There are a number of considerations that we take into account when selecting lawn grasses for a Houston landscaping design.  We focus on choosing species that do well in a hot, humid climate such as ours.  The amount of sunlight compared to shade that a certain grass type needs also plays a role.  We also have to consider how resilient grass is when it is walked on.  Some types of grasses do much better as ornamentation than they do as a travelled foot area.

In parts of the yard where dappled shade creates a blend of light and shadow under large trees, one of the best lawn grasses to use is St. Augustine.  This is the most common grass species we tend to find when we begin a new Houston landscaping project.  Often, we do not have to plant more grass, but rather work out a strategy to better maintain the grass that is already growing.

The reason why St. Augustine grass often turns an unattractive brown is because it is growing in direct sunlight, where the heat and excessive light wither its blades.  It can also become diseased when over-fertilized and over watered.  Our job often involves creating a landscape maintenance plan that involves restoring a healthy look to St. Augustine grass and maintaining its vibrancy, color, and texture throughout the year.

However, we will replace St. Augustine with other lawn grasses when we know that its location is less than optimal for its health.  As we just noted, direct sunlight with no shade is unhealthy for this species of grass.  St. Augustine is too sharp around the edges for people, and especially children, to comfortably walk on.  We have to also remember that the nickname “carpet grass” is just that—only a nickname, and does not mean that it thrives when it is constantly walked on.

In those parts of a Houston landscaping plan where people will be walking over the grass consistently, we will recommend introducing other lawn grasses as alternatives to St. Augustine.  Two of the most popular types are Bermuda grass and Zoysia grass.  Of the two, Bermuda grass is the lawn alternative most people are familiar with.

Bermuda grass grows very well in the sunshine.  If you have a yard with only a few trees, and a great deal of open space between separate landscape elements, Bermuda grass will make a wonderful addition to your property.  Not only does it thrive in sunlight, but it has narrower blades colored by a beautiful shade of green.  Unlike St. Augustine, Bermuda grass is not harmed by people walking over it constantly, nor does it feel sharp to the feet.

In fact, it is one of the lawn choices in Houston landscaping plans that feature children’s play areas and practice soccer courts.  It not only feels comfortable, but it looks comfortable.

Zoysia grass is also a very nice looking lawn grass that offers the advantage of an exceptional, hardy appearance when it is cut very short.  It is not unusual to see people mow this grass down to only one-half inches in height.  Such trimming can easily damage other grass species, but not Zoysia.  Its rich green color, combined with its innately neat look, makes it ideal for any Houston landscaping design where formality, conservatism, or minimalism is involved.