How Does Grass Differ in Texas from Other Regions?
Exploring the lush landscapes of Texas reveals a rich tapestry of greenery, distinct from any other region. Among the verdant splendor, St. Augustine grass in Texas stands out, embodying the resilience and beauty adapted to thrive in the Lone Star State’s unique climate. This vibrant beginning sets the stage for a deeper dive into how Texas grasses, with their robust characteristics, compare intriguingly with those from other parts of the country.
We’ve all heard the saying “the grass is always greener on the other side.” The truth is, the color (and the texture) of grass depends on what part of the country you live in. Different species of grass flourish in different environments. It all depends on the type of soil, the amount of rainwater and sunlight, and overall temperatures. The United States has over 12,000 species of grass but there only about ten different kinds that are used for lawns.
In California, the most common types of grass used for lawns are St. Augustine (also known as Charleston Grass or Buffalo turf) and Bahia. St. Augustine is a broad, flat bladed grass that forms a carpet-like sod and crowds out weeds making it fairly low maintenance. It is a dark green color and thrives in warm climates. Bahia grass also thrives in warm climates and is resistant to drought. It thrives in a variety of soils from dry or sandy to clay. It is a bit higher maintenance than the St. Augustine and a has a coarse, dark green blade.
In the Midwest and areas like Chicago, one of the most common types of grass used in lawns is Perennial Ryegrass. This grass thrives in the hot midwest sun but also does well in shade and the cooler months. It has a finely textured, deep green blade that doesn’t fade in the winter months. Ryegrass does require additional watering in the dry months of the summer.
Another popular Chicago area grass type is Kentucky Bluegrass. This is a resistant grass that can withstand the frigid temperatures of a Chicago winter and also thrives in the hot and humid summers. Kentucky Bluegrass is not only used in lawns but also in athletic fields for fine texture and low maintenance. Kentucky Bluegrass is the top choice in the Northeast as well where the weather and seasons are very similar to the Midwest.
Common grasses used in Southern states like Texas are Bermuda, St. Augustine and Zoysia. Bermuda grass has extreme heat and drought tolerance and is resilient to heavy use and foot traffic.
Zoysia grass is fairly low maintenance in comparison but will crowd out all other species so it can not be mixed with other grasses. It also can lose its vibrant green color in cooler weather but its dense texture and high drought tolerance make it a top choice for Texas homeowners.
Although these are the most common types of grass used in lawns in these regions, The Grass Outlet can help you choose which grass is best for your lawn.
