Gardening with Complete Solutions

THINKING

by PJ Kratohvil, Owner of Complete Solutions

Things 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 sunexposed lawn (at least 7 sun hrs per day). Its aggressive growth habit gives it 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 yearround, 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, but let it get taller to help retain moisture.

ST. AUGUSTINE

St. Augustine is the turfgrass of choice 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”.

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BERMUDA

Blade: Sharp, Pointed, 1/8” Wide Color/Texture: Deep Green, Dense Growth: Close Cut, High Quality Water: Frequently

ST. AUGUSTINE

Blade: Broad with Rounded Tip, 1/4” Wide Color/Texture: Dark Green, Coarse, Spongy Growth: Slow, from Sod or Plugs Water: Frequently

ZOYSIA

Blade: Narrow, Needle-Like Color/Texture: Prickly, Stiff, Carpet-Like Growth: Slow Water: Average