Tampa: Bahia, St. Augustine, Zoysia

GomerPyle – posted 05 November 2010 03:44

I live in the north Tampa area and have typically always had a lush green lawn (St. Augustine). On my rural block, I was pretty much the only one who had actual grass — virtually everyone’s lawn had been destroyed by cinch bugs, and any green there is new weed overgrowth that replaced the grass they once had.

Well, this year the cinch bugs got my lawn out front, and the armadillos finished it. The rear of my property is fine – still green and overall fairly healthy.

The front of the house gets far more sunlight than the rear.

I’ve been advised by my lawn care professional that my choices are either St. Augustine (again), Bahia, or Zoysia. I’m inclined to NOT get St. Augustine because of the high likelihood of a repeat with cinch bugs.

But… I have heard positives and negatives about all three grass types. I’d love to get some input from others who have experience with either of these types of grass, in similar situations.

Thanks in advance for your time and your help, Craig

GolfSuper – posted 24 March 2011 11:04

Craig,

Zoysia is a great option for a full-sun area. Depending on the cultivar, it can perform well under drought conditions also.

I have read that zoysia is not as prone to getting cinch bugs as St. Augustine.

-Perry Whaley Owner, ConsultantGreen Fairwayspwhaley@greenfairways.net