Grass Types That Thrive in Granbury, TX Lawns

Grass Types for Granbury, TX Lawns

When planning to install a new lawn, folks in Granbury need to consider factors such as the typical amount of rainfall, whether the grass will be in the sun or shade, and what kind of use it will get:
Are you putting up a “Keep Off Grass” sign on your lawn or are you planning to host the neighborhood volleyball tournament?

At this time, water requirements are also a factor. Granbury is currently experiencing stage 2 drought conditions. Restrictions limit watering the lawn with an irrigation system, sprinkler, or soaker hose to twice a week between the hours of 8 p.m. to 12 midnight and from midnight to 10 a.m. on assigned days. Using a hand-held hose, however, is allowed at any time.

If your street address ends with an even number then Sunday and Thursday are your watering days. However, if your street address ends with an odd number then your assigned watering days are Wednesday and Saturday.

The grass types commonly found in Granbury are not hard to please during drought conditions.

St. Augustine Grass

st_augustine_grass

Photo: Flickr / Forest and Kim Starr

St. Augustine grass needs to be watered when the color becomes a drab bluish-green, the leaves droop, and footprint impressions linger way too long—about every five to ten days.

The robust, coarse St. Augustine is native to Western Africa, the West Indies, and the Gulf of Mexico. The color varies from an appealingly bright light green to dark green. It provides a dense ground cover and spreads by way of runners (stolons) that creep along the ground and root every few inches. It can hold its own against most weeds.

St. Augustine tolerates shade very well, and so grows beautifully under the stately oak trees that are protected hardwoods in Granbury. What it does not tolerate is heavy traffic. You might think about getting that “Keep Off Grass” sign.

Bermuda Grass

bermuda_grass

Photo: Flickr / Scot Nelson

Bermuda grass is among the most drought-resistant grasses. When thirsty, its roots will reach down to draw on an available water source. An additional benefit is that when its roots are forced deeper into the ground, the lawn remains more healthy and green. Watering it once a week is sufficient.

Bermuda grass, with its gray-green, rough-edged blades and purple stems, began life as a weed. It entered the United States, via Bermuda, when its seeds were mixed with hay shipped from Africa in the 18th century. It was used for pastures and didn’t shake its “destructive weed” reputation until it became popular for lawns in the 1920s.

The low-to-the-ground, tenacious Bermuda provides a thick ground cover that welcomes any and all foot and pet traffic. You can set up the volleyball net or volunteer your home for the family reunion picnic.

Bermuda grows aggressively, which is great for your lawn, but not so great for the flower beds and other areas that it will invade if not kept under control. It tolerates extreme heat, the blazing sun, and drought. What it will not tolerate is shade.

Recommended: Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Bermudagrass

Buffalo Grass

buffalo_grass

Photo: Flickr / John Tann

Buffalo grass not only resists drought conditions, it actually dislikes climates with heavy rainfall. When deprived of water, Buffalo remains dormant until there is enough moisture to revive it.

Buffalo grass, finely textured with a soft blue-green hue, originated on the Western Plains and fed many a herd of bison (often referred to as “buffalo”). It retains the qualities that allowed it to survive on the prairies.

Buffalo grass establishes itself as a short (three to six inches tall) sod and spreads by means of runners (stolons). It has no known disease or insect problems. It can withstand prolonged droughts and extreme temperatures. It does not, however, tolerate heavy traffic.

Recommended: Sharp’s Improved II Buffalograss

Zoysia Grass

zoysia_grass

Photo: Flickr / Forest and Kim Starr

The hardy Zoysia grass has a deep root system, and you’ll spend less time watering it than other grasses. When it’s thirsty, its blades will curl inward. Zoysia prefers to be watered thoroughly once a week or every other week rather than lightly several times a week.

This deep green, dense, plush grass is native to China, Japan and other parts of Southeast Asia. It was brought to the United States in 1911 from Manila. As with the other grasses, it grows rapidly via runners. It is so aggressive, however, that a deep edging is highly recommended to keep it contained.

In addition to being “drought friendly,” Zoysia tolerates full sun to medium or light shade, has few nutrition requirements, resists weeds due to its density, and is not prone to insect or disease problems. As an “extra added attraction,” it needs to be mowed less frequently than other grasses.

Recommended: Scotts Turf Builder Zoysia Grass Seed

The fine-to-medium-textured leaf provides a thick, soft carpet of lawn. It is exceptional in its ability to withstand heavy traffic, so enjoy those luxurious walks with your bare feet.

Have more questions about grass types or lawn care in general? Visit our Granbury TX lawn care page or share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Jake Hill

Jake Hill grew up working for his dad's landscaping company, and spent over 6 years covering the lawn care industry for LawnStarter. His expertise has been featured in The Huffington Post, Realtor.com, Homecity.com and more. Now he is founder and Editor in Chief of DebtHammer.org.