In Los Angeles, growing healthy grass can be a challenge. With high temperatures and frequent dry periods, this city is beautiful, but challenging. Consider the following grass types for the best results, no matter what.
1. Sand Dune Sedge
This sedge is common in beach landscapes, but can also grow successfully on your lawn. This species is both shade- and drought-tolerant, allowing it to grow well on any lawn. It can tolerate a variety of soil types and is a fantastic landscaping grass. Although it does tend to grow in clumps, making it inopportune for a blanket covering, it is one of the most low-maintenance grasses you can grow. It is attractive regardless of whether it is grown long or kept neatly trimmed, providing versatility for any style or design.
Lawn Mowing Height: 2 inches
2. Native California Bentgrass
This grass is one of the most common turf grasses in California. As a native species, it is well-acclimated to California’s challenging conditions and has a vibrant green color. It can be kept long or trimmed short, tolerating both sunny and shaded environments. Although it can handle moderate amounts of moisture, it tolerates drought exceptionally well. This grass grows in a more uniform fashion, making it a good choice for a traditional lawn.
Lawn Mowing Height: 1-2 inches
3. Buffalo Grass
This soft green grass is native to the midwest, and can handle a wide variety of climatic conditions. It is incredibly hearty, tolerating drought as well as extreme temperatures and large amounts of shade. Because this grass seeds itself, it is a solid option for the homeowner who is not interested in frequent reseeding. This grass grows to short heights, allowing it to be planted and left alone, requiring no regular mowing.
The only downside to this grass is that it doesn’t hold up well to frequent traffic. While you should never drive across your lawn or leave ornaments or other lawn debris on it for long amounts of time, this is especially true with buffalo grass, as it does not hold up well under pressure.
Lawn Mowing Height:1-2 inches
Grass Seed Options:
– Everwilde Farms Buffalograss Seeds (1 lb. of seeds)
– Buffalograss seed (primed) (5-lb. bag)
4. Bermudagrass
If, on the other hand, you are looking for a traffic-tolerant grass, consider bermudagrass. This grass is drought resistant and thrives in hot temperatures. It can grow in just about any soil type and is commonly chosen for parks and golf courses in Los Angeles, as well as other areas that receive a lot of foot and vehicular traffic. This grass is great for lawns, requiring little maintenance, and although it does not have high shade tolerance, can be grown just about anywhere.
Lawn Mowing Height: 3/8 – 2 inches
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)
If you’re thinking about planting a new lawn or reseeding your existing landscape, give one of these native grasses a try. Native grasses will hold up better to Los Angeles’ challenging conditions, and provide you with the heartiest, healthiest, and most attractive lawn in the neighborhood. Still can’t decide what to plant? Consider hiring one of LawnStarter’s skilled technicians who can provide you with some of the best and most personally-tailored lawn care in Los Angeles.
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