Most of us are familiar with the green stuff that surrounds our Pensacola home and business. It even makes some of us sneeze when mowed. We know that grass exists and if you’re like me, well, it’s just always been there. But if you find yourself building a new property on vacant land, or wanting to renovate your landscape, suddenly it becomes a bit more complicated. Grass doesn’t just exist. There is so much more to this green vegetation than meets the eye. That is why Lawnmaster has taken the time to break it down for us and explain the different types of grasses, which type grows best here in Pensacola and thrives in our warm, humid climate with above-average rainfall.
Two Types of Grass; Cool-Season and Warm-Season
There are two main types of grasses: cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses.
-
Cool-Season Grasses: These include Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and ryegrass, which thrive in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees. They remain active until soil temperatures consistently drop below 45 degrees, making them more suitable for northern states.
-
Warm-Season Grasses: Ideal for southern climates like Pensacola, warm-season grasses such as zoysia, St. Augustine, centipede, and bermudagrass go dormant in cooler weather. They flourish when temperatures are above 65 degrees and are most active during spring and summer.
Since Pensacola’s climate favors warm-season grasses, let’s explore the most popular options for your lawn.
The Best Warm-Season Grasses for Pensacola Lawns
St. Augustine
St. Augustine grass is a favorite in tropical and subtropical regions, including Pensacola. Known for its wide, dark green blades, it’s highly tolerant of heat, humidity, and salt, making it an ideal choice for coastal areas.
-
Growth Conditions: Thrives in temperatures between 80 and 100 degrees on well-drained soils.
-
Common Issues: Prone to turf fungi (brown patch, gray leaf) and pests (grubs, sod webworms). Regular fungicide and insecticide treatments help maintain its health.
-
Ideal Use: Residential lawns where high maintenance isn’t an issue.
Centipede
Centipede grass is popular among Pensacola homeowners for its low maintenance and apple-green color. Although it grows slowly, it requires minimal mowing and fertilization.
-
Growth Conditions: Needs full sun (at least six hours) and struggles with heavy foot traffic.
-
Drought Tolerance: Recovers quickly from stress when properly irrigated.
-
Ideal Use: Residential areas with moderate activity.
Zoysia
Zoysia grass is a hardy, low-maintenance option that forms a dense, fine-textured turf. It’s commonly used in parks and golf courses in Pensacola due to its ability to withstand heat and foot traffic.
-
Growth Conditions: Prefers full sun; too much shade can cause thinning.
-
Invasive Nature: Can spread into flower beds and other lawn areas, reducing weed growth.
-
Ideal Use: High-traffic areas and sunny lawns.
Bermudagrass
Bermudagrass is renowned for its durability and resilience. It’s a top choice for golf courses, athletic fields, and high-profile landscapes. Its deep root system makes it resistant to drought and less susceptible to weeds.
-
Growth Conditions: Tolerates extreme temperatures and traffic.
-
Potential Issues: Can become invasive, spreading beyond intended areas.
-
Ideal Use: Sports fields and lawns that endure frequent activity.
For All Your Lawn Care Needs in Pensacola, Florida, Call on Lawn Master
At Lawn Master, we offer complete lawn care programs that will create or maintain a healthy, lush lawn for your residential or commercial property. Our custom-designed lawn services were specifically developed to care for the warm season grasses listed above. We focus on balanced fertilization for each specific grass type and adjust pH levels based on environmental factors throughout the seasons. Our lawn care program starts in early spring and runs through winter. Visit our website’s lawn care page to learn more.
Contact us if you are a resident or business owner in the Pensacola area looking to renovate your lawn or need advice on which grass is best for your yard. Our technicians and trained experts can visit your current or future property and perform a detailed analysis evaluating the overall health of your lawn. We will then deliver a personalized report with pricing estimates on a customized plan. Contact us online or give us a call today. You can reach us at 850-476-1601.
For more informative articles like the one above, follow our monthly blog and/or check out all our previous blogs.