PRACTICAL TURF AREAS

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PRACTICAL TURF AREAS - Principle #4

Grass requires more water and maintenance than any other part of the landscape. Mowing, fertilizing, and watering a lawn can take many hours of work each week. Consider the following guidelines for Xeriscape lawns.

 

Lawn Size and Location

Limit lawn areas to an appropriate and practical size to decrease water and maintenance costs. Lawn areas are desirable for recreational sports and some pets. However, many lawns that exist primarily for visual beauty could be replaced with other attractive alternatives.  

 

Landscape Alternatives

There are many attractive alternatives to planting traditional grass areas. Consider planting beds such as shrubs, perennials and ground covers that use less water and are able to maintain a green appearance in a landscape. Mulch beds can be used in limited areas such as around driveways, pet and service areas or paths to discourage weed growth and reduce evaporation and erosion. Additionally, decks, patios and walkways expand outdoor living areas and require less maintenance than lawns, and watering a lawn can take many hours of work each week. Consider the following guidelines for Xeriscape lawns.  

 

Choose the Best Grass

Grasses, which are drought tolerant, become dormant and turn brown when not watered. Drought tolerant lawns may not be green during a drought, but will survive and turn green after the next rainfall or watering. You should consider the amount of sunlight and the intended use of the grass before choosing a particular variety.  

 

Warm Season Grasses

Buffalo grass is a native prairie grass that reaches a maximum height of six to twelve inches and can be left to grow naturally without mowing. Buffalo grass requires minimal irrigation, fertilization and pesticides resulting in lower maintenance costs. Buffalo grass requires a minimum of six hours of sun per day and may require one to two years to establish from seed. 'Prairie' buffalo grass variety is a dense, fine-textured grass with low growth and excellent cold, heat and drought tolerance. The '609' buffalo grass variety has the same characteristics as 'Prairie," but it maintains a darker blue-green color and, like Bermuda grass, has limited shade tolerance. Both 'Prairie' and '609' are available in sod, sprigs or plugs. Watch for improved varieties to enter the market such as the new 'Stampede' semi-dwarf buffalo grass.

 

Bermuda grass is the most commonly used drought tolerant grass in Texas. It is available as seed or sod and requires full sun. Look for hybrid species such as 'Tifway' and "Tifdwarf", that are available in sod, sprigs and plugs. The hybrids are not as drought tolerant as seeded common Bermuda grass.

 

Zoysia grass is a slow growing grass for full sun to partial shade. It is available in sod. Look for 'Emerald' or 'Meyer' varieties, or the new 'El Toro' or 'ZoyBoy' selections. Zoysia grasses are less drought tolerant than buffalo or Bermuda grasses.

 

St. Augustine grass is best for use in shady spots. It is available as sod or plugs. When grown in full sun, it has the highest water need of the grasses listed here.  

 

TIP

What makes a turf more drought tolerant? In general, the deeper a grass's roots, the more drought tolerant it will be as it seeks for moisture in deeper levels of the soil. Typically, lawns are kept from reaching their potential root depth due to poor irrigation and mowing practices. Watering less frequently but thoroughly promotes deeper rooting and improves drought tolerance.

 

Grass	Root Depth
Buffalo	5 - 7 feet
Bermuda	to 5 feet
Zoysia	to 5 feet
St. Augustine	8 - 18 inches

 

 

Review Xeriscape Principle No. 7 where proper maintenance of lawns is featured.

 

Principle #4 Points Covered

 

Limit lawn areas to reduce water use and maintenance

Consider drought tolerant turf

Use landscape alternatives to reduce water use, i.e., shrubs, perennials and ground cover

 

 

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