Hernando County and the surrounding areas have unique concerns when it comes to maintaining a lush lawn. Because of our heat, we need to use grass and plants that are drought resistant; because of our torrential summer rains, we need to use grass and plants that are also flood resistant. A grass that (mostly) meets these requirement and is most often used in Florida landscaping is St. Augustine.
Advantages and Disadvantages
To some extent, St. Augustine is both drought resistant and flood resistant, and it is also able to thrive in our sandy Spring Hill soil. While it is already naturally adept to Florida environmental conditions, the University of Florida has developed types of St. Augustine that are also resistant to chinch bugs and other insects that can damage lawns.
St. Augustine is somewhat high-maintenance. In order to thrive, it must be mowed weekly (except during dormant stages) and irrigated regularly. Another drawback to St. Augustine is that it has poor wear tolerance, so if your family is particularly active (playing soccer, practicing a golf swing, etc.), it may not be the best option.
The Alternatives
While no turf is perfect, the following alternatives may better suit your lifestyle:
- Bermuda Grass – This grass is superior to St. Augustine in drought resistance and may require less frequent mowing, as it is a low-growing species. It can be invasive, so edging around landscaping features is required.
- Buffalo Grass – This grass has a longer dormancy period than St. Augustine during which the blades turn brown; warmth and water bring back the green in no time, however. Buffalo grass is also idea for heavily shaded lawns, as it does not require direct sunlight for growth.
- Zoysia Grass – Zoysia is similar in thickness to St. Augustine but is more drought-resistant. It can handle partial shade, and can stand up to the heavy traffic of an active family.
If you’re still not sure what type of grass is best for your lawn and irrigation system, contact Challenger Irrigation. We have over 25 years of experience keeping Hernando County lawns of all varieties looking their best.
FAQs
Once fully established, Zoysia lawns will produce underground rootstalks known as rhizomes, in addition to above ground stolons. This is the key attribute that allows Zoysia to be more tolerant of traffic, drought and freeze than St. Augustine.
What is better than St. Augustine grass? ›
Once fully established, Zoysia lawns will produce underground rootstalks known as rhizomes, in addition to above ground stolons. This is the key attribute that allows Zoysia to be more tolerant of traffic, drought and freeze than St. Augustine.
What grass is closest to St. Augustine? ›
Zoysia grass
Some folks searching for alternatives to St. Augustine are looking closely at zoysia grass. Like St. Augustine, most of the zoysia varieties are vegetatively propagated, so are usually planted by sod or plugs.
What is the best grass for no irrigation? ›
Tall fescue is a standout drought-tolerant performer for cool-season turf areas, as it boasts excellent heat-, drought-, and shade-tolerance for cool-season grass.
What are the disadvantages of St. Augustine grass? ›
Disadvantages. St. Augustinegrass, like most turfgrasses, has certain cultural and pest problems. It requires water to remain green and healthy and may require supplemental irrigation during extended dry periods.
What is a good substitute for St. Augustine grass? ›
Bermuda Grass – This grass is superior to St. Augustine in drought resistance and may require less frequent mowing, as it is a low-growing species. It can be invasive, so edging around landscaping features is required.
What's better, Bermuda or St. Augustine? ›
St. Augustine grass is tough stuff when it's growing in a climate that's suitable for it and is highly tolerant of the shaded areas around your home. Bermuda grass, on the other hand, is really only suitable for full sun applications. While it absolutely thrives in full sun, it will not grow vigorously in shady areas.
Will Bermuda grass overtake St. Augustine? ›
Augustine will almost always crowd out the Bermuda. Conversely, if you want to accelerate the Bermuda, mow shorter and more often — then the Bermuda will win. The reason for mowing taller? Bermuda can't grow in shade, and taller St.
Is zoysia grass similar to St. Augustine? ›
Whereas Zoysia grass tends to be fine and thin, St. Augustine has a much thicker blade. Zoysia is also said to have a softer, more carpet-like feel to it when walked on.
Can you mix other grass with St. Augustine grass? ›
Bermuda grass and St Augustine grass are two warm season turf types that don't mix. St Augustine has fat, juicy blades that stand up stiff and tall. When you mow it, it's recommended to mow it as tall as your mower will go.
The 5 Low Maintenance Grass Types
Fine fescues, including Slender Creeping Red Fescue, Strong Creeping Red Fescue, Chewings Fescue, Hard Fescue, and Sheep Fescue, are the key to achieving a low-maintenance lawn. These five fescue varieties are highly suitable for low-maintenance lawns due to their various advantages.
What is the downside of kurapia? ›
The biggest drawback of kurapia is that it's not frost-hardy and will die back during frosts and freezes, but it'll come back in the spring if it was well established. The main variety of Kurapia being used for ground covers is patented, so its availability is currently somewhat limited.
How many times a week should you water St. Augustine grass? ›
Be sure it is St. Augustine-safe, because other types of weed and feed fertilizers can burn or otherwise harm this grass. In the summer, your St. Augustine grass will be fully mature, and it requires watering two to four times a week, depending on your soil's ability to hold moisture.
Are coffee grounds good for St. Augustine grass? ›
Coffee grounds can also contribute to better aeration and drainage, which leads to a healthier lawn, but unfortunately the caffeine is just too damaging. However, you can still keep your coffee waste out of the bin by adding it to your compost, where it can indirectly benefit the health of your soil.
Is St. Augustine or Marathon grass better? ›
Marathon grass is the best choice for a shady, wear-resistant lawn as long as it gets 4-6 hours of sunlight. St. Augustine grass is ideal for lawns on the coast, as well as those in extremely warm climates. Both grass types can be good choices for lawns depending on your sun exposure and intended use.
Does Bermuda grass overtake St. Augustine? ›
Augustine will almost always crowd out the Bermuda. Conversely, if you want to accelerate the Bermuda, mow shorter and more often — then the Bermuda will win. The reason for mowing taller? Bermuda can't grow in shade, and taller St.
Is bermuda or zoysia better? ›
Zoysia grass is an excellent choice if you live in an area with hot, dry summers and want a low-maintenance lawn. Bermuda grass, on the other hand, is ideal if you want a durable, high-traffic lawn that establishes quickly.
What is the difference between St. Augustine and palmetto grass? ›
Palmetto is a semi-dwarf variety, so it doesn't grow as tall as most St. Augustine grass. This reduces the frequency of mowing it. Palmetto can be mowed at various heights, however it performs its best when its mowed between 2–2.5 inches.
