- St. Augustinegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Zoysiagrass<\/a><\/li>
- Bahiagrass<\/a><\/li>
- Bermudagrass<\/a><\/li>
- How to Choose the Best Grass for Your Miami Lawn<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
St. Augustinegrass<\/h2>
![\"St.](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_800px-stenotaphrum_secundatum_variegatum-1-the_regent_hill-yercaud-salem-india.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Yercaud-elango<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Hands down, St. Augustinegrass is the most favored type of grass for Miami lawns. Its status comes down to its tendency to grow like a weed without resembling one\u2014that is, it springs up faster than you can blink. It\u2019s one of the most chosen South Florida grass types because it hates the cold, and it\u2019s not particularly fond of shade but will tolerate it.<\/p>
St. Augustinegrass<\/a>, known scientifically as Stenotaphrum secundatum<\/em>, is loved for its heat and drought tolerance. Perhaps even more importantly, it\u2019s not bothered by extreme salt levels. You also have an impressive variety of St. Augustinegrass cultivars from which to choose.<\/p>
Floratam is the most popular type of St. Augustinegrass, but it doesn\u2019t do well in the cold. Palmetto is dense, richly green, and short enough that you don\u2019t need to mow more than a few times a month. Seville has fine blades and a dense growth pattern. Though it\u2019s sensitive to chilly temperatures, it\u2019s tolerant of both sun and shade.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons<\/li>
- Shade Tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>
- Drought Tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate; irrigation required during prolonged drought<\/li>
- Foot Traffic Tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>
- Maintenance Needs:<\/strong> High<\/li>
- Mowing Height:<\/strong> 3.5-4 inches for standard cultivars; 2.5 inches for most dwarf cultivars<\/li>
- Potential for Disease:<\/strong> Moderate to high; susceptible to large patch, gray leaf spot, patch, and take-all root rot<\/li> <\/ul>
Grass Plug Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Seed Ranch St Augustine Seville Grass Plugs<\/a> (2 Trays)
\u2013 Seed Ranch St Augustine Floratam Grass Plugs<\/a> (2 Trays) <\/p>Zoysiagrass<\/h2>
![\"Zoysiagrass](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/zoysiagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Originally introduced from Asia, Zoysiagrass is considered to be one of the most attractive turf grasses grown throughout the southern states. What makes it more attractive to most homeowners is its slow-growth rate, meaning less time spent behind the mower.<\/p>
Zoysiagrass<\/a> is also very resistant to foot traffic, making it a good choice if you\u2019re someone who has a lot of activity in your yard. Its salt tolerance is another reason why this is an ideal grass to grow on Miami lawns.<\/p>
Cultivars such as El Toro and Palisades are good choices if you’re looking for a drought-tolerant lawn that doesn\u2019t turn brown. El Toro also establishes faster than other cultivars while Palisades is known for its shade tolerance and good overall disease resistance.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade Tolerance:<\/strong> Low to moderate<\/li>
- Drought Tolerance:<\/strong> Moderate; will go dormant quickly during extended drought periods; consider El Toro and Palisades cultivars for good drought tolerance.<\/li>
- Foot Traffic Tolerance:<\/strong> High; slow recovery<\/li>
- Maintenance Needs:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>
- Mowing Height:<\/strong> 1-2.5 inches<\/li>
- Potential for Disease:<\/strong> Low to moderate; rust, large patch, and dollar spot<\/a> are common<\/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)<\/p>Bahiagrass<\/h2>
![\"Bahiagrass\"](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_24854989872_453b8a1dc0_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 3.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> Bahiagrass is a Brazilian grass that does well in the southern region of the United States due to its ability to thrive in sandy soil. It\u2019s usually the preferred grass for pastures, but these days, it\u2019s also an up-and-comer in the world of residential lawns. That\u2019s mainly due to its versatility. Like St. Augustinegrass, there are several types of bahiagrass perfect for lawns in Miami.<\/p>
Argentine bahiagrass is perhaps best for a yard in the city. It\u2019s tolerant of the cold, and it\u2019s able to resist the diseases and problems that typically plague sod. In fact, it\u2019s even resistant to insects. Care for it properly, and the grass grows in thick, giving off a dark, verdant color. However, Pensacola is a close second, and it\u2019s an apt pick for any lawn in Florida.<\/p>
That\u2019s not to say that bahiagrass<\/a> is impervious to problems. Try to avoid salt water and don\u2019t lay down the sod in high-traffic areas. Pay attention to which type of grass you get, as well. Some are tolerant of the cold while others can easily withstand a drought.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade Tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Drought Tolerance:<\/strong> High; will go dormant in periods of extended drought<\/li>
- Foot Traffic Tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Maintenance Needs:<\/strong> Low; frequent mowing of seedheads during the growing season<\/li>
- Mowing Height:<\/strong> 3-4 inches<\/li>
- Potential for Disease:<\/strong> Low<\/li> <\/ul>
Grass Seed Options <\/strong>
Pensacola Bahiagrass:
\u2013 Scotts Turf Builder Pensacola Bahiagrass<\/a> (5 lb. bag)
\u2013 Hancock Seed Co. Pensacola Bahiagrass Seed<\/a> (5 lb. bag)
\u2013 SeedRanch Pensacola Bahiagrass Seed<\/a> (10 lb. bag)
Argentine Bahiagrass:
\u2013 Scotts Turf Builder Argentine Bahiagrass<\/a> (10 lb. bag)
\u2013 Hancock Seed Co. Argentine Bahiagrass Seed Mix<\/a> (25 lb. bag)<\/p>Bermudagrass <\/h2>
![\"Bermudagrass](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bermudagrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 3.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> Bermudagrass is one of the most used warm-season grasses in the South due to its high wear and drought tolerance. You\u2019re also likely to see this grass along coastal athletic fields and golf courses because of its salt tolerance. While common Bermudagrass cultivars are used along roadsides, there are improved cultivars that give that fine-textured lawn look.<\/p>
With Bermudagrass<\/a>, your lawn will have a nice medium to dark green color that gives the aesthetically pleasing look of a picket-fence front yard. It is also one of the most drought-tolerant grasses and loves full sun. The sun, drought, and salt tolerance of this grass make it a perfect pick for coastal lawns in Miami.<\/p>
PremierPRO, not to be confused with the computer software, is a fine-textured hybrid Bermudagrass fit specifically for South Florida. Celebration is another variety that has good traffic tolerance and is slightly better suited for shade than other kinds of Bermudagrass.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade Tolerance:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Drought Tolerance:<\/strong> High<\/li>
- Foot Traffic Tolerance:<\/strong> High<\/li>
- Maintenance Needs:<\/strong> High<\/li>
- Mowing Height:<\/strong> 1-2 inches<\/li>
- Potential for Disease:<\/strong> High<\/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>How to Choose the Best Grass for Your Miami Lawn<\/h2>
Maintenance<\/h3>
Before settling on a grass type, it\u2019s important to consider how much work you want to dedicate to your lawn each week. Mowing, fertilizing, irrigation\u2026 these things add up. Think about the maintenance requirements of each grass before picking your forever lawn.<\/p>
High-maintenance: <\/strong><\/p>
- Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass<\/li> <\/ul>
Moderate maintenance: <\/strong><\/p>
- Zoysiagrass<\/li> <\/ul>
Low-maintenance: <\/strong><\/p>
- Bahiagrass<\/li> <\/ul>
Sun and Shade<\/h3>
It\u2019s no surprise that when choosing grass in Florida, the Sunshine State, you need to consider how much sun your yard receives. Or in some cases, how much shade. The grasses on this list all do well in the heat, but if you have a yard covered with tree shade, you\u2019ll want to make sure whatever grass you pick can handle it.<\/p>
Moderate shade tolerance:<\/strong><\/p>
- St. Augustine, Zoysiagrass (low to moderate)<\/li> <\/ul>
Low shade tolerance:<\/strong><\/p>
- Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass<\/li> <\/ul>
Foot Traffic<\/h3>
How much traffic do you get on your lawn? Do you host parties and outdoor gatherings in the summer<\/a>, or do you prefer a quiet lawn with limited activity? Certain grasses handle heavy foot traffic better than others.<\/p>
High traffic tolerance:<\/strong><\/p>
- Zoysiagrass, Bermudagrass<\/li> <\/ul>
Moderate traffic tolerance:<\/strong><\/p>
- St. Augustinegrass<\/li> <\/ul>
Low traffic tolerance:<\/strong><\/p>
- Bahiagrass<\/li> <\/ul>
Grass is the foundation for a lush Miami lawn, but from there, let your imagination take flight. Here are other resources to help you beautify your South Florida landscape:<\/p>
- How to Landscape With Palm Trees in Miami<\/a><\/li>
- How to Landscape Around a Pool in Miami<\/a><\/li>
- 47 Native Plants for Florida: Flowers, Shrubs, and Trees<\/a><\/li>
- Low-Maintenance Landscaping in Miami: 12 Ideas for Inspiration<\/a><\/li>
- What is Florida-Friendly Landscaping?<\/a><\/li>
- Florida-Friendly Landscaping Ideas<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
A Professional Helping Hand<\/h2>
You have a wealth of grass types to choose from as you prepare to sod or seed your Miami lawn. Think about your yard. What do you want to do with it? How\u2019s the soil? Think about those aspects as you get ready to put down a fresh green lawn in Miami.<\/p>
You don\u2019t have to make these choices alone. Call a local landscaping pro<\/a> to help pick out the best grass for South Florida and get your Miami lawn looking its absolute best.<\/p>
- How to Landscape Around a Pool in Miami<\/a><\/li>
- How to Landscape With Palm Trees in Miami<\/a><\/li>
- Bahiagrass<\/li> <\/ul>
- St. Augustinegrass<\/li> <\/ul>
- Zoysiagrass, Bermudagrass<\/li> <\/ul>
- Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass<\/li> <\/ul>
- St. Augustine, Zoysiagrass (low to moderate)<\/li> <\/ul>
- Bahiagrass<\/li> <\/ul>
- Zoysiagrass<\/li> <\/ul>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Rhizomes<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons<\/li>
- Zoysiagrass<\/a><\/li>