Wondering how to best care for your lawn when you get it established?  Here are some facts that will help you decide.

The type of grass you will plant depends on your growing zone (our zone in this part of Texas is zone 7), the amount of water available for irrigation, the amount of sun or shade, the time and money you are willing to spend, and the kind of use your lawn will get in way of foot traffic (heavy play area or little traffic).  In Texas, one needs to plant warm-season grasses.

Bermuda grass is most widely used.  It is a narrow-leaved, vigorous perennial with its origin being traced back to Africa.  Bermuda grass goes dormant with cool fall weather and greens up when the temperature warms up. 

 

In the spring, when the SOIL temperature reaches 60° F., Bermuda sprigs start growing.  They are aggressive, spreading by both rhizomes (below-ground lateral stems) and stolens (above-ground lateral stems), commonly known as ‘runners’. 

 

It is in these lateral stems where carbohydrates are stored to enable the plant to survive the dormant periods.

 

Remember:

*Bermuda grass can be started with seed, sod, or sprigs.

*Bermuda does not grow in medium to dense shade.

*Bermuda turns brown after the fall frosts – and will not become green until the last spring freeze – and the soil temperature gets to 60° and above.

*Bermuda can be more a nuisance in flower beds and gardens because of its rhizomes and runners.

*Bermuda is subject to scalping (a condition when the grass is cut too short and too much of the blade is removed leaving the lawn ugly).  Scalping can  happen if the lawn is not mowed regularly.

 

St. Augustine is a warm-season grass, native to West Indies and the Texas Gulf Coast, is widely grown in the warm, humid parts of the United States.  Its best feature is that it is tolerant of shade.  It is usually started by sod, but plugs of newer varieties are becoming available. 

 

St. Augustine spreads quickly by the stolens (above-ground runners).  St. Augustine does have a lower tolerance for wear tolerance. – A concern for an area which will receive heavy foot traffic.  The leaf blades are wider than other types.

 

Remember:

*St. Augustine will grow in medium shade.

*St. Augustine grass can be started with only sod or sprigs.

*St. Augustine grass turns brown in the winter when it goes dormant.

 

There are three methods of planting your lawn:  Seeding, Sodding, or Sprigging.

 

Regardless of which method you choose, the same preparations need to be done.  A soil test is always recommended so that you can add the right amount of fertilizers. 

 

Your bed needs to be cleared of debris.  The bed should be graded so that the lawn slopes away from the buildings.  The bed should be rolled for firming up the surface so that there are not any low areas where the water would collect.

 

Seeding – This is the least expensive way to start your lawn.  The seeds will germinate when the air temperatures are 70° - 95°.  Early summer is the best time to plant seeds.  This method takes longer to get your established lawn.

 

Sodding – This is the most expensive way.   This method is the quickest way to have an established lawn.  The best time to sod is when the grass is actively growing.  The proper distance between the sod blocks or springs depend on how fast you want the area to be covered.  St. Augustine plugs (2 – 4 inches in diameter) planted two feet apart should cover within three months, if watered and fertilized adequately.  The sod blocks should be rolled or pressed down to give a smooth surface for mowing.  The sod needs to be kept moist until well-rooted.  Do not overwater.

 

Sprigging – Sprigs are sold by the bushel.  Sprigging costs more than seeding your lawn, but it costs less than laying sod.  After planting the sprigs, the ground should be rolled or pressed down to get a smooth surface.

           

Watering is important.  Deep watering is most important because that encourages the roots to grow deep.  This will greatly help in those times of drought and high temperatures.  Deep roots are more efficient than shallow roots.  One should water early in the morning if possible.  Less water is lost to evaporation. 

 

The worst time to water is late evening because the grass stays wet all night which makes it more susceptible to disease and viruses.  After you water, the soil should be watered  to a depth of 4 -6 inches deep.

           

For more information on other grasses, such as Blue grass, buffalo grass, fescues, ryegrasses, zoysia, bentgrasses and centipede, visit the Fannin County Extension Office at 210 South Main, Bonham or call 903-583-7453.