Explore the best grass types for your East Texas lawn: From centipedegrass to Bermudagrass, we’ll examine options well-suited to the Piney Woods region and further down to the Houston metro area. This guide provides insights to help you choose the ideal grasses for a lush, thriving lawn in East Texas.
To see the best grass types across Texas, check out our guide:
Centipedegrass: Best for low maintenance
Centipedegrass is East Texas’s low-maintenance lawn superstar. This resilient grass thrives in acidic, nutrient-poor soils. It forms a dense, low-growing turf that withstands heat and partial shade admirably. If you’re dreaming of a lush, easy-care lawn, centipedegrass is your go-to choice.
Centipedegrass is a common low-maintenance turf in the warm-season South. Our centipedegrass guide will teach you how to make it thrive.
Grass Seed Options:
– Gulf Kist Coated Centipedegrass Seeds (1 lb.)
– Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Centipedegrass (3.75 lbs.)
– TifBlair Centipedegrass (5-lb. bag)
Bermudagrass: Best for high traffic
Bermudagrass is a popular choice for East Texas lawns due to its exceptional heat and drought tolerance. This grass type produces a robust, dense turf that resists heavy foot traffic. It bounces back quickly from damage and thrives in direct sunlight. While Bermudagrass can be invasive and needs frequent mowing, its hardiness makes it ideal for active families or high-traffic areas.
Bermudagrass is particularly susceptible to diseases like brown patch and dollar spot when overwatered. To prevent these issues, refer to our Bermudagrass maintenance calendar for Texas to keep your lawn healthy year-round.
Grass Seed Options:
– Scotts Turf Builder Bermudagrass (10-lb. bag)
– Hancock Seed Co. Bermudagrass (50-lb. bag)
St. Augustinegrass: Best for partial shade
St. Augustinegrass thrives in Southeast Texas, especially in partially shaded areas. It forms a beautiful lawn with its broad blades and is perfect for yards with mature trees. Despite its higher water needs, St. Augustinegrass remains popular due to its lush appearance and ability to adapt to various soil types.
For seasonal tips on how to care for your St. Augustinegrass lawn, consult our St. Augustinegrass maintenance calendar for Texas. This guide offers monthly care tips tailored to the Texas climate, helping you maintain a lush, vibrant lawn.
Grass Plug Options:
– Seed Ranch St Augustine Seville Grass Plugs (2 Trays)
– Seed Ranch St Augustine Floratam Grass Plugs (2 Trays)
Zoysiagrass: Best for sun and shade
Zoysiagrass thrives in East Texas, adapting well to both full sun and partial shade. This heat-resistant grass forms a dense, low-maintenance turf ideal for home lawns. Once established, this resilient grass requires minimal maintenance due to its high resistance to drought and foot traffic.
With the right care, Zoysiagrass can form a weed-resistant lawn. Learn how with our guide: “Zoysiagrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas.”
Grass Seed Options:
– Zoysia Plugs (50 Large Grass Plugs)
– Zoysia Plugs (50 Full & Lush Grass Plugs)
– Zoysia Plugs (100 Plugs)
– Zoysia Emerald Grass Seeds (1/8 lb. of seeds)
– Zenith Zenith Grass Seeds (1/8 lb. of seeds)
Tall fescue: Best for longer-lasting green
Tall fescue is a cool-season grass that stays green longer in the winter and has good drought resistance. It has a higher shade tolerance than other cool-season grasses and is often in mixes to keep lawns green in cooler weather. However, summer heat can cause tall fescue to struggle, so it will need extra water and possible overseeding in the fall.
Pro Tip: Tall fescue is best for Northeast Texas.
For best results, plant tall fescue in early fall. To learn more, check out our guide: “Tall Fescue: How to Grow and Care for It.”
Grass Seed Options:
– Triple-Play Tall Fescue Grass Seed Blend (5000 sq ft)
– Eretz Kentucky 31 K31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed (choose your size)
– Pennington The Rebels Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix (7 lb.)
How to select the right grass
Choosing the right grass for your East Texas lawn involves considering factors such as climate, soil type, sunlight exposure, and maintenance requirements. For a comprehensive guide on selecting the perfect grass type, check out our detailed resource — “How to Choose the Right Grass for Your Lawn” — for the yard of your dreams.
Not sure when to plant? Give your new lawn the best start by planting grass seed at the optimal time. Read our article about the best time to plant grass seed in Texas for more information.
What to read next
Now that you’ve decided on the best grass for your East Texas paradise, it’s time to get your hands dirty and nurture your lawn to lush perfection. Your neighbors’ jaws will drop when they see your stunning yard. Find out how to achieve this with the following articles:
- When to Dethatch Your Lawn in Texas
- When to Aerate Your Lawn in Texas
- When to Fertilize Your Lawn in East Texas
- The Most Common East Texas Weeds
- The Best Lawn Fertilizers for Texas
When to call a pro
For assistance with routine maintenance or help addressing complex issues like pest control or irrigation, a professional can provide the expertise and resources for a beautiful lawn. Lawn Love can connect you with a local lawn care expert in Houston, Tyler, and nearby areas in East Texas. Get your free quote today.
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Main Image Credit: Home of Michael Branamour Menard in Galveston, TX | Jim Evans | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0
