Erosion Control Grass Seeding & Sand

Bermudagrass

• Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is a warm season perennial grass used in southern areas of the U.S. It grows best in tropical and subtropical climates with extended periods of high temperatures and mild winters, turning brown in temperatures under 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It is often used on golf courses, sports fields and parks. Bermudagrass grows well in heavy clay soils as well as deep sands and produces a fibrous root system with deep rhizomes that help to prevent erosion. It can also withstand drought well, producing numerous seeds to propagate itself, according to Texas A&M horticulturalist Richard L. Duble.

Seashore Paspalum

• A warm season turfgrass that is especially adapted for areas near the ocean that see heavy salt spray, seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) has an aggressive, spreading growth habit that makes it a good choice for preventing erosion on dunes and other sandy areas, according to the University of Florida turf specialist George Ralish. It has excellent drought tolerance and can withstand saltwater emersion without damage. Seashore paspalum will go dormant at 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

American Beachgrass

• American beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata) is a plant that spreads quickly through underground rhizomes that make many new plants to form a dense matte in sandy dune environments. Though often planted in culms of already-established plants, American beachgrass produces numerous heavy seeds that take root in conditions of sufficient moisture. This grass will tolerate intense sunlight and drying winds.

American Dunegrass

• Another type of grass often found in beach areas, American dunegrass (Leymus mollis) is a cool season grass native to salt spray areas and sand dunes. It can grow to 6-feet tall, forming clumps along coastal dunes and beach areas and is a useful grass for soil stabilization and forage. It produces inconspicuous yellow flowers and brown fruit seeds. This grass will die back under stress but regrows when conditions become favorable, according to the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Management site.

Sand Bluestem Grass

• Often used for livestock areas, Sand bluestem grass (Andropogon hallii) is a good choice for sandy soils, creeping along the ground with scaly rhizomes. A warm season, perennial grass, it can grow to 8-feet tall. It is a high-producing grass on sandy areas, suitable for forage.