I am often confronted with the question Can I use this
grass because it does very well on that yard? Living in the
Transitional Zone allows us to have choices on the types of
turf we put in the yard. However, each turf type has its
strengths and weaknesses and may or may not work in your
lawn. Before you commit to make a change of grass type in
your lawn read on to learn more about growth characteristics
of each grass type in the Transitional Zone.
Fescue: Fescue is categorized as a cool season grass
because it is actively growing when temperatures are cooler.
Fescue requires a mowing height of 33½. There are many new
varieties that have decent drought tolerance and disease
resistance. Fescue will grow well in partial shade and some
blends will grow in heavier shade. Please take note, all
turf types will need some amount of sunlight to grow. If you
have heavy shade the best approach will be to find an
alternative other than grass. Fescue stays green all year
with the exception of a couple months during the summer when
the turf may go dormant due to lack moisture and or intense
heat. Even then the grass is an off color green. When
climatic conditions are conducive to growth the lawn will
usually green up unless there was complete damage. Due to
drought and disease pressure in the summer this type of turf
will generally need some type of over-seeding in the fall.
The best time to seed this type of grass is in the fall.
Seeding in the fall allows the root system and turf to
mature through the cooler wetter months before the heat in
late spring and summer put stress on the grass.
Bermuda: Bermuda grass is categorized as a warm
season grass because it is actively growing when
temperatures are warmer. Bermuda requires mowing every 4-5
days at a height of ½ to 1 to grow properly. Bermuda can
be grown in light clay but will do best in sandy soil. There
are many varieties of common and hybrid Bermudas available.
As a rule the improved varieties of common Bermuda can be
established from seed. Hybrids need to be plugged or sodded.
Bermuda has fair drought and disease tolerance with some
varieties performing better than others. Bermuda requires
direct sunlight most of the day. If Bermuda tries to grow in
partial shade it tends to be very thin and not very
attractive with increased weed pressure. If you have partial
shade in the lawn, try to find an alternative to using
Bermuda. The lawn will have a much better overall
appearance. In the Transitional Zone Bermuda will turn brown
and go dormant. This usually occurs around September to May.
Many people prefer fescue in order to have a green lawn all
year. Contrary to belief, Bermuda can receive drought,
disease, insect and winter damage like all turf types. If
damage occurs and is not severe the turf will fill back in
with proper care and time. If damage is severe, seed or sod
will be needed to repair damage. Establishing Bermuda from
seed can take years unlike fescue that can be established
from seed in a few months. Establishing Bermuda from seed
requires that it be done in the late spring as there is no
chance of frost and ground temperatures continue to rise.
Zoysia: Zoysia grass is categorized as a warm season
grass because it too is actively growing when temperatures
are warmer. Zoysia requires mowing regularly at Ύ to 1.
Zoysia can grow in loam, light sand and light clay. As a
rule Zoysia is established with plugs or sod. There is seed
available. However, it is not an established practice often
used in the Transitional Zone. Certain varieties of Zoysia
have fair drought and disease resistance. For best results
Zoysia should be grown in full sun. Certain varieties of
Zoysia can be used in partial shade with nice results. It is
recommended to use Zoysia in full sun like Bermuda. In the
Transitional Zone, Zoysia will turn a golden brown and go
dormant, as does all warm season turf. Zoysia tends to have
a nice golden color when dormant. Again, contrary to belief,
Zoysia can receive drought, disease and winter damage. In
fact, some varieties can receive leaf spot damage as easy as
some varieties of fescue. If Zoysia is damaged it can fill
back in like Bermuda. However, if the damage is severe the
lawn will need sod of the same variety.
Centipede: Centipede grass is categorized as a warm
season grass because it actively grows when temperatures are
warmer. Centipede requires less mowing than other turf types
at 1. Centipede should be grown on sandy soil but not on
the coast and should never be grown on clay soil. Success
with Centipede in the Triangle is hit or miss. Areas south
and east of the triangle will have more success with
centipede. Centipede can tolerate light shade but will
thrive in full sun. Seed, plugs or sod can establish
centipede. Centipede is not the hardiest when it comes to
drought tolerance and can receive disease damage.
St Augustine: St. Augustine is a warm season turf
commonly grown in the Gulf Coast and far south regions.
Mowing height should be 2 3. The variety Raleigh St.
Augustine can grow in the triangle eastward. However, it
commonly receives winter damage. Using St. Augustine in the
triangle should not be an option when better performing warm
season turf is available.
This should be used as a guideline only. There are many
other factors to consider before selecting the proper type
of turf for your lawn. For best results seek the guidance of
a qualified agronomist.
Printed in
WPTF
- Weekend Gardener Guide 2004
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