In this blog post Top 6 Grass Types For Louisiana, This guide will show the best six grass types for Louisiana’s weather. These grass types help create a green lawn all year. Learn about Bahiagrass and Zoysiagrass. Find out how to care for them and where they grow best.
Grasses like Bermudagrass1 and Centipedegrass1 in Louisiana love the warm, humid weather. They turn brown in winter but bounce back in spring. Fescue and Ryegrass are cool-season types that stay green all year. Choose a grass that matches Louisiana’s long, hot summers and mild winters.
Introduction to Grass Types in Louisiana
Lawns in Louisiana are split into warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses. Warm-season grasses love hot, humid weather. They come from tropical or subtropical areas. Usually, these grasses go dormant and brown in winter. Cool-season grasses, though, keep their green all year but are not common in Louisiana. The state’s summers are too hot for them.
It’s key to know about these two types when picking grass for a Louisiana yard. Warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass and Centipedegrass do well in the state’s heat. On the other hand, cool-season grasses such as Fescue and Ryegrass need cooler weather. They’re not very good for Louisiana’s climate.
Paying attention to what makes warm-season and cool-season grasses different helps. It helps homeowners and gardeners in Louisiana choose the best grass. The fact that mostly warm-season grasses are seen shows they fit well here. They’re usually the top pick for Louisiana lawns.
Warm-Season vs. Cool-Season Grasses
In Louisiana, grasses are divided into two main types: warm-season and cool-season.1 Warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass and Centipedegrass love the heat.1 They grow well in the hot, humid summers but go dormant in winter. On the other side, cool-season grasses prefer cooler weather. Grasses like Fescue and Ryegrass stay green all year in Louisiana’s milder winters.
Understanding the Differences
Warm-season grasses are perfect for Louisiana’s summers and mild winters. The state’s subtropical climate and high humidity help these grasses thrive year-round. This benefits varieties such as Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, carpetgrass, and more.
Importance of Climate Considerations
Picking the right grass for a Louisiana lawn means considering the weather. Cool-season types like Turf-Type Fescue are good for the north’s shade. But, they might not do well in the south’s hot, humid weather. In contrast, warm-season grasses do better in Louisiana’s heat and mild winters.
Bahiagrass: A Durable and Adaptable Choice
Bahiagrass stands out for Louisiana’s lawns. Its key features include being strong, fitting in well, and needing less care. This grass loves the hot weather, high humidity, and a lot of rain that Louisiana gets. It’s known for its medium green shade, rough feel, and how fast it spreads.
Characteristics and Benefits
This type of grass, Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum Flugge), thrives in places like Louisiana. It also does well in Mississippi, Alabama, southern Georgia, and Florida. The Pensacola kind, with its long, narrow leaves, is very common. People plant it a lot for animals to eat and for making hay in Louisiana. Coming from Argentina, the Argentine Bahiagrass has fewer seed heads. But, its plants and seeds are bigger, and there’s a risk of ergot with this type.
Maintenance Requirements
Unlike some grasses, Bahiagrass is easy to take care of. It doesn’t need a lot of cutting or food, but it should be cut often during the warmer months. It’s in the middle for how much work it needs, being cut often, and liking soil between 5.5 and 6.5 in pH.
Seed Options
In Louisiana, Pensacola and Argentine Bahiagrass seeds are popular. Tifton 9, which came out in 1987, is a Pensacola Bahia grass type with special features. It has longer leaves, grows strong when young, is easy to eat, and handles the cold the same way Pensacola does.
UF-Riata is good because its leaves are better at resisting the cold. It also makes more food in the cooler months than most Bahia grasses. AU Sand Mountain is tough in the winter, allowing Bahia grass to grow in areas further north. TifQuik sprouts fast, makes more food, and shows up quicker than other Bahia grass types.
Bermudagrass: The Southern Staple
Known by many names, including Bahama grass, and dog’s tooth grass, Bermudagrass is very popular in the South. It’s perfect for places like Louisiana with a subtropical climate. This grass can handle a lot of walking on and grows back fast. Due to its fast growth, Bermudagrass doesn’t mind the dry and hot summers in Louisiana.
Resilience and Fast Growth
A big plus of Bermudagrass is its strong and quick-growing nature. It stands up well to a lot of use and the heat and humidity this area is known for.
Potential Drawbacks
Even though Bermudagrass grows well, it can spread too much into places you don’t want it to. It might take over flower beds or your neighbor’s lawn if you’re not careful.
Homeowners need to work hard to control it by mowing often and using barriers.
Carpetgrass: A Low-Maintenance Option
Carpetgrass is a great pick for Coastal and Southern Louisiana. The area is warm and humid, perfect for this type of grass. Known as Louisianagrass, it does well in the region’s varied soil conditions.
Carpetgrass needs about one inch of water every week. This keeps it looking healthy, though it’s not very good at withstanding drought. It forms a dense and green lawn that is light to medium in thickness.
It’s best to plant Carpetgrass by seeding in warm, humid climates. This includes the Gulf Coast area, where it thrives.
Ideal for Coastal and Southern Regions
This grass is found from Arkansas to Virginia and from East Texas to Florida. It’s common in Coastal and Southern Louisiana. Narrowleaf carpetgrass is great for lawns needing to look good. However, broadleaf carpetgrass is rough and spreads quickly, often seen as a weed.
Soil and Water Requirements
Carpetgrass likes low-fertility, sandy soils with a pH of 5-6. It also does well in wet areas that don’t drain much. For every 1,000 square feet of grass, it needs just 1/2 to 1 pound of nitrogen for fertilization.
Carpetgrass doesn’t stay green for long periods like other grasses. It goes dormant quickly in fall and takes its time to green up in spring.
The seeds for this grass cost from $12 to $22 per pound. You should use about 2 pounds for every 1,000 square feet you’re covering.
Mow carpetgrass to 2 inches or less, and don’t let it grow taller than 2½ inches. It’s also important to keep thatch under 1/2 inch. A power rake can help if it gets too thick.
Top 6 Grass Types for Louisiana
In Louisiana, you’ll find Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, and Carpetgrass. Also, don’t forget Centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and Zoysiagrass.
Centipedegrass: Thriving in Heat and Humidity
Centipedegrass loves the heat and humidity. It makes a dense, green lawn slowly. Yet, it’s perfect for both commercial and home settings in Louisiana.
St. Augustinegrass: Versatile and Resilient
St. Augustinegrass can handle many climates and soil types. This makes it a top pick for the state’s lawns. It’s good in the shade and has wide leaves.
Zoysiagrass: Dense and Eye-Catching
Zoysiagrass stands out with its dense, carpet-like look. It’s great for high-traffic areas and bounces back from damage fast. You’ll have less to mow with this grass, and it’s okay with a bit of shade.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Grass Type
Choosing the right grass type for Louisiana lawns involves looking at several factors. You should think about shade tolerance, resistance to drought, how well it handles foot traffic and general maintenance. Each of these plays a big role in picking the best grass for your yard.
Shade Tolerance
Grasses like Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass do well in lots of sunlight. But they may not grow as successfully in the shade. St. Augustinegrass and some types of Fescue are better at handling less sunlight.
Drought Resistance
For Louisiana’s hot, dry weather, you might want a drought-resistant grass. Bahiagrass and Bermudagrass are good choices for this. They need less water compared to other types. But grasses that need more water might need extra care.
Foot Traffic Tolerance
Think about how much foot traffic your lawn gets. Some grasses, including Zoysiagrass and Bermudagrass, can handle a lot of use. However, if your lawn doesn’t see much activity, St. Augustinegrass could be a better fit.
Maintenance Requirements
Your willingness to put in time for mowing, fertilizing, and caring for pests and diseases is key. Centipedegrass and Carpetgrass don’t need as much upkeep. They can be good choices if you prefer lower-maintenance grasses.
Establishing a Healthy Lawn
To get a healthy lawn in Louisiana, start by preparing the soil well. Test the soil, add necessary nutrients, and tweak the pH for the right grass type. You can then either sow seeds or lay sod, depending on what you prefer and your schedule.
Soil Preparation
The first vital step is to test the soil. This helps ensure your lawn starts off on the right foot by knowing its pH, nutrient levels, and more. Add the right fertilizers, organic matter, and such to boost drainage, aeration, and nutrient access.
Seeding or Sodding
After soil prep, you can seed or sod your lawn. Seeding lets you pick your grass type but it takes time to fill out. Sodding gives you an instant lawn but costs more. No matter your choice, stick to the best techniques for a healthy, durable landscape.
FAQ
What are the top 6 grass types for Louisiana?
In Louisiana, Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Carpetgrass, Centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and Zoysiagrass are top choices.
What is the difference between warm-season and cool-season grasses?
Warm-season grasses like the heat and go dormant in winter. Cool-season grasses stay green year-round. Louisiana’s weather suits warm-season types best.
Why is Bahiagrass a good choice for Louisiana lawns?
Bahiagrass fits well in Louisiana due to its toughness and ease of care. It stands up to heat, humidity, and lots of rain naturally.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of Bermudagrass?
Bermudagrass is strong and can handle droughts well. It can be too aggressive and overtake areas if not kept in check.
Where is Carpetgrass best suited in Louisiana?
Carpetgrass thrives in the warm, humid areas of Coastal and Southern Louisiana. It does well in acidic soil and needs regular watering to look its best.
What other grass types are well-suited for Louisiana lawns?
Centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and Zoysiagrass join Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, and Carpetgrass as great choices for Louisiana. They each have special traits and care needs.
What factors should be considered when choosing a grass type for a Louisiana lawn?
Think about how much shade the grass can tolerate, how well it resists drought, its ability to handle foot traffic, and how much work it needs. Pick a grass that matches your area and lifestyle.
How do you establish a healthy lawn in Louisiana?
To start a good lawn in Louisiana, prepare the soil right. Test it and fix any problems before planting. You can use seeds or sod, but make sure to follow the best methods for your choice.