Whether you are a new homeowner or perhaps in the decision-making process of revamping your lawn, learning most of your region and what grass is the best is one of the most important things you can do. Seeing as Birmingham, AL is in the southern portion of the United States and in a warm climate, but also experiences cold spells as well, not just any grass will do. Being informed will help you not only care for your lawn but also save you money in the long run because you won’t have to do unnecessary maintenance throughout the season.
Here is an overview of the grasses that will thrive in your Birmingham region:
1. Bermudagrass
Bermudagrass is one variety of grass that really thrives in Birmingham because it is tolerable of both cold and warm temperatures. It’s a great grass for “high-traffic” areas, so if you have children or pets you won’t have to worry about them running and playing on this grass because it is tolerable and will bounce back quickly. Bermudagrass is available in seeds, plugs and of course sod, making it an affordable choice as well no matter what you are looking for. Bermuda is drought resistant and will grow in full exposure to the sun, showing that it will survive warmer summer months but also establishes a safe dormant texture during the colder winter months.
Grass Seed Options:
– Pennington Bermudagrass Bare Spot (5 lb. bag)
– Pennington Smart Seed Bermudagrass Mix (8.75-lb. bag)
– Scotts Turf Builder Bermudagrass (10-lb. bag)
– Hancock Seed Co. Bermudagrass (50-lb. bag)
2. Zoysiagrass
When it comes to Zoysiagrass, this is definitely a type of grass that needs very little maintenance, making it a great selection if you don’t want to spend all of your free time cutting or fertilizing your lawn. Zoysiagrass is also susceptible to both warm and cold temperatures, so you won’t have to stress about possibly replacing your grass when Spring comes. Zoysiagrass is another tolerable type of grass so, if you think that it will see a lot of walking, standing or playing on whether it be your front or backyard, no problem, Zoysiagrass can handle it.
Grass Plug and Seed Options:
– Zoysia Plugs (50 Large Grass Plugs)
– Zoysia Plugs (50 Full & Lush Grass Plugs)
– Zoysia Plugs (100 Plugs)
– Zoysia Emerald Grass Seeds (1/8 lb. of seeds)
– Zenith Zenith Grass Seeds (1/8 lb. of seeds)
3. Tall Fescue
The Tall Fescue Grass is a variety that has deep roots and can survive a colder climate, not freezing but, definitely the cold winter that Birmingham experiences. The Tall Fescue is a bunching style of grass and there are several types of Fescue grass depending on your type of environment. The Fescue Grass will stay green throughout the majority of the calendar year and will need very little maintenance when it comes to fertilizing. Depending on the type of Fescue Grass you decide on, mowing won’t need to be a weekly chore under normal circumstances.
Grass Seed Options:
– Triple-Play Tall Fescue Grass Seed Blend (5000 sq ft)
– Eretz Kentucky 31 K31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed (choose your size)
– Pennington The Rebels Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix (7 lb.)
4. Bahia Grass
Another type of grass that you may want to consider for your lawn would be the Bahia Grass. This type of grass is known for warmer climates such as the Gulf Coast and Southern California but is capable of handling short periods of colder temperatures as well, however not as much as some of the above-mentioned varieties. One of the best features of the Bahia Grass though is the fact that it is extremely tolerant to periods of drought and compared to other grass in the southern portion of the United States, the Bahia Grass doesn’t have as many issues with insects and other diseases, such as fungus. While some cases may occur, there is a much better chance that the Bahia Grass won’t suffer from any of those problems.
Grass Seed Options
Pensacola Bahiagrass:
– Scotts Turf Builder Pensacola Bahiagrass (5 lb. bag)
– SeedRanch Pensacola Bahiagrass Seed (10 lb. bag)
– Hancock Seed Co. Pensacola Bahiagrass Seed (50 lb. bag)
Argentine Bahiagrass:
– Scotts Turf Builder Argentine Bahiagrass (10 lb. bag)
– Hancock Seed Co. Argentine Bahiagrass Seed Mix (25 lb. bag)
Have additional questions about lawn care? Visit our Birmingham lawn care page for more information.
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