BERMUDA GRASS (Cynodon dactylon)


 This grass is moderately tolerant of heat, poor soil, alkalinity, salt and heavy traffic. It is fairly
 tolerant to dry conditions. Insect and disease resistance are generally good. However, Bermuda grass
 also requires frequent mowing and nitrogen fertilization. It needs full sun for best performance and
 spreads rapidly.
 Common Bermuda grass makes a fairly presentable lawn
when given reasonable care. This grass is established by seeding.
Common Bermuda grass needs to be mowed often to a I-inch
height to prevent formation of seed heads.
 Hybrid Bermuda grasses are often used for high-quality
 lawns. They are only established vegetatively so they must be
 sodded or planted from sprigs or plugs spaced 6 to 12 inches apart.
 The hybrids also require more nitrogen fertilization. Tifway,
 Tiflawn, and Tif green are three of the most common hybrid
 varieties.

 BAHIA GRASS (Paspalum notatum) .. *

 This is a low-growing perennial that spreads by short heavy
runners. It is established by seeding. In areas of poor soils bahia grass
will make a reasonable substitute for Bermuda grass. It tolerates Bermuda Grass
little salt but is relatively free from insects and diseases, and is
somewhat drought and wear resistant This grass needs to be mowed weekly during the rainy season
and every other week during the dry season to 2 inches high with a sharp mower to cut off tough seed
heads.

ZOYSIA GRASS (Zoysia species)

 If you want a smooth, even-textured lawn that is really tough, this is the grass for you. It
withstands wear, tolerates partial shade and is subject to little disease and insect damage. It gets by on
normal watering, does not take over planted beds, and is thick enough to crowd out weeds and other
grasses. However, there are two drawbacks: Zoysia grass is difficult and slow to establish by seeding.
Plugs may take at least a full year to cover an area completely, even when planted close (6 inches apart).
This grass needs to be mowed about 3/4 to I-inch high.

ST. AUGUSTINE GRASS (Stenotaphrum secundatum)

This grass thrives in both sunny and partial shady locations. It makes a thick sod, is coarse in texture,
and tolerates traffic fairly well. Best growth is with ample water in a fertile, well-drained soil. But St.
Augustine grass is hardy and will persist in salty soils.
 Unfortunately, St Augustine grass is susceptible to brown patch, heat spot, chinch bugs and
white grubs. This grass is not easily established by seeding; you will need to sod or plant from sprigs
or plugs at 12 inches apart. Mow to a height of 2 or 3 inches. St. Augustine eventually gets very thick
and must be dethatched on a regular basis.