Gardening: Ask The Expert
THINKING
BERMUDA
Blade: Sharp, Pointed, 1/8” Wide Color/Texture: Deep Green, Dense Growth: Close Cut, High Quality Water: Frequently
T ST. AUGUSTINE Blade: Broad with Rounded Tip, 1/4” Wide Color/Texture: Dark Green, Coarse, Spongy Growth: Slow, from Sod or Plugs
by PJ Kratohvil, Owner of Complete Solutions
hings are heating up. If you’ve noticed thin, struggling, or dead patches in the lawn and are looking to make a change, look over the info below. When it comes to grass, there are options –just make sure the options you’re considering are the right ones. It’s always best to consult with a specialist, but the information below might help guide you in the right direction:
BERMUDA Bermuda grass is great for a sun-
exposed lawn (at least 7 sun hrs per
day). Its aggressive growth habit gives it
Water: Frequently
excellent weed resistance. That same trait
can be a problem when Bermuda invades
flower beds-planters-gardens. Bermuda is
pretty wear-resistant and drought-tolerant. If you’re looking for a green lawn year-
round, overseeding with rye will provide that color through winter. Roughly 1/2”-
3”is the recommended cut height so you
can keep it short for the summer months,
ZOYSIA
but let it get taller to help retain moisture.
Blade: Narrow, Needle-Like
ST. AUGUSTINE
Color/Texture: Prickly, Stiff, Carpet-Like
St. Augustine is the turfgrass of choice
Growth: Slow Water: Average
in warm climates where sandy soil is
prevalent and water doesn’t stand around. The broad blades will hold color into the fall season, unlike other warm-season
grasses. It can thrive with at least five hours of sunlight per day and consistent watering. It can be more susceptible to fungus and disease than other types of grass and won’t take as much traffic. But if maintained properly, it is a great option. Cut height should be 3-4” for optimum thickness and longevity. ZOYSIA Zoysia prefers a warm, sunny and welldrained growing site. BUT, some varieties can take as little as three hours of light per day. This makes it a great option in our warmer climate with most of our lawns containing both sun and shade areas. It takes more care than most turfgrasses, but when its needs are met, the reward is a thick, green lawn. It has stiff leaf blades and will produce numerous seed heads if not kept cut. Cut height can vary but we typically recommend at around 1”.
EXTERIOR: 214.735.1363 | COMPLETESOLUTIONSDFW.COM
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JULY 2021 | LANTANA LIVING | 57
