When you are a Houston resident, having a lawn that is capable of thriving in the hot and humid climate is essential. Of course, you want to be sure your lawn looks mesmerizing year-round!
To help you with this endeavor, let me suggest some of the finest types of grass ideal for gardening. With proper planting and diligent care, these grasses will quickly take root and give you the stunning outdoor space you crave.
Best Grass Seed for Houston Texas
Here are the 3 best grass seeds for Houston Texas:
Centipede Grass Seed
Centipede grass is a great choice for Houston homeowners, as it is an incredibly versatile grass that can tolerate hot, humid summers and cold winters alike.
Its robust root system provides a solid base for the soil, helping to prevent erosion and weed growth, as well as providing excellent drought tolerance – which means that you don’t have to water your lawn too regularly to keep it looking lush and green.
This grass features a coarse texture and striking dark green color, making it the perfect choice for many yards.
Centipede grass can thrive in full sun or partial shade and in sandy soil with poor drainage.
However, it won’t grow well in heavy clay soils or wet soils that are prone to flooding; in these cases, you may need to use sand instead of soil for your planting area to ensure optimal growth for your centipede grass.
With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy the full beauty of centipede grass in your garden for years to come!
2. St Augustine Grass Seed
St Augustine grass is a fantastic choice for those living in Houston, Texas, because it can withstand the extreme hot and humid summers and cold winters of the city.
As an added bonus, it is also highly tolerant to droughts, meaning it requires very little water to stay lush and green. With its thick and dense root system, it helps prevent erosion and weeds from establishing themselves, providing a healthy and stable lawn.
St Augustine grass has a coarse texture, which results in a luxurious deep green color. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade, however if you live in an area with poor drainage, additional watering may be required.
Furthermore, it may be best to opt for sand over soil when planting in such an area as St Augustine grass will not do well in heavy clay or wet soils that are prone to flooding as they don’t provide sufficient drainage.
3. Zoysia Grass Seed
Zoysia grass is an excellent turf grass choice for the state of Texas. This warm-season perennial can easily tolerate the extreme heat that is present in many parts of the state, particularly around Houston,TX. Its dense growth habit helps to shade out weeds, making it low-maintenance and ideal for homeowners with busy lifestyles.
Zoysia grass is especially beneficial when it comes to erosion prevention, as its roots hold firmly into the soil while requiring very little water to stay healthy. Despite its hardiness in the heat, zoysia grass does not do well when exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so take extra caution during cold seasons.
All in all, zoysia grass is a great option for lawns in Texas, as it requires little maintenance and watering to stay healthy, while also providing added benefits such as erosion prevention.
Houston Texas’s Climate & Soil Conditions for Growing Grass
Here are 3 tips (explained in detail) you should know about Houston Texas’s climate and soil conditions if you’re interested in growing a lawn:
1. Houston Texas has a very hot and humid climate with high temperatures in the summer months.
The soil is a complex blend of clay and sand, making it difficult to dig up and nearly impossible for grass seeds to penetrate the hard ground.
This poses an issue for gardeners and farmers who are looking to cultivate new plants or grasses, as they must break through the tough layers before anything can take root.
Thankfully, certain techniques can be used to alleviate this issue such as adding organic matter to the soil or using aeration to loosen its composition. With the right amount of determination and finesse, anyone can work with the soil to create a perfect environment for their desired plants.
2. The best time of year to plant grass seeds in Houston Texas is from September to May.
The best time to plant grass seed is when the weather conditions are favorable — warm days and cool nights.
You should also check to make sure that you don’t have too many weeds already growing in your yard, so they don’t take away resources that the grass needs to thrive.
During the summer months, grass seed can still be planted, but it will require more care and attention due to the extreme temperatures, less available water in the soil and possibility of weed competition.
To ensure the grass seeds have the best chance of growing and establishing a thick healthy lawn, it is important to prepare the soil well in advance, ensure a generous watering schedule and use an appropriate fertilizer.
3. Grass Seed Characteristics That Are Suited for Houston Texas
When selecting the ideal grass seed for lawns in Houston, you need one that is equipped to handle a wide range of growing conditions.
Not only should it be able to grow in diverse environments like shaded areas, partial shade, and full sun, but it must also be durable enough to withstand the intense heat and humidity of Houston summers and the colder temperatures of its winters.
Furthermore, it should also possess resistance to pesky pests such as chinch bugs, mole crickets, grubs, and nematodes.
This will ensure that Houstonians have an all-around good grass seed that is suited to the unique climate of their city.
Tips for Growing Grass in Houston Texas
Here are some tips explained in detail for growing grass in Houston Texas:
1. Watering
Keeping your lawn healthy during the hot and humid summer months in Houston requires a well-thought-out watering plan. If you have a sprinkler system, use it to water your lawn deeply and infrequently (1-2 times a week) to reduce fungus growth. Hand-watering is another option, but make sure to water your lawn for at least 4 inches and no more than once a week. Remember that over-watering can be just as bad as under-watering, leading to yellowing grass and potential damage to the grasses.
If you’re going away, have someone else water your lawn according to your instructions. Also, be mindful of any plants or trees nearby your lawn as they should not be sprayed with water when the sprinklers are on, as this could lead to damage and even mold and mildew growth on nearby walls or fences.
Finally, don’t forget about providing your shade producing trees with adequate water, too! This is especially important if you live in Houston and there isn’t a lot of rain around. With these tips, your lawn will stay healthy and look great all summer long!
2. Fertilizing
Fertilizing your lawn is an essential part of keeping your grass healthy and lush in Houston, Texas. Depending on the type of grass you have, the appropriate fertilizer may vary.
During the growing season (March-September), fertilize your lawn once a month to ensure it is receiving the nutrients it needs to stay at its best.
In the dormant season (October-February), reduce your fertilizing schedule to every two months. With the right fertilizer and consistent care, you can have a beautiful lawn year-round.
FAQs
When to Plant Grass Seed in Houston Texas
Growing grass in Houston Texas can be a rewarding but challenging experience. For optimal success, it’s important to know the best time of year as well as the proper preparation and care techniques.
Late fall through early spring is widely regarded as the ideal season for planting grass in Houston. This will give the grass plenty of time to establish a strong root system before the onset of hot and humid summer months.
When preparing the soil, it should be moist but not soggy. If your soil is heavy clay, it’s important to wait until it has dried out somewhat before watering or fertilizing.
Wet clay soils can cause root rot if they remain saturated for too long. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy lush, vibrant turf that will last through the warmer months and beyond.
What type of grass is used in Houston Texas?
St. Augustine grass is an ideal choice for warm climates, and it is particularly perfect for Houston, Texas – where temperatures can be extremely high and little rainfall is expected throughout the year. This drought-tolerant species fares especially well in soil that is sandy or loose. It is also resilient against clay soil that has been amended with sand or organic matter.
But the incredible ability of St Augustine grass doesn’t stop there! This unique species is not only a viable option for Houston lawns, but it is also extensively used on golf courses, playing fields and even in erosion control projects.
The maintenance of St Augustine Grass is also considerably easier than other species due to its need for fewer water and fertilizer requirements than many other plants. As such it is an ideal choice for those looking for a low-maintenance turf.
What is the best grass seed for southern Texas?
To ensure the best success for your St. Augustine lawn conversion, we recommend following these steps.
First, remove the existing Bermuda grass and any weeds; then, apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent additional weed growth.
After this, spread your chosen grass seed, making sure to spread it evenly over the area.
Finally, water lightly and consistently until the seeds are established. With consistent watering and maintenance, you will have a beautiful St. Augustine lawn in no time!
When should I reseed my lawn in Houston?
If you live in Houston, now is the perfect time to invest in your lawn. Fall months such as September and October provide ideal conditions for reseeding your grass, allowing the new seeds to quickly take root and thrive throughout the upcoming winter months.
In Houston’s typically warm climate, planting seeds in the fall will give them the best possible chance of surviving and growing into lush, healthy grass come springtime.
With diligent watering and careful maintenance, you’ll have a beautiful lawn all year long. Investing a little bit of care in the fall can pay off immensely during the spring and summer months.
What are the benefits of seeding my lawn?
Reseeding your lawn can provide a dramatic transformation, giving it a new and vibrant look with increased density that will be sure to make your home’s exterior more attractive.
It is important to note, however, that reseeding alone cannot rid your yard of undesirable weeds. To get rid of problematic weeds that are already present in your yard, we recommend using a weed killer or applying a pre-emergent herbicide before reintroducing the new seeds.
Once you have successfully removed any existing weeds, our experts will be ready to help you bring your vision of a lush, vibrant lawn to life by reseeding it with the best quality grass seed available.
Will fescue grass grow in Houston?
If you are looking for a cool-season grass option, fescue may not be the best choice. Fescue needs winter chill in order to survive and thrive, so it’s best planted in the fall or early spring.
During the summer, when temperatures soar and the heat becomes unbearable, fescue has difficulty surviving under those conditions, so you’re better off choosing something like Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass.
Both of these cool-season grasses are great alternatives, as they can tolerate both cooler and warmer temperatures, making them incredibly versatile and perfect for those who experience extreme temperatures throughout the year.
What grasses should I avoid?
If you want your lawn to look pristine for years to come, you should avoid St Augustine grass, also known as Floratam.
Not only does this variety spread aggressively, but it can choke out other grasses and weeds. Even Bermuda grass, which is known for its aggressive spreading habit, can be hard to control with herbicides once it takes root.
Taking preventive measures now to avoid these types of grasses will ensure that your lawn looks great year after year.