Turf Choices For Atlanta, Georgia

Jwhdrk1 – posted 07 January 2006 22:32

After reading earlier posts, it seems that centipede grass is supposed to be the best suited to the Atlanta area. Unfortunately, I’m not a big fan of centipede grass. Is there another type of grass/turf that does well here? I need something that can handle fairly heavy traffic and also does well in both sun and shade. Any suggestions?

tommy – posted 21 January 2006 09:20

Tall fescue, or Zoysia grass would be two you might consider. If cost is a consideration, Tall fescue is less expensive, and quicker to establish, Zoysia however, needs less water and mowing.

Jwhdrk1 – posted 21 January 2006 11:12

I’m assuming that the fescue will eventually crowd the centipede out if I overseed, right? Also, is zoysia only available in plug form? I’ve never seen it @Home Depot or Lowes and a friend said that he thought you couldn’t get it in seed.

tommy – posted 25 January 2006 13:50

If you want pure Tall fescue, you will have to kill off the centipede! The fescue does not have the growth habit to over power other grasses. Zoysia is available in seed on-line, and in sod at your local sod farm. Ask the front desk at Home depot for a info on whats available for home delivery. Zoysia seed is slow to establish and is best planted in hot weather.

JohnS – posted 08 March 2006 06:34

Centipede vs bermuda? What’s the preference? I live in Lilburn, GA (eastern suburb of Atlanta). Current grass, as it is, is Kentucky 31 fescue which has been a struggle to maintain over the years. I have a periwinkle bed that I want to protect from invasion by grasses (and don’t want to build a stone wall around it!). If bermuda, will I have to edge the periwinkle bed on a regular basis?

dwm042 – posted 04 July 2006 00:16

I’m living in the Snellville area (pretty close to Lilburn) and what I’m adding is Palmetto St. Augustine myself. I plugged about a year ago and now it’s beginning to spread rather aggressively. It’s also gropwing under trees and spreading effectively even under a few inches of pine needles. It’s not proof to everything in my mongrel yard, but it’s surprisingly tough after a season in the ground.

[This message has been edited by dwm042 (edited 04 July 2006).]