We are constantly asked by our customers what they should do in the fall and winter to protect their lawn, so it looks green and healthy during the spring and summer. Also, they want to know which grass is best for them. Let's find out.
Best grass to grow in Converse
When considering grass for your Converse lawn, you need to review the characteristics of various grasses in terms of your needs and willingness to water and work. For most, a landscape dominated by groundcovers, perennials, shrubs, and trees is better. Such a yard is more in tune with the local climate and soil conditions.
Buffalo Grass
This is a native grass and the most drought-tolerant, with better cold resistance than other warm-season grasses. Buffalo grass is quite tolerant of a range of conditions and establishes with seed, sods, or plugs. This grass forms a fine turf with a bluish-green color and reaches a height of 8 to 10 inches. The blades are slightly curly and can adapt to low-moisture areas. The ideal time to sow buffalo grass is in April and May.
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is valued for its exceptional heat and drought tolerance and is much easier to manage as a manicured sod. It's an attractive, dense grass, also known as south grass, and can withstand heavy use. It's usually seen in golf courses, athletic fields, pastures, and parks. Bermuda grass grows well in sites with full, direct sun and good drainage. The grass remains green all year long, and the best time to plant is in spring.
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia is a heat-resistant grass with some shade tolerance. This grass can handle high traffic and grows fast, overtaking other plants by self-seeding. Moreover, it's pest-resistant and will remain free of weeds. Zoysia is a tough grass that delivers a beautiful, dense lawn with very little maintenance. The best time to plant the grass is in spring after all threats of frost pass.
Centipede Grass
Compared to other grass types, centipede grass grows at a slower rate, has excellent heat tolerance, and extremely low maintenance requirements. It's a favorite of homeowners in Converse due to its minimal upkeep. This grass is tolerant of acidic soil with a pH level as low as 4.5 to 6.0.
St. Augustine Grass
St. Augustine Grass is the most popular grass type in Converse. It grows fast, requires less maintenance, does well in hot weather, is shade tolerant, and is easy to mow. However, it's the least well-adapted grass to our alkaline soils and requires frequent watering. St. Augustine is the grass most likely to die from drought, show iron chlorosis, and be attacked by insects. There is one variety of St. Augustine, Floratam, that is resistant to insects, brown patch fungus, and chinch bugs. Floratam St. Augustine Grass stays green the longest and is the most shade-tolerant grass variety.
These are five grass types to choose from for your Converse lawn care. However, it's recommended that you hire a San Antonio lawn care specialist to analyze your yard's soil conditions and decide which grass type is best for you. They will also guide you on watering frequency, mowing, and fertilization of your lawn.
The best time to water the lawn
Early morning is the best time to water your lawn, as this allows the water to penetrate the grass while also giving it enough time to soak and hydrate before the heat buildup. 4 am to 10 am is an ideal time to water. Watering your Converse lawn in the afternoon is a waste, as the heat will evaporate the water before the grass can benefit from it. The worst time to water is late evening because the water sits overnight in the lawn, making it more susceptible to mold, fungus, and other diseases.
How much should you water your lawn?
According to the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), three-fourths of an inch of water per week is good for your lawn in the full sun of summer. However, if the grass is in a shaded area, this amount can be reduced to half an inch per week. This also depends on the type of grass you have on your lawn. However, if you're not sure about how much water you should apply to your lawn, talk to Lawn Love San Antonio.
Tips to prepare your lawn in winter
Although the chances of snow on your lawn in Converse, San Antonio, is quite low, there are cooler conditions in winter. However, winter isn't the prime growing season for your lawn, but preparing your lawn in winter will keep it healthy and ready for spring.
Fertilize
Adding fertilizer in winter will provide an energy source for a healthy and greener turf in the spring. Choose a quick-release fertilizer and make sure you follow the directions when applying, as too much can create brown spots.
Aerate
It may seem counterintuitive to cut holes in your lawn, but doing so will produce a healthy and thicker lawn in the spring. It allows essential nutrients to penetrate deep into the root system, making it less susceptible to diseases and insects.
Mow
As the weather becomes cooler, you should continue to mow your lawn until it stops growing. If you keep your lawn at about 2.5 to 3.0 inches high during the growing season, decrease to 2 inches gradually two or three mowings before the last cutting. Be careful not to mow the lawn too short as this encourages weeds and diseases, causing bare patches.
If you're not sure or don't have the time to prepare your lawn in the winter, call in a Converse lawn service technician, and they will help you with proper lawn care. Need lawn care services in Converse, San Antonio? Call Lawn Love now.
