Choosing the best grass for Texas, whether warm-season or cool-season grasses, depends on your region. Either way, these grasses are essential to creating a home that complements the state’s natural beauty with a healthy green lawn.
From the history-steeped Piney Woods to the delightful peaches of the Hill Country, Texas has it all. So, let’s look at the best types of grass for the Lone Star State, including tips on how to take care of them.
Best Grass Seed Statewide
Discover the best grass for your Texas region below, and check out other tips on How to Choose the Right Grass for Your Lawn to select the ideal grass for your yard.
Texas covers a wide range of geographic regions with an equally wide range of climates that go from subtropical to arid. But because of the overall hot temperatures throughout the year, some
can be successfully grown statewide.
Here are the best grass seeds to be grown statewide in Texas:
Best Grass Seed for North Texas
Photo Credit: Aaron J. Patton, Ph.D. / Turfgrass Extension Specialist at Purdue University
North Texas is generally referred to as the area north of the Central Texas region. In this guide, we are also including the Panhandle region so no counties are left out. While the North Texas region can grow warm-season grasses, cool-season turfgrass can also be cultivated there as permanent lawns—unlike the rest of the state.
Here are the best grasses for North Texas:
- Perennial ryegrass
- Tall fescue
- Kentucky bluegrass (specifically in the Panhandle region)
- Bermudagrass
- Zoysiagrass
- Buffalograss
- Texas bluegrass
Care tips for grass in North Texas (DFW): The region’s dense clay soil poses serious drainage issues. Homeowners should prioritize core aeration, proper grading, and improved drainage to prevent water pooling and help the grass develop strong roots. Clay soil warms slowly in spring, so be patient with early-season growth.
Best Grass Seed for Central Texas
Central Texas sits roughly in the middle of DFW, Houston, and San Antonio. The region’s climate makes it favorable to warm-season grasses.
These are the best grasses for Central Texas:
- Bermudagrass
- Zoysiagrass
- Buffalograss
- Texas bluegrass
- St. Augustine (a higher-maintenance grass)
Care tips for grass in Central Texas (Hill Country): Opt for drought-tolerant Bermuda or go native with buffalograss to survive the frequent dry spells. Use soil amendments like compost or peat moss to balance the pH levels and nutrients to counter the effects of all the limestone.
Best Grass Seed for South Texas
The area that goes from San Antonio to the Rio Grande is considered the South Texas region. In this hot area that encompasses the southern plains and the southern region of the Gulf Coast, warm-season grass types grow best.
Here are the best grass options for South Texas:
- Seashore paspalum
- St. Augustinegrass
- Bermudagrass
- Zoysiagrass
- Buffalograss
Care tips for grass in South Texas (Gulf Coast): Combat salt exposure from ocean winds by planting salt-tolerant varieties like seashore paspalum. High humidity reduces water restrictions near the coast, but be vigilant for pesky chinch bugs and other pests.
Further inland, you’ll need more drought-tolerant landscaping and efficient watering for maximum success.
Best Grass Seed for East Texas
The Piney Woods and part of the Gulf Coast cover the East Texas region. Because of its high annual rainfall, warm-season grasses that are not damaged by overwatering are the recommended choices.
The best grasses for East Texas are:
- Centipedegrass
- St. Augustinegrass
- Bermudagrass
- Zoysiagrass
- Seashore paspalum
Care tips for grass in East Texas (Piney Woods): Focus on disease prevention, as the high rainfall is prime for fungal growth. The acidic soils require regular fertilizer application to replenish the nutrients your lawn needs to thrive. Consider installing a French drain to manage excess water in heavy rains.
Best Grass Seed for West Texas
The West Texas region encompasses the Big Bend Country and a portion of the Panhandle plains. Its arid climate makes it a perfect growing ground for warm-season turfgrasses that excel in dry areas and don’t tolerate prolonged low temperatures.
The following are the best grasses for West Texas:
- Buffalograss
- Bermudagrass
- Zoysiagrass
Care tips for grass in West Texas (High Plains & Permian Basin): Choose drought-resistant grasses like buffalograss or blue grama that can survive extreme drought. Counter the alkalinity from caliche by adding sulfur to lower the pH and compost to improve water retention.
See Related:
- 20 Best Drought-Tolerant Plants for Texas
- When to Fertilize Lawns in Texas
- Common Lawn Weeds in Texas
Spend More Time Enjoying the Texas Sun
Choosing the best grass for your Texas lawn can reduce maintenance efforts and increase your leisure time under the radiant Texas sun. For the ultimate in ease and effectiveness, consider calling a lawn care pro near you. They can ensure your lawn is suited to the Texas climate and that it remains lush and healthy year-round.
Sources:
Main Image Credit: Beautiful, healthy green lawn in Dallas, Texas / LawnStarter Photo by Jeff Herman
