How to Select Turf Grass

Dig ten 6 inch holes in your yard and collect 1/2 cup of soil from the bottom of each hole. Place the soil samples into a bucket and mix. Place 1/2 cup of the mixed soil in a container, seal and send to your local cooperative extension office for a complete soil analysis. The results will be mailed to you in a few weeks with recommendations on the type of turfgrass to choose for your soil's pH range. Growing grass outside of its preferred pH range will result in unhealthy grass.

Draw a diagram of your lawn. Monitor the amount of sunlight your lawn receives in a day. It is important to grow grass in areas where its sunlight requirements are met. For example, St. Augustine grass grows well in shady areas where bahia grass may die.

Indicate on your diagram the amount of wear your grass generally experiences or foot traffic. Areas around flowerbeds or swimming pools get a lot of foot traffic. In addition, if you have children or pets, the grass will experience a lot of wear. Bermuda grass is an excellent choice for yards that get a lot of use, while centipede grass will exhibit bare spots in high-use areas.

Dig a 6-inch hole in the yard and check the soil at the bottom to see if it is sandy. Grab some and squeeze to see if it crumbles in the hand, to indicate that it is sandy. Drought-tolerant grasses like Bermuda grass can be grown in sandy soils. Bluegrass needs frequent watering or will not be able to grow in dry or well-draining soil.

Examine your lawn for pests. Dig several holes to see what type of pests live in your soil. Choose a grass that is resilient against pests if you see insects such as army worms, mole crickets or grass loopers. St. Augustine grass has problems combating these pests. Zoysia grass has few pest problems and can be used in yards that are full of insects without showing signs of stress.