Maureen W – posted 05 August 2004 19:41
What are my logical options for Central Florida? I’d like a softer grass that isn’t high maintainence if possible. Also, if my neighbor already has a lawn from St. Augustine, how would it affect my choice—-since I wouldn’t want my new lawn to be over run. Thanks, Maureen
seed – posted 06 August 2004 10:46
These are great questions, Maureen. Also, “I hate St. Augustine” would a great title for a lawn book.
The finer grasses such as zoysia and bermuda have a place in heavier soil, and will require more care than St. Augustinegrass.
St. Augustinegrass encroachment can be easily prevented by placing a 4 X 4 board along the edge of your property and leave it to stick up a couple inches. As the runners try to leap over, you can rip them out. Few will try to go through the gaps or under the boards.
Phil
BaHateIt – posted 07 August 2004 13:06
I recommend Bermuda for Central Fl. It is dark green, thin bladed (dep. on the var.) and soft. It doesn’t grow as fast in height and is easy to mow.
Whatever you do, do not, I repeat DO NOT, use Bahia. You will be sorry if you do. Unless of course you like the look of highway grass and don’t mind mowing every 2 days.
BaHateIt – posted 07 August 2004 13:07
By the way, Bermuda will take over St. Aug.
Alex_in_FL – posted 08 August 2004 15:16
We should start a club! My feelings exactly.
I’d replace that chinchbug bait with Empire Zoysia. It is thick, soft, dark green, and easy to keep free of weeds. Needs mowing ever 6-10 days and sinks deep roots if you water it properly. You can use just about any weed killer on it. Might have to watch for billbugs but a dose of bifenthrin will put a hurting on them and they’ll leave your yard be.
Bermuda is also a good choice, I just don’t like it. You might be okay with bahia but I don’t like the tall stalks/seed heads.
I hear that astro turf is low maintenance…
Good luck.
Alex
(What did the guy that invented the drawing board go back to before he invented it???)
grassnut – posted 08 August 2004 21:13
I have always wondered why all the developers (or home builders) use St. Augustine as the default for lawns. Then the Home Owners Ass. gets bent out of shape if you want Bermuda. Heaven forbid that someone is different. I think the builders are in bed with St. Augustine Sod producers. I’m a Bermuda fan myself. It can easily be grown from seed (especially here in Texas) and it doesn’t cost you your first born.
y2buddy – posted 27 August 2004 04:41
I miss my St Aug grass