The Best Grass Seed for the South

Middle South

• Bermuda Grass is the most popular warm-season grass grown in the Southern U.S., from the middle south down. It originally came to the Western Hemisphere from Africa and was introduced to the United States from Bermuda. Bermuda grass can grow deep roots at 24 inches under the soil, but can extend these roots down to 60 inches below ground for drought situations. It thrives in areas with more then 16 inches of annual rainfall; however, it can be damaged if the temperatures reach cooler levels, close to the cool-season grass zone.

Upper South

• Zoysiagrass is a cold-tolerant warm-season grass. Zoysiagrass' cold tolerance allows it to be used in the cooler regions of the South. Native to Asia, zoysiagrass performs well in the hot South because of its high drought tolerance. It is also a strong lawn grass because it can withstand daily traffic. It also tolerates the shade well and salty areas, making it common along the coastal areas of the United States. Zoysiagrass requires well-drained soil and does not reproduce quickly. If a section of your zoysiagrass dies, it may take some time for the lawn to patch itself.

Gulf Coast

• St. Augustine grass is a common grass around the Gulf Coast region. St. Augustine grass can tolerate the hot temperatures of the South very well and thrives in partial-shade areas better then most warm-season grasses. If you have a high amount of traffic on your lawn, consider using a different species because this grass does not hold up well.

Southern Plains

• Buffalo Grass is a warm-season grass found across America's plains, such as in Texas. It thrives in full sun, but can have as little as six hours of sun each day. It is heat- and drought-tolerant because during times of high heat or drought it can become dormant until it cools or rains. It is a low-maintenance grass, requiring only 1 to 2 lbs. of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year.