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Lawn Bowls in the US: The Sport,...<\/a><\/div><\/div>
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Best Grass Types and Some Grass Alternatives<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div>
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- Tall Fescue<\/a><\/li>
- St. Augustinegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Bermudagrass<\/a><\/li>
- Zoysiagrass<\/a><\/li>
- Grass Alternatives<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Tall Fescue<\/strong><\/h2>
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Tall Fescue
Photo Credit: Aaron J. Patton, Ph.D.<\/a> \/ Turfgrass Extension Specialist at Purdue University<\/figcaption><\/figure>Although tall fescue is a cool-season grass<\/a>, it\u2019s a popular choice in Southern California and Riverside because it tolerates heat and remains green throughout the year. <\/p>
Tall fescue also is highly adaptable and can thrive in various soil types, including compacted and salty soils. Its drought tolerance also makes it well-suited to Riverside\u2019s semi-arid climate, requiring less water than many other grass types.<\/p>
See Related:<\/strong> Tall Fescue Lawn Maintenance Guide<\/a><\/p>
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>St. Augustine<\/strong>grass<\/h2>
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St. Augustinegrass
Photo Credit: Stickpen<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ Public Domain<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>St. Augustine is a warm-season grass<\/a> that\u2019s an excellent choice for lawns with partial or even heavy shade. This grass is well-suited for Riverside\u2019s semi-arid climate, as it\u2019s not ideal for areas with harsh winters but can handle the milder winters in Southern California. In fact, it stays green longer than Bermudagrass during the cooler months. <\/p>
However, this grass does have its limitations. If your lawn experiences a lot of foot traffic, whether from kids, pets, or outdoor activities, St. Augustine may struggle to hold up over time.<\/p>
See Related: <\/strong>
— How to Care for St. Augustinegrass<\/a>
— Best Fertilizers for St. Augustinegrass<\/a><\/p>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>Bermudagrass<\/strong><\/h2>
![\"Bermuda](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_4080038677_f1faf335b3_c.jpg\")
Bermudagrass
Photo Credit: Matt Levin<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Bermudagrass is a top contender for Riverside lawns because it is one of the most resilient and adaptable grass types. It has a high tolerance for heat, drought, salinity, and heavy foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for busy yards with kids, pets, or outdoor activities.<\/p>
However, Bermudagrass does have its drawbacks. It turns brown during colder temperatures, so it won\u2019t stay green throughout the winter. Additionally, it doesn\u2019t tolerate shade well, making it less ideal if your yard includes a few orange trees or other sources of shade.<\/p>
See Related: <\/strong>
— Bermudagrass Guide: Types, Traits, and Care<\/a>
— Best Fertilizers for Bermuagrass<\/a>
— How and When to Fertilize Bermudagrass Lawns<\/a><\/p>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>Zoysiagrass<\/strong><\/h2>
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Zoysiagrass
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Zoysiagrass is a warm-season grass that\u2019s a great choice for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance lawn. With its high drought tolerance, low nitrogen needs, and minimal pest problems, Zoysia requires less time and effort to keep it looking its best.<\/p>
This grass also has the advantage of withstanding partial shade, making it a versatile option for lawns with a mix of sun and shade. However, Zoysia does not tolerate cold temperatures and goes dormant during winter, which can be off-putting for some Riverside homeowners.<\/p>
See Related: <\/strong>
— Growing Zoysiagrass: Everything You Need to Know<\/a>
— How Much Water Does Zoysiagrass Need?<\/a>
— How and When to Fertilize Zoysiagrass<\/a><\/p>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>Grass Alternatives<\/strong><\/h2>
![\"clump](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/clovers-1.jpg\")
Clover
Photo Credit: brick red<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-ND 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>With California facing ongoing drought conditions, it\u2019s worth considering alternatives to traditional turfgrasses, which require significant amounts of water. Before committing to a grass type, explore these eco-friendly and water-wise options:<\/p>
- Native ground covers<\/strong>: Options like beach strawberry, Kurapia, and common yarrow are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and can create a lush, green look without the water demands of turfgrass.<\/li>
- California native grasses<\/a>: Grasses like blue grama and California fescue are well-adapted to the region\u2019s climate and require less water than traditional lawns.<\/li>
- Xeriscaping<\/strong>: This landscaping approach replaces grass with drought-tolerant plants, rocks, and mulch, reducing water usage while maintaining visual appeal.<\/li>
- Clover lawns<\/strong>: Clover is a low-growing plant that stays green with less water, fixes nitrogen in the soil, and creates a soft, walkable surface.<\/li> <\/ul>
See Related:<\/strong>
— Should You Plant a Clover Lawn in California?<\/a>
— Can a Clover Lawn Grow in Southern California?<\/a>
— Native Plants for California<\/a>
— What is Xeriscaping? It’s Drought-Friendly Landscaping<\/a>
— Xeriscaping Ideas for Your Yard<\/a><\/p>Find the Perfect Grass for Riverside<\/h2>
Choosing the right grass \u2014 or even a grass alternative \u2014 is essential for maintaining a beautiful and sustainable lawn in Riverside\u2019s climate. If you\u2019re unsure which option is best for your yard, we can help.<\/p>
Visit our Riverside lawn care<\/a> page to get in touch with a professional. In addition to Riverside, we provide lawn care services in other California<\/a> cities, including Los Angeles<\/a>, Sacramento<\/a>, and Fresno<\/a>.<\/p>
Read More Next:<\/strong>
— Best Types of Grass for California<\/a>
— When to Fertilize Your Lawn in California<\/a>
— Southern California Landscape Ideas for Your Yard<\/a>
— Common California Weeds<\/a>
— California’s Green Lawn Care Law: How It Affects You<\/a><\/p>LawnStarter participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. LawnStarter earns revenue from products promoted in this article.<\/em> <\/p>
Main Image Credit: Photo of a lawn mowed by a LawnStarter Pro in Riverside, CA<\/p>
Related Posts:<\/h2>
- California native grasses<\/a>: Grasses like blue grama and California fescue are well-adapted to the region\u2019s climate and require less water than traditional lawns.<\/li>
- St. Augustinegrass<\/a><\/li>
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