Options to Growing Healthy Grass in Texas

Zoysia Grass

• Zoysia is a warm-weather grass that provides a healthy lawn in Texas. It is a particularly good choice for the areas of the state that don't receive a lot of rainfall because it is drought resistant. Zoysia can tolerate prolonged arid periods because it has deep roots that draw water from beneath the ground surface. Zoysia makes for an eye-catching lawn with an attractive green color. It will turn to a brownish straw color during long periods when it does not receive water. Zoysia has the ability to tolerate high temperatures, but is also more cold hardy than other warm-weather grasses. This makes it a good choice for lawns in North Texas. Zoysia is also good at adapting to different kinds of soils.

Buffalo Grass

• Buffalo grass is native to the Great Plains, including areas of Texas. Originally it served as a source of food for buffalo and was used by settlers to build houses made of sod. It has since been converted into a lawn grass with a distinctive bluish-green color. A warm-weather grass, it has the ability to tolerate high temperatures and drought conditions. It also grows low to the ground and requires little maintenance.

Bermuda Grass

• Often found on lawns, golf courses and sports fields in Texas, Bermuda grass is durable and is a fast-growing grass that spreads with above-ground shoots and underground rhizomes. It can be grown from seed, sod or sprigs. It tolerates high temperatures and drought. An invasive grass that will overtake other grasses in the area, Bermuda has an attractive green color for the entire year in the warmest parts of Texas. Bermuda also grows well in soil with salt, making it a good choice for lawns along the Gulf Coast.

Tall Fescue

• Tall fescue is a cool-season grass used for lawns in Northern Texas and the Dallas area. It has the ability to tolerate different kinds of soil and also grows in shaded areas. It is fairly drought tolerant, although watering may be required during extreme dry periods. Considered a good grass for general lawn use, it will stay green throughout the year if it is not exposed to severe cold. Tall fescue does not require a lot of maintenance and is fairly durable.