The big question is: "Which is the best grass for your lawn?" Choosing the best grass involves personal judgment based on your needs and the condition of your property. Each variety of grass has its advantages and disadvantages. Some grow in shade, others need full sun. Some grow in all parts of the state, while some grow only in certain areas. Some require a lot of time and patience, while others are less troublesome. Some are fast growers, and some grow slow.
Sound confusing? It really isn't. Be aware of the great versatility of lawn grasses and the choices you have. Remember, a quality lawn can make or break your landscape design. Learning the basics of turf/grass establishment and care, followed by a little hard work, will ensure success.
There are 5 grasses that are the basic turf lawns used in our area of Mississippi: Zoysia, Bermuda, St. Augustine, Tall Fescue, and Centipede. Each one has its positives and negatives. Before investing in the labor and the grass, make sure you understand your specific site needs. One critical element you need to consider is if your site is sunny or shady? Sunny locations (more than 8 hours full sun) can grow Zoysia, Bermuda, Centipede and St. Augustine grasses, but not tall Fescue. Bermuda grass is by far the most commonly used grass in our area. It is fast growing, needs full sun, and once established is drought tolerant. Bermuda is used on golf courses, sports fields, and all over the campus at Ole Miss.
If your yard has less than 6 hours of direct sun, you are going to face some challenges in your yard. Although Zoysia grass will tolerate a little shade, it still needs about 6 hours of direct sun to do really well. Zoysia will usually last about 2 years in deep shade.
St. Augustine has done well in Oxford, especially in semi shady locations. The key is finding a source that will do well throughout our winters. The only success I have had with St. Augustine so far, is to transplant it from an established existing patch that is already growing in our area. I found that the best time to do the transplanting is in the spring of the year.
Tall Fescue is what grows under all the trees in the Grove. It does best in the cooler months and needs full shade in the summer. Tall Fescue has to be replanted in the spring and fall using seed, so this makes it higher maintenance turf. It also needs water daily during the heat of the summer. I don't recommend this turf because it takes a lot of work to keep it going.
Spend a little time reading and make sure you get the right lawn for your yard. Ask an expert if you still have questions.
The big question is: "Which is the best grass for your lawn?" Choosing the best grass involves personal judgment based on your needs and the condition of your property. Each variety of grass has its advantages and disadvantages. Some grow in shade, others need full sun. Some grow in all parts of the state, while some grow only in certain areas. Some require a lot of time and patience, while others are less troublesome. Some are fast growers, and some grow slow.
Sound confusing? It really isn't. Be aware of the great versatility of lawn grasses and the choices you have. Remember, a quality lawn can make or break your landscape design. Learning the basics of turf/grass establishment and care, followed by a little hard work, will ensure success.
There are 5 grasses that are the basic turf lawns used in our area of Mississippi: Zoysia, Bermuda, St. Augustine, Tall Fescue, and Centipede. Each one has its positives and negatives. Before investing in the labor and the grass, make sure you understand your specific site needs. One critical element you need to consider is if your site is sunny or shady? Sunny locations (more than 8 hours full sun) can grow Zoysia, Bermuda, Centipede and St. Augustine grasses, but not tall Fescue. Bermuda grass is by far the most commonly used grass in our area. It is fast growing, needs full sun, and once established is drought tolerant. Bermuda is used on golf courses, sports fields, and all over the campus at Ole Miss.
If your yard has less than 6 hours of direct sun, you are going to face some challenges in your yard. Although Zoysia grass will tolerate a little shade, it still needs about 6 hours of direct sun to do really well. Zoysia will usually last about 2 years in deep shade.
St. Augustine has done well in Oxford, especially in semi shady locations. The key is finding a source that will do well throughout our winters. The only success I have had with St. Augustine so far, is to transplant it from an established existing patch that is already growing in our area. I found that the best time to do the transplanting is in the spring of the year.
Tall Fescue is what grows under all the trees in the Grove. It does best in the cooler months and needs full shade in the summer. Tall Fescue has to be replanted in the spring and fall using seed, so this makes it higher maintenance turf. It also needs water daily during the heat of the summer. I don't recommend this turf because it takes a lot of work to keep it going.
Spend a little time reading and make sure you get the right lawn for your yard. Ask an expert if you still have questions.