Grass Types for a Home Lawn

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Walk into any garden center on a Saturday morning in spring and you will likely hear discussions about grass types for home lawns. Differing theories and opinions may abound, but everyone will agree that a beautiful lawn is an important element of the home landscape. A luxurious carpet of rich green grass in the front yard will enhance the exterior of your home and improve the appearance of trees, flowers and shrubbery.

Kentucky Bluegrass

Grown across the country in USDA hardiness zones 2 to 6, Kentucky bluegrass is a cool season grass that has poor heat tolerance. It grows best where even summers are cool. Kentucky bluegrass prefers full sun but is tolerant of shade. It does not do well when subjected to stress such as heat, drought or poor soil conditions. If these conditions persist, blue grass becomes more susceptible to pests and weeds. Bluegrass produces a dense, dark green turf of medium texture. It spreads by rhizomes, or underground stems, which can re-grow worn or damaged patches in the lawn. Kentucky bluegrass requires a lot of water during hot months. If irrigation is insufficient, the grass will become dormant until cool weather arrives or more water is available.

Centipede grass grows in the lower southeastern portion of the United States in zones 7 to 10. It grows in parts of east Texas, but does not grow farther west due to the alkalinity of the soil. It does not do well above zone 7 because it cannot withstand persistent freezing temperatures. Coarse-textured centipede grass is a creeping grass that spreads via above-ground runners, which makes it easy to control around the edges of walkways and flowerbeds. This spreading growth habit results in a thick mat of relatively slow-growing turf that does not require mowing as often as some other types. Centipede stays green year round in mild climates. It may die back in a freeze, but it bounces back when the weather warms up. Centipede is a popular choice for home lawns because of its low maintenance requirements and adaptability to poor soils. It prefers full sun but tolerates some shade.

St. Augustine grass grows well in zones 8 to 10 from the Carolinas to Florida and west along the Gulf Coast to Texas. It also grows in the lower central and southern portions of California. St. Augustine's usefulness is limited to those areas with mild winters, but it is tolerant of heat and humidity and more tolerant of shade than most other grasses. In deep shade, however, St. Augustine's growth will be sparse and will eventually stop altogether. Watered and fertilized properly, St. Augustine will tolerate less than perfect soil conditions and develop into a luxurious dark green turf. St. Augustine spreads by above-ground runners and is aggressive but easily controlled. Unfortunately, for all its good qualities, St. Augustine produces thatch more than any other grass and is subject to chinch bugs and other lawn pests.