Looks aren’t the only item you should have on your list when considering which type of grass to use for your lawn in Florida. There are multiple factors to examine when making this decision. These factors include climate, soil type, pH levels, the amount of sunlight your lawn will get, maintenance requirements, and drought tolerance due to the dry spells that impact Panama City, Florida lawns.
Whether you are trying to save a lawn with brown spots or are considering new sod, take a moment to investigate Bay Area grass types to give your lawn the best opportunity to thrive.
As always, if you desire assistance, the experts at Arrow Pest Service are available to help you maintain a healthy, green yard all year, offering everything from pest control to lawn services.
Grass Types for Lawns in Panama City, Florida
The warm, humid climate of Bay County, Florida is an important consideration when choosing lawn grass. With our mild winters and humid summer heat, grass needs to be resilient in both hot and cold temperatures. Let’s look at the four most common grasses in northern Florida and highlight some of their key benefits:
St. Augustine Grass:
This grass type is lush, colorful, and holds up well against coastal salts. It thrives in both heat and humidity and endures shade well but is somewhat high maintenance in comparison to other grass types.
Centipede Grass:
Centipede grass is ideal for lawns with acidic pH, shady areas, and sandy soils. With reduced irrigation needs, it is a great low-maintenance option.
Bermuda Grass:
Golf courses frequently use Bermuda grass because it holds up to wear, so families with kids and pets often prefer this variety! As an added bonus it loves sunny areas and is drought tolerant. This grass type does however require frequent mowing and maintenance.
Zoysia Grass:
Zoysia grass is a popular warm-season grass known for its drought resistance, low maintenance, and ability to handle heavy foot traffic. It grows slowly but forms a thick, dense lawn that resists weeds. Spreading through stolons and rhizomes, Zoysia creates a lush, carpet-like surface, making it ideal for active families and warm-climate lawns.
Soil Types
The most common soils in Northwest Florida are of the sandy variety. While this means that they are well-draining it also means they lack nutrients. A simple soil test will help you determine the pH and nutrient levels of your soil, so you are armed with the information you need for proper lawn care.
Sunny versus Shady Lawn Areas
Chaiwat Photos
The amount of direct sunlight your lawn receives is also an important factor in deciding which type of lawn grass will be best for your yard. The information below will help you understand each grass type’s ideal sunlight exposure.
- Full Sun: Bermuda or Zoysia grass types
- Partial Shade: St. Augustine or Centipede grass types
- Heavy Shade: St. Augustine
Lawn Care Requirements
Here is a breakdown of the level of lawn care each lawn grass type needs.
- Low Maintenance: Low maintenance grass for lawns like centipede grass demands less mowing and general upkeep.
- Moderate Maintenance: Zoysia grass is a great example of a moderate maintenance grass type. Though it is drought tolerant and doesn’t require a ton of irrigation, it grows thick and can build up a layer of dead grass and roots. To keep your lawn healthy, remove this thatch when the grass is growing fastest, so it bounces back quickly.
- High Maintenance: Frequent watering, fertilization, and mowing place grass for lawns like St. Augustine and Bermuda Grass in the high maintenance category. These grass types, while beautiful, will require more work to maintain.
Drought Tolerance
Florida’s dry spells are an important consideration when choosing a grass type as well. Certain types of grass will need frequent irrigation to thrive, while others will not. If you prefer a more drought-tolerant lawn Zoysia grass is a great option for you. If you don’t mind keeping up a regular watering schedule, St. Augustine might be your preference.
Conclusion
Choosing lawn grass is an important decision. Not only are you deciding how your lawn will look but also how well it will thrive and how much work it will be to maintain. Balancing the factors discussed in this article will help you choose the grass type that is best for your yard.
To schedule lawn spraying, weed control, and any lawn care services you need, contact Arrow Pest Service at (850) 204-0318.