- Bermudagrass<\/a><\/li>
- Buffalograss<\/a><\/li>
- Zoysiagrass<\/a><\/li>
- Tall Fescue<\/a><\/li>
- Texas Bluegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Perennial Ryegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Honorable Mention: Kentucky Bluegrass<\/a><\/li>
- How to Choose the Best Grass for North Texas<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Bermudagrass<\/h2>
![\"close-up](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image-from-rawpixel-id-5911985-original-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rawpixel<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> There\u2019s no way you can go wrong if you opt for Bermudagrass. Grown statewide, Bermudagrass is a fool-proof, tough, drought-tolerant grass<\/a>. If you love hosting outdoor gatherings, Bermudagrass might be your perfect match. This sun-loving turf is one of the best grasses for high-traffic yards<\/a>.<\/p>
Some may see its fast growth rate as a downside because it needs frequent mowing and fertilization. (Check out the Best Fertilizers for Bermudagrass<\/a> for help in selecting a fertilizer.) But it can actually be a positive attribute: Your lawn will recover quickly from damage, always looking lush and vibrant. <\/p>
Of course, like any lawn turf, Bermudagrass<\/a> does have its downsides, such as the need for dethatching every late spring or summer. But if well nurtured and maintained, Bermudagrass offers you a beautifully strong green lawn.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Low; thrives in full sun<\/li>
- Drought tolerance:<\/strong> High <\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> High <\/li>
- Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily<\/a>; needs regular fertilization <\/li>
- Mowing height:<\/strong> Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for hybrid Bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common Bermudagrass down to 1.5 to 2.5 inches.<\/li>
- Potential for disease:<\/strong> Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects<\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> 6-6.5<\/li>
- Soil type:<\/strong> Tolerates most soil types<\/li>
- Other notes:<\/strong> Because of its excellent traffic tolerance, the hybrid varieties of Bermudagrass are commonly used on golf courses. Bermuda is also a top choice to be the grass for the FIFA World Cup 2026<\/a> fields. <\/li> <\/ul>
Grass Seed Options:
\u2013 <\/strong>Pennington Bermudagrass Bare Spot<\/a> (5 lb. bag)
\u2013 Pennington Smart Seed Bermudagrass Mix<\/a> (8.75-lb. bag)
\u2013 Scotts Turf Builder Bermudagrass<\/a> (10-lb. bag)
\u2013 Hancock Seed Co. Bermudagrass<\/a> (50-lb. bag)<\/p>Buffalograss<\/h2>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Buffalograss.jpg\")
Buffalograss
Photo Credit: Pixnio<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Compared to Bermudagrass, buffalograss<\/a> is more drought-tolerant. This turfgrass’s low water requirements make it an optimal choice for North Texas, given this region\u2019s need to conserve water. Like other native plants for Texas<\/a> landscapes, it knows how to beat the heat and thrive.<\/p>
This warm-season grass<\/a> is easy to maintain: Just give it a sunny place and mow it every 7 to 14 days, and you\u2019re all set. There is a catch, however: Buffalograss is prone to common lawn weeds in Texas<\/a>, so regular weed control is needed. But when comparing the pros and cons, this is certainly a small nuisance for such a drought-resistant, low-maintenance grass.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons<\/li>
- Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Drought tolerance:<\/strong> High <\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> Low <\/li>
- Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Low fertilizer and mowing needs. Requires weed control. <\/li>
- Mowing height:<\/strong> Set the mowing height between 2 and 3 inches.<\/li>
- Potential for disease:<\/strong> Good tolerance against diseases and insects<\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> 6.5-7.5<\/li>
- Soil type:<\/strong> Native clay soils; you\u2019ll have to amend sandy soils<\/a><\/li>
- Other notes:<\/strong> Buffalograss is ideal for home lawns that won\u2019t have foot traffic, as its tolerance is very low. It would be a perfect choice as a ground cover for landscaping.<\/li> <\/ul>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 <\/strong>Everwilde Farms Buffalograss Seeds<\/a> (1 lb. of seeds)
\u2013 Scotts Pursue Buffalograss with Natural Seed<\/a> (1 lb. of seeds)
\u2013 Outsidepride Perennial Buffalo Grass Seed<\/a> (2 lb. of seeds)<\/p>Zoysiagrass<\/h2>
![\"close-up](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Starr_070906-8518_Zoysia_sp.-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Also very good at withstanding drought, Zoysiagrass<\/a> is more thirsty than buffalograss, with moderate watering needs. However, it does tend to go brown sooner than Bermudagrass during long-lasting droughts. But if this aesthetic aspect isn\u2019t too much of a downside for you, Zoysiagrass also has plenty of qualities to win your heart.<\/p>
This turfgrass has low fertilization needs, meaning fewer expenses for you. It also has good disease tolerance and can endure foot traffic better than buffalograss. It is a good middle-ground option for homeowners who want some of the foot traffic tolerance of the Bermudagrass and some of the low-maintenance features of buffalograss.<\/p>
Did I mention that Zoysiagrass also has a better shade tolerance than the other two options above? Well, now you know. So if you’re trying to grow grass in the shade<\/a>, then Zoysia may be the turfgrass for you. <\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>
- Drought tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate to High<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> High, but recovers slowly from damage<\/li>
- Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Low nitrogen fertilization requirements; however, it\u2019s prone to thatch build-up. <\/li>
- Mowing height:<\/strong> Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.<\/li>
- Potential for disease:<\/strong> Good disease tolerance overall<\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> 6-6.5<\/li>
- Soil type:<\/strong> Well-draining, some cultivars are more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others.<\/li>
- Other notes:<\/strong> Although not as shade-tolerant as St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass still performs well in partial shade. Additionally, the Zoysia matrella<\/em> varieties have improved shade tolerance \u2014 at the expense of needing some extra maintenance.<\/li> <\/ul>
Grass Plug and Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Zoysia Plugs <\/a>(50 Large Grass Plugs)
\u2013 Zoysia Plugs <\/a>(50 Full & Lush Grass Plugs)
\u2013 Zoysia Plugs <\/a>(100 Plugs)
\u2013 Zoysia Emerald Grass Seeds<\/a> (1\/8 lb. of seeds)
\u2013 Zenith Zenith Grass Seeds<\/a> (1\/8 lb. of seeds)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>Tall Fescue<\/h2>
![\"tall](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/tall-fescue-1.jpg\")
Tall Fescue
Photo Credit: Aaron J. Patton, Ph.D.<\/a> \/ Turfgrass Extension Specialist at Purdue University<\/figcaption><\/figure>The severe winters of North Texas can injure warm-season grass types. That\u2019s when turf-type tall fescue enters the stage. Better adapted for drought and heat than other cool-season grasses<\/a>, this coarse-textured turfgrass also has good cold tolerance. <\/p>
Also performing well in shaded areas, tall fescue<\/a> is adapted to a variety of soil types. As a quick grower, this grass needs frequent mowing, but other than that it won\u2019t need intense maintenance. <\/p>
Just have in mind that tall fescue is not indicated for heavy traffic areas, and you may need to overseed fescues in the fall<\/a>. In the Texas summer heat, it will need some extra sips of water when compared to warm-season grasses.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by: <\/strong>Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit<\/li>
- Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>
- Drought tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate to <\/strong>High<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate<\/li>
- Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch. <\/li>
- Mowing height:<\/strong> Set the mowing height to 2 inches when the grass reaches 3 inches tall. <\/li>
- Potential for disease: <\/strong>Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained. Vulnerable to brown patch. (Read here to learn more about brown patch control and prevention<\/a>.)<\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> 5.5-6.5<\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Adapted to a wide range of soil types<\/a>, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage. <\/li>
- Other notes:<\/strong> To grow tall fescue in the Panhandle region, extra irrigation and fertilization will be needed.<\/li> <\/ul>
Texas Bluegrass<\/h2>
With a great ability to recover from drought stress, hybrid Texas bluegrass is perfect for areas of low water usage \u2014 a desirable characteristic for the northern portion of Texas with its harsh droughts. So you won\u2019t have to install a sprinkler system<\/a> in your yard for Texas bluegrass to thrive.<\/p>
This turfgrass does well in full sun and partial shade, growing a beautiful bluish-green cover that maintains its color all year round. With moderate maintenance needs, such as regular mowing and yearly dethatching<\/a>, Texas bluegrass gives you a high-quality lawn with fewer lawn care needs.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate <\/li>
- Drought tolerance:<\/strong> High<\/li>
- Traffic tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Moderate; needs average amounts of water, but frequent mowing and more fertilizing than tall fescue.<\/li>
- Recommended mowing height:<\/strong> Set the mowing height between 2 and 2.5 inches; during periods of high heat, increase the mowing height to 3 to 4 inches.<\/li>
- Potential for disease:<\/strong> Moderate. It is resistant to brown patch but needs dethatching every year. <\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> The optimal soil pH range is from 5.7 to 7.0<\/li>
- Soil type:<\/strong> Alkaline soils can cause iron deficiencies, turning the leaves pale. It does best in acidic soils.<\/li>
- Other notes:<\/strong> This hybrid Texas bluegrass is actually the result of crossing Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) with native Texas bluegrass. That\u2019s why Texas bluegrass resembles KGB but is adapted to the northern and central areas of Texas.<\/li> <\/ul>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Triple-Play Tall Fescue Grass Seed Blend<\/a> (5000 sq ft)
\u2013 Eretz Kentucky 31 K31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed<\/a> (choose your size)
\u2013 Pennington The Rebels Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix<\/a> (7 lb.)<\/p>Perennial Ryegrass<\/h2>
![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/7370356864_c9e8d6081f_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Harry Rose<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> Although commonly used as a temporary lawn, perennial ryegrass can be grown permanently in northern Texas. Perennial ryegrass<\/a> is often mixed with other cool-season seeds (such as tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass) that improve its shade tolerance, making it suitable for shaded areas where warm-season grasses may struggle. It\u2019s also a good choice if you want to add stripes to your lawn<\/a>.<\/p>
One of the strengths of this grass is its high tolerance for foot traffic, making it widely used in golf courses. Its resistance makes perennial ryegrass one of the best grasses for dogs<\/a> and kids to play on. It also has moderate fertilization needs, and although you won\u2019t have to worry about dethatching, you\u2019ll have to watch out for diseases.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by: <\/strong>Has a bunch-type growth habit<\/li>
- Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Drought tolerance: <\/strong>Low<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance: <\/strong>High<\/li>
- Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements. Thatch is not significant. <\/li>
- Mowing height:<\/strong> Set mowing height to 1.5 to 2.5 inches<\/li>
- Potential for disease: <\/strong>High. Common diseases include gray leaf spot, red thread, and leaf spot\/melting-out. (Read here to learn more about red thread control and prevention<\/a>.)<\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> Can grow in soils with a pH between 5 and 8, but prefers between 6 and 7. <\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Prefers good drainage and fertility, but can tolerate some poor drainage. <\/li>
- Other notes:<\/strong> Ryegrasses are usually overseeded<\/a> into warm-season lawns for winter color, as these types of grass enter their dormancy stage during this period. <\/li> <\/ul>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Outsidepride Perennial Ryegrass Seed<\/a> (5 lbs.)
\u2013 Eretz ProTurf Perennial Ryegrass Fine Lawn Seed<\/a> (choose your size)<\/p>Honorable Mention: Kentucky Bluegrass<\/h2>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Kentucky-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Kentucky Bluegrass
Photo Credit: Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>This turfgrass is commonly used in northern Texas, particularly the Panhandle area, where cool-season grasses can grow year-round. Kentucky bluegrass<\/a> prefers a drier climate, making it a suitable fit for this area and requiring moderate upkeep overall. <\/p>
Known for its striking dark green color, Kentucky bluegrass is a good choice for homeowners looking for an aesthetically pleasing grass option. Despite its low shade tolerance, it can be mixed with other cool-season grasses to grow well in shaded areas. Ensure you choose the right lawn fertilizer<\/a> to keep it lush and vibrant.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by: <\/strong>Rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Drought tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate<\/li>
- Spreads by: <\/strong>Rhizomes<\/li>
- Spreads by: <\/strong>Has a bunch-type growth habit<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Rhizomes<\/li>
- Spreads by: <\/strong>Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Buffalograss<\/a><\/li>