Drought-Tolerant Grass for Florida

Drought

• Drought is basically defined as a period of low precipitation. A more lengthy definition says that the low precipitation is prolonged over months and maybe even years. Drought has an impact on far more than what is planted in your garden. It impacts water supplies and raises the level of fire danger. All parts of Florida can be impacted by drought but water-use restrictions are determined by individual water management districts. It’s important to know the restrictions in your area and to follow them when irrigating your Florida lawn.

Bahia Grass

• Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum Flugge), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10, while not the most popular grass in Florida -- that award goes to St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10 -- is nevertheless widely used in the home landscape. Chosen for its low-maintenance qualities, it is one grass to consider when seeking a drought-tolerant lawn. A warm-season grass, Bahia grass produces a deep and extensive root system that is able to seek out moisture in a wide area. Since it thrives best in acidic soils, this grass is best suited to growing in central Florida, although homeowners in most areas of the state, except coastal regions, can grow it. Disadvantages include tall seed heads and intolerance to shade and traffic.

Centipede Grass

• Centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack), hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10, was introduced into the United States from Asia in the early 20th century. It is adapted to central and northern Florida as well as the fine, sandy soils in southeastern Florida, and is the most commonly grown grass in the Panhandle. Centipede grass is the choice of many homeowners for its ability to grow in poor soils and those with a pH between 4.5 and 6.5. The best cultivar for homeowners that live south of Orlando is “Hammock,” developed by the University of Florida and sold only as sod through one company: Environmental Turf.

Watering Tips

• Both Bahia grass and centipede grass require little water but will thrive with ½ to ¾ inches of water during an application. Apply the higher rate if the grass is being grown in fine, sandy soil. In the Florida Keys and southeast Florida, give the grass ¼ inch of water. Turf specialists with the University of Florida caution about overwatering the lawn and to apply water only if the lawn shows signs of stress, such as wilting, footprints that remain when you walk across the lawn or if it turns a blue-gray color.