. Due to the softness of the grass, it is not necessarily the best choice for areas that see a lot of foot traffic, as the delicate blades are easily damaged.

St. Augustine

St. Augustine sod is much hardier than other grasses, so it is suitable for high-traffic areas. Although it is not as soft to the touch as some other species, that is a small price to pay for grass that can stand up under heavy use. Whether you are looking for grass for your home or for a public space, you can’t go wrong with St. Augustine. Since this type of grass is more durable, you can get away with mowing once every two weeks or so.

Bermuda

Bermuda grass is highly drought tolerant and durable, so it is a popular choice for golf courses and other areas that see a lot of traffic daily. For homeowners, though, it may not be the best option. Bermuda grass grows quickly and spreads easily, so it can creep from the lawn area into surrounding flowerbeds and other garden features. However, for sports fields and other areas where manicured edges aren’t as much of a concern, Bermuda is an excellent option.

Bahia

Bahia grass is common throughout Florida in both residential and public properties. It is quite hardy and resistant to drought, so it is a versatile choice for a wide range of applications. However, it is prone to weeds and doesn’t grow well in the shade, which can present complications and create more maintenance work. It tolerates stress well and can survive with minimal water. It will even go dormant during drought conditions so that it can grow back when conditions improve.

Buffalo

Buffalo grass is beautiful and soft, and it grows well in many different climates and soil conditions. However, it tends to be more fragile than other varieties, so it is not the best choice for areas with heavy foot traffic, like sports fields, parks, and other public spaces. It won’t stand up to the wear and won’t grow well in shaded areas either. For light-use areas, though, you can let it grow quite long, up to 3 inches, before needing to mow.

Centipede

Centipede grass is one of the most low-maintenance options available to you. It can grow well in just about any conditions, including bright sun and shade. Unfortunately, though, it doesn’t hold up well under heavy traffic, so it is better suited to areas that don’t see a lot of activity on a daily basis. It is also prone to common lawn pests, like nematodes and ground pearls, so you’ll need to be vigilant to keep them away.

Choose the Right Sod for Your Florida Lawn

We understand that evaluating the distinctions between the various grass types can be a bit overwhelming at first. That is why Duda Sod is here to help. We work with residential and commercial clients throughout Florida, and our sod experts can help you determine which grass species is best for your needs and preferences. We know everything there is to know about all of the grasses that grow well in the region, so you can count on us for detailed, specific advice to help you make your choice. Contact us online or call us today to learn more!