
To thrive in sandy soil, your grass must withstand drought and poor nutrient and water retention. Bahiagrass, bentgrass, bermudagrass, centipedegrass, tall fescue, and Zoysiagrass are some of the most sand-loving grasses available, able to turn sandy terrains into vibrant, green landscapes.
What is sandy soil like?
Characterized by its large particles, sandy soil is loose and gritty, much like the sand you’d find at the beach. It has distinct characteristics that set it apart from the rest:
- Sandy soil has excellent drainage. In fact, water zips right through it when it rains or when you irrigate. Depending on what you’re growing, this can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, having sandy soil means plants don’t sit in soggy soil. On the other hand, it means nutrients get washed away quickly.
- Sandy soil is poor in nutrients (less fertile). As mentioned, sandy soils have larger particle spaces, contributing to a loss of organic matter (i.e., nutrients), air, and water. You’ll likely have to fertilize or make your own compost to feed your soil and grow healthy plants.
- Sandy soil warms up quickly. Due to its light texture and low moisture content, sandy soil warms up as soon as spring arrives, so plants can grow quickly in spring and develop deep roots.
- Sandy soil is easy to handle. As it has a loose structure, sandy soil is easy to till and work with, making it ideal for various gardening and landscaping projects.
- Sandy soil is well aerated. The large spaces between its particles allow for excellent aeration, which results in good root development and less soil compaction.
6 grasses that grow well in sandy soil
These six grasses are well-suited to areas with sandy soil:
Bahiagrass

Grass type: Warm season
Bahiagrass was first used as pasture turf in the sandy areas of the southeastern U.S. in the early 20th century. Its extensive roots make it partial to poor, infertile, well-draining sandy soils. In drought and limited water conditions, it will enter dormancy until conditions improve.
Bahia is a low-maintenance grass that prefers 6 to 8 hours of full sun a day but also can tolerate partial shade. It’s pest- and disease-resistant and can be established from both seed and sod. Although it isn’t thick and lush, bahiagrass is hardy and resilient.
Grass Seed Options
Pensacola Bahiagrass:
– SeedRanch Pensacola Bahiagrass Seed (10 lb. bag)
– Hancock’s Pensacola Bahia Grass Seed – Coated – 5 lbs.
Argentine Bahiagrass:
– Scotts Turf Builder Argentine Bahiagrass (10 lb. bag)
Bentgrass

Grass type: Cool season
Bentgrass has shallow roots that prefer well-aerated, well-draining sandy soil. These qualities help prevent root rot. Sandy soil’s loose texture also allows better airflow around the fine root system, promoting healthy grass.
Bentgrass prefers mild climates typical of coastal regions in the northeastern parts of the country, parts of California, and the Pacific Northwest. Because sandy soil warms up quickly in spring, bentgrass can establish early and avoid the summer heat (which it doesn’t like).
Bermudagrass

Grass type: Warm season
Bermudagrass is a highly versatile grass valued for its fine texture, exceptional drought tolerance, and impressive ability to handle heavy wear and tear. These traits make it great for lawns, sports fields, golf courses, and all sandy soil areas.
Bermudagrass is great for sandy conditions because it requires well-draining soil and very little water to survive. Its deep root system anchors the grass securely and facilitates efficient water and nutrient uptake even in drought conditions typical of the Southern U.S. Remember to plant it in full sun, as bermudagrass doesn’t like shade.
Grass Seed Options:
– Scotts Turf Builder Bermudagrass (10-lb. bag)
– Hancock Seed Co. Bermudagrass (50-lb. bag)
Centipedegrass

Grass type: Warm season
Centipedegrass is a heat-loving grass that grows most vigorously in spring and summer. It’s usually found in the southeastern United States and along the Gulf Coast. As a low-maintenance grass, it requires little care and isn’t as susceptible to diseases and pests as other types.
Centipedegrass has shallow roots (also called stolons) that grow horizontally. Despite the rule that grasses must be deep-rooted to survive in sandy soil, centipedegrass can still extract nutrients and moisture from it. And since it doesn’t require high nutrient levels to thrive, centipedegrass can easily grow in nutrient-poor sandy soil.
This grass type is light to medium green, with wide, medium to coarse blades and a rougher feel. When established, it forms a dense mat, but it isn’t as thick or lush as Zoysiagrass or St. Augustine.
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)
Tall fescue

Grass type: Cool season
Tall fescue can grow and thrive in various soil conditions, including sand. Since it prefers well-draining soil, sandy soil is ideal for optimal growth.
This hardy grass can adapt to the lower fertility levels often found in sandy soils and sustain growth even in less-than-favorable conditions. It’s low-maintenance and prefers cooler climates with more shade than sunlight. Tall fescue is often used to fix sparse patches since it’s a dense, lush grass.
Other sandy soil-friendly fescue grasses include:
- Strong creeping red fescue – can tolerate challenging soil conditions
- Chewings fescue – is very drought-tolerant
- Sheep’s fescue – survives well in infertile soils
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.)
Zoysiagrass

Grass type: Warm season
Arguably one of the best grasses for sandy soil due to its deep roots and excellent drought and heat resistance, Zoysiagrass is valued for being low maintenance and forming a dense, lush turf. Since Zoysia retains moisture well, it thrives in beachy, sandy locations.
Zoysiagrass requires more patience and care during the establishment phase. Once established, it grows quickly, doesn’t need a lot of water, withstands foot traffic exceptionally well, and resists most pests.
Grass Plug and Seed Options:
– Zoysia Plugs (50 Large Grass Plugs)
– Zoysia Plugs (50 Full & Lush Grass Plugs)
– Zoysia Plugs (100 Plugs)
– Zenith Zenith Grass Seeds (1/8 lb. of seeds)
Tips for growing grass in sandy soil
It is possible to grow a lush, healthy lawn in sandy soil. Check out these guidelines for success:
- Choose the right grass type: The grass types mentioned in this article have characteristics that enable them to thrive in sandy soil, such as deep root systems.
- Prepare the soil: Sandy soil requires some amendments before planting your grass. Start by removing debris or rocks from the soil. Add around 3 inches of organic matter (mulch, compost, or manure) to the top 6 or 8 inches of soil to improve texture and foster healthy grass growth. Consider adding some starter fertilizer designed for sandy soil.
- Seed the lawn correctly: If you’re seeding sandy soil, do so in early to late spring or fall and avoid extreme conditions such as drought or cold, as this can hinder germination. Bury the seeds into the soil and cover them with straw, hay, or peat moss to maintain consistent moisture and organic matter levels. Water according to your grass type, making sure not to overwater or underwater.
- Fertilize regularly: Sandy soil tends to be nutrient-deficient, so fertilize your lawn regularly to encourage grass growth. Use a slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for sandy soil, and stick to the recommended application rates to avoid over-fertilization and fertilizer burn.
- Monitor moisture levels: Sandy soil drains water quickly, leading to dry conditions for grass. Water deeply but infrequently to stimulate deep, healthy roots, and consider installing a sprinkler system for even water distribution. It’s easy to install and provides good coverage for large areas.
- Remember mulch: Apply a layer of mulch, such as grass clippings or shredded leaves, to the soil surface to preserve moisture and maintain optimal soil temperatures. As it breaks down over time, mulch contributes organic matter to the soil, boosting its health and fertility.
- Mow at the right height for your grass type: Mowing according to your grass type can promote healthier grass growth and shade the soil surface, reducing moisture evaporation. Keep your grass stress-, disease-, and pest-free by removing only one-third of the grass blade each time you mow.
FAQ about grass for sandy soil
Is it better to use seed or sod for establishing grass in sandy soil?
You can successfully grow the lawn of your dreams with both grass seed and sod. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the grass type, your time for lawn care, budget, and personal preferences. Take a look at the main characteristics of each:
Using seeds:
- Seeds are more cost-effective, especially if you’re seeding a larger area. You can purchase in bulk, plant them yourself, and save on labor costs.
- You have a larger variety of cultivars.
- Establishing a lawn with seeds takes between a few weeks to a month from germination to establishment.
- Weeds may be a bigger threat to seeded areas, especially during the establishment phase.
Using sod:
- Installing sod gives you an instant lawn, as it consists of mature grass.
- Sod can control soil erosion better.
- Sod suppresses weed growth by forming a dense turf from the start and reducing the space available for weeds to push through.
- Sod is more expensive than grass seeds, and the costs can add up quickly if you have a large yard. Consider labor costs when it comes to installing sod.
- Grass types are limited.
Is foot traffic a problem with sandy soil?
Unfortunately, sandy soil isn’t as tolerant of foot traffic as other types of soil. From mowing to pets and kids running around, any movement can dislodge grass from sandy soil. If lawn activity is a concern, choose a deep-rooted grass such as tall fescue, bermudagrass, or bahiagrass. Their root systems can grow several feet into the soil.
How long does it take grass to establish in sandy soil?
Most grass seeds will germinate in approximately 14 days in sandy soil, but this timeframe can fluctuate depending on the weather conditions and your exact seed type. For example, Zoysiagrass usually germinates between 7 and 21 days under optimal conditions. Centipedegrass can take longer, between 14 and 21 days.
Give your lawn some TLC – the pro way
Picking the perfect grass for sandy soil is key to having a vibrant and thriving lawn.
If you’re strapped for time, unsure where to start, or simply not keen on getting your hands dirty, consider hiring a local lawn care pro. They’ll maintain your lawn and give you tips on how to keep your grass growing strong in sandy soil.
Sources
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Main Image Credit: Aaron Jacklin | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0