Initially, it seems unlikely that Egypt and Tennessee have anything in common. But the two places share a sister city: Memphis. Egypt's Memphis is located along the beautiful Nile River surrounded by fertile lands and rich soil. While you might not have those same picture-perfect conditions in Tennessee, it's still possible to have a healthy, vibrant, and attractive lawn. If you're thinking of giving your lawn a makeover, you can always call on a professional like Lawn Love to help plan and plant a perfect front yard. But you can also learn more about what native grasses grow best in the area. They are the most resilient and best-suited for the local environment, making them more environmentally-friendly and easier to maintain.
Common Memphis Grasses
If you think the grass is always greener on your neighbor's side of the fence, chances are good they know what grasses to plant. Grass types that have adapted to the local environment will grow more quickly and require less maintenance than those that haven't. If you're not sure where to begin, we have a quick guide that will give you a start.
Zoysia
Zoysia is a durable, attractive grass that is easy to care for and maintain. It is light green or bright green in color and does well on many surfaces, including parks, lawns, and sports fields. While some grasses do well in sun and summer temperatures, Zoysia prefers at least partial shade. It also requires moderate amounts of water to grow at its best.
Bermuda
Bermuda grass is another species native to Tennessee. It is a durable grass that grows quickly. This rapid growth pattern is ideal for creating a lush, healthy lawn in a short time. It also means that Bermuda grass is an excellent choice to plant if you want a property that is less likely to develop weeds. However, Bermuda grass can also out-compete other types of grass for water and nutrients. If you're planning to plant Bermuda grass, it's best to plant it alone or with another kind of compatible grass, such as ryegrass. Left to its own devices, Bermuda grass can also encroach on gardens and flower beds.
Centipede
Centipede is another type of "native" Tennessee grass. However, researchers at Texas AM University say that the grass's true origins date back to South China. Its seeds were first brought into the US in 1916. The grass took hold and soon became a fixture on yards ranging from Tennessee and the Southeast to Texas and the Gulf Coast. Centipede grass can survive a wide range of temperatures, including sub-freezing temperatures. However, it does not prosper in the Western regions of the US, as it needs more iron and nutrients than those soils generally provide. Centipede grass is overall a hardy grass that turns a bright green color in early summer.
Bluegrass
As the name suggests, Bluegrass is a grass that is characterized by its blue tones. Bluegrass is a cold season emergent, which means that it comes to life during the spring and fall seasons. It requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Even during its "off" seasons of summer and winter, Bluegrass keeps a beautiful blue-green color throughout the year. Since it is a cold season grass, Bluegrass is less tolerant of heat and dry soil than other species. Therefore, if you're experiencing a drought or a hot summer, it may need more water and TLC.
Ryegrass
Ryegrass is common in Tennessee and other parts of the Southeast. If you're seeking a durable grass, including one that will hold up to play and frequent use, Ryegrass is an excellent choice. This durable, versatile grass is a top choice for athletic fields, parks, and golf courses because of its ability to withstand foot traffic. Ryegrass is also durable in terms of the environment. It can withstand drought, high heat, and fluctuations in temperature. Ryegrass is another species that has a healthy green shade year-round.
Fescue
Fescue is a grass that resists exposure to cold. Several species of Fescue can grow in the Memphis area. They vary slightly in appearance and texture, so you may want to ask the staff at Lawn Love, which is the best option to create the aesthetic effect you're seeking. Since it prefers cooler temperatures, Fescue can suffer in higher temperatures. Planting it in a partially shaded area and providing adequate water supplies can prevent that problem.
Caring for Your Lawn in Memphis
After going through all the effort of finding a suitable grass for your yard, the last thing you want is for the grass to wither and fade. Or become overrun with weeds. Basic lawn maintenance, such as watering as needed and mowing the lawn, ensures optimal grass health, and keeps pesky problems at bay.
Events and Attractions in Memphis
It's always exciting to get a new crop of grass for your lawn. But even so, chances are good you'd probably rather not sit around and watch the grass grow. Luckily, there are some great opportunities to get and see the sites of Memphis.
Elvis Birthday Celebration
Each year in January, Memphis keeps the spirit of Elvis Presley alive and well with an annual commemorative birthday bash. This event features Southern-style food, tours of the Graceland mansion, and of course live music.
World Championship Barbecue
Every May, citizens of Memphis and visitors look forward to the fine foods and delicious scents attributed to the annual World Championship Barbecue. This barbecue is a multi-day competition held in downtown Memphis. Hundreds of teams travel from around the world to compete for the top cash prize of $115,000, and of course a chance to earn instant fame. This event features both an amateur and professional cooking contest.
With so much to see and do in Memphis, you probably have little time to sit and watch the grass grow. Nevertheless, it's important to have a lawn that looks in top shape. For that, you can count on Lawn Love, your local lawn care professionals, to get a healthy and vibrant property. Call today to learn about our services and how we can accomplish your lawn care needs.
