However, they grow long, reaching anywhere between 8 and 20 inches. Avoid using herbicides containing 2,4-D as St Augustine is sensitive to this chemical You may kill your grass along with the weed. They have an excellent drought tolerance, so they dont require frequent watering, largely thanks to the deep root system that can access underground moisture. Newer Post . St Augustine grass comes in many varieties. Among the native species that you can find of St. Augustine grass is Floratam. Its certainly not as assertive and invasive as tall fescue. I like to think of myself as the Bond of the backyard, that is if yard work ever became sexy. Best Lawn Care Tools for Beginners (What You Need and How to Use Them). Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online. Since I have a fescue lawn Im slightly biased. Its blades are also narrower than St. Augustine grass. Buffalo grass is a type of warm-season grass that is native to North America. But what if you have a lawn that is already mostly St Augustine? harmony st augustine grass Its also highly susceptible to diseases and pests. Fescue grasses dont need to be scalped when it comes to mowing, and you should be looking at trimming your lawn every couple of weeks during spring growing seasons. Alongside its most common uses, Bahia grass is accepted as a great lawn choice for those with acreage or large garden spaces in general. It typically needs double the amount of water that youd give a Bermuda lawn. And the most popular ones are BitterBlue, CitraBlue, Floratam, Palmetto, ProVista, Raleigh, and Seville. Although they are both warm-season grasses, they come from different parts of the world. Just a few of these problems include Take-All Root Rot, chinch bugs, Brown Patch, Gray Leaf Spot, and Lethal Viral Necrosis. This means that if you live in an area where its hot and dry, or you dont water your lawn often, then st Augustine may be a better choice for you. Please feel free to comment, ask questions or reach out to us with any concerns at 1-800-831-8163. However, it doesnt come with the problems associated with invasive grasses like Kikuyu. Please note, comments must be approved before they are published. Check out this article when fescue goes up against zoysia which is known as a more invasive grass species to really see a difference with temperament. Though St. Augustine grass can also experience damage from foot traffic, it has a higher resistance to wear and tear. Likewise, it wont do well in the heavier clay-based soils or alkaline soils. Different Types of Lawn Mowers Which One is Right for You? Unlike Bermuda grass grows well in the full sunlight. It has a fine texture and needs less mowing than other types of grasses-which means its more expensive over time (unless you get it done by a professional). If there are any weeds growing in between patches of dead Buffalo Grass then pull them out as soon as possible using some gloves. Once it has taken hold, you can cut that right back and let nature do her thing. Different Types of Lawn Mowers Which One is Right for You? It should be able to survive in areas receiving as little as 40% sunlight, or around 3 hours per day. As a home owner and as someone with garden centre experience, I know plenty about backyard and lawn care products. Best for Shaded Areas with Sprinkler Systems. St Augustine will be less prone to weeds in these early stages as youre starting either from plugs or sod. (Answered!). Itll need more water and weeding during this period, but your patience will pay off as it becomes virtually indestructible and extremely low maintenance. Buffalo Grass vs. St. Augustine: What's the Difference? check out our complete guide to Buffalo Grass. Fine fescue isnt a particularly aggressive species, and it plays well with others. This type of grass is known for being very tough and durable. He also loves all things DIY and is always looking for a new project. Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. Plugs can help speed up the process. Its also a good choice for people who live away from the ocean but still in a hot, humid climate. It can handle the heat, humidity, and salt of the subtropical region, and unlike its closest and most popular competitor Bermuda, it can handle some shade. This allows it to be aggressive in its environment as some plant species arent able to cultivate once Bahia grass has established itself. It also grows in California and Nevada. However, certain insects and diseases can also cause Buffalo grass to go dormant. This actually makes it relatively easy to start a lawn with this grass, as plugs of St. Augustine will spread quickly to cover bare spots and form a nice, even surface. St. Augustine grass is also commonly known as buffalo turf or buffalo grass in South Africa because, well, buffalo eat it there. Buffalo (St Augustine) and Kikuyu look very similar, as they both have a flattened leaf sheath, a fringe of hairs on the ligules, and no auricles. It prefers alkaline soils, although it can grow in slightly acidic soils as well. This grass has a dormant season when soil temperatures dip below 55 degrees, turning it yellowish and patchy in appearance. Both Buffalo Grass and St Augustine spread through stolons, although St Augustine is much more prone to thatch problems than Buffalo Grass. Additionally, this kind of grass is a good choice for people who live near the ocean or in other hot, humid climates. St Augustine is also a salt-tolerant type of grass, which means that it can survive in salty conditions. Buffalo is fast-growing, but not as vigorous as Kikuyu. The benefit of Kikuyu is that it will be able to repair damage much faster. harmony st augustine grassRelated. We all know that weeds can be a real pain to deal with. Buffalo grass is a good choice for people who live in hot, dry climates. Known to withstand salt, heat, and shade, St. Augustine is a prime choice for these warmer coastal regions. Consider your budget, the amount of maintenance youre willing to do, and the climate you live in before choosing which one is right for you. Just as St. Augustine, the most strategic way to combat unwanted grasses is to treat your lawn before it becomes an issue - first with a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring, then again in the fall. Centipede grass is a popular southeast grass that needs plenty of sunlight. Not drought tolerant and not suitable for a non-irrigated lawn or for areas with low rainfall or extended dry periods. It is soft, dense and has that really great green color that shows health in a lawn. 10 Best Outdoor Bedding Ideas for Dogs in 2023. St Augustine needs a lot of fertilizer to stay happy. There is no doubting that both Bahia grass and St. Augustine are great choices for your garden; they are valued for their strength and durability as well as heat resistance. Its unique blue-green shade is an attraction to those who want a fresh and healthy looking lawn for long periods of time, but in winter this grass does have the risk of running into a certain level of dormancy when growth slows down, and the grass color fades. This makes it a versatile grass, but there's other warm-season grasses that like shade without so many drawbacks. Sitemap | About Us | Affiliate Disclosure | Contact Me | Privacy Policy. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. And if youre looking for a low-maintenance type of grass, Buffalo grass is your best option. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight each day to prevent it from dying. Lawn-care experts Scotts offer some practical advice on how best to plant St. Augustine. And if you want some more information on how to do that, check out this article on lawn recovery after winter. Buffalo Grass vs St Augustine: What Grows Faster? Since St Augustine prefers sandy soils which are loose and difficult to compact, you may need to aerate if youre growing it in any other kind of soil. St. Augustine is very popular due to its vibrant and fresh color that can last for months. You can rest at ease if you are planning to grow this grass on your lawn. Similarly, if the pH level of the soil is too high or low, it can also cause the grass to die. We are a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. We hope to hear from you soon! And thats just the tip of the iceberg for differences. St. Augustine grass and centipede grass are two of the most common warm-season grasses. My name is Jamie, The Backyard Pros is a website where I piece together articles about all my awesome yard ideas. To the untrained eye, all grass might well look alike its all green, right? As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Two of these opinions are which type of grass is best (Buffalo or St Augustine), and if theres any difference between them at all. Will Buffalo Grass Overtake a St Augustine Lawn? check out our complete guide to St Augustine. At a glance, Bahia grass is a tough cookie: it is a warm season perennial grass species that thrives in the summer. However, it will take some time for this to happen. Although not regarded as invasive, St. Augustine is still an aggressive grower, and it can spread rapidly where planted, providing its needs are being met. Although we all want the best-looking lawn, budgets can be tight. Buffalo Grass has finely textured, rolled, green or blue-green color leaves with pointed blades that bow over when left to grow long (growing a max of 6 inches). Dethatching may need to be done once or twice a year. St. Augustine is a perennial warm season grass found natively in South and North America as well as in the Caribbean, too. These grasses are a popular choice for a reason: they are definitely not fussy! Zoysia grass and St. Augustine differ in the matter of texture and hardiness. Prairie, Stampede and 619 are the common selections. Feb 27, 2023, The Best Sod for Oakland Take action if you notice anything out of the ordinary particularly brown spots or mildew. The blades of buffalo are also very flat, which makes them great for sports fields or areas where you may want your grass to look extra lush. Some homeowners have also had success using a Buffalo grass spray to kill off the St Augustine grass. Well in todays post were going to talk about both kinds of grass and Ill go over some major differences that may help you make your decision if you have not already done so. These stolons are thick as hardy which make it a great garden turn for those who want a grass that can sustain heavy foot traffic; however, the only downfall is that because it doesnt have the rhizomes for extra support, this grass may take longer to repair itself after damage. It is recommended that you seek appropriate professional advice regarding your individual circumstances. Centipede Grass. It is favorable along the Gulf Coast as well as deep south as it is unopposed to variating soil pH levels as well as nutrient content. This grass species is excellent for coastal regions with high humidity, mild winters, and salty skies. how many dogs can you have in henderson, nv. Most of us love long hot summers, where we can get our vitamin D fix, and enjoy barbecue and pool season to the max.I wish I could say the same for our lawns.Blazing sun, coupled with little Dormant Grass vs Dead Grass How to Tell the Difference & What to Do? What soil PH level is good for buffalo grass? Meanwhile, St. Augustine grass requires monthly fertilizer in the growing season if you have sandy soil, and its far more susceptible to pests and diseases. It wasn't until the mid-20th century and the cultivar Kentucky 31 that horticulturists and landscapers began to recognise its inherent advantages as a lawn grass. Tall fescue is a different species altogether, and weve not included it in this particular article. When grown in ideal environments, such as in fertile soils, Bahia grass can grow rapidly at a rate of 70cm per week and if left unmaintained, can become very invasive. Andy Gibson. Signs of Lawn Heat Stress & How to Treat It? Bahia grass can be grown through seed or sod and is known to have a longer growth period than other grass types; this slow growth rate can sometimes cause weed issues in early establishment, however, is short lived once matured. St Augustine is often a thinner grass, which makes it easier for weeds to take over. For those interested in creating a more native, wildlife friendly landscape, buffalograss is the natural choice. Whatever you need, theres another grass that can handle your yards conditions better. This is because it is a slow-growing type of grass, so you wont have to mow it as often. Both with their advantages and disadvantages but which one is right for your lawn? However, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. (Answered!). How to Protect Grass From Frost & What to Do, top tips on how to properly mow your lawn, best chemical free weed solutions for your lawn. Next up, is fescue grass vs St. Augustine grass. Floratam St. Augustine Grass. + 1 778-244-4107 The stems of this grass lay flush to the ground and held in place by its thick and fibrous roots. Buffalo Grass vs St Augustine: What is Cheaper? Unfortunately, this also means it can be difficult to tell the difference between them! Also, Kikuyu needs more mowing than Buffalo. Of course, each one is slightly different and can suit different needs. Feb 15, 2023, Monday - Saturday 7:00 am - 5:00 pm1-800-381-8163, info@lawndelivery.comsodandseed@gmail.comwww.bayareasodandseed.com. Discover what makes these two grasses so desirable. Pesticides are not normally required, although you should take care in high moisture areas and ensure you have adequate drainage. Welcome to Sod and Seed, Inc! drought tolerance, low maintenance, aesthetically pleasing, etc.). Buffalo grass has fine, feathery blades and is more blue-green than the deep green of St. Augustine. The coarseness of the grass also has the ability to crowd out weeds, undesirable plants, and trouble spots. Address: Though centipede grass originates from Southeast Asia, it quickly spread across the U.S. in the early 20th century and continues to be a staple choice for lawns today. They are the most shade-tolerant of all lawn grass species. As such, there will rarely be a need to replace it. Also, if you live in an area with heavy winters, st. Augustine may not be a good choice for you; it tends to die back in cold weather, leaving bare patches where snow collects. Centipede grass is extremely low-maintenance. If you have pets or children or enjoy doing outdoor activities in your yard, this grass may not hold up. They are two extremely different grasses. This means that if you live in an area where it's hot and dry, or you don't water your lawn often, then st Augustine may be a better choice for you. Like Buffalo grass, St. Augustine grass has excellent shade tolerance as well as adaptability to dry, hot conditions. Although, neither of these types of grass is known for being particularly weed-attracting. Add a suitable fertilizer around two to three days after your initial seed, so as not to crowd the lawn with too much material right away. If you struggle with picking a grass species perfect for your needs and wants, and youre considering either Bahia grass or St. Augustine, read on to discover the main differences between the two as well as their pros and cons! If you try to pamper this grass or treat it like St Augustine or Bermuda, itll struggle. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. In fact, it thrives best in areas that get less than 25 inches of rainfall per year. While buffalo grass does have a few advantages over st Augustine, there are also some downsides to consider when deciding which type of grass you want for your lawn. Its not as tolerant to traffic as you might expect, and is better to look at than it is play upon. And you must always be keeping an eye out for disease, pests, and bugs. Its known as buffalo turf in Australia and buffalo grass in South Africa. Sod delivery fresh from the farm 1-800-381-8163, Posted by Razy Garcia-Sanchez on Jan 13, 2023. This means that it will need to be mowed more often. Austin. If none fits your needs dont worry. Another bonus of this grass is its high shade tolerance. Growing fine fescue requires a soil pH level of between 5.0 to 6.5. While St Augustine can also survive in hot weather, it is a better choice for people who live near the ocean or in other areas where there is a lot of salt in the air as this particular type of grass is salt-tolerant. Buffalo grass is well-suited to grow in a variety of soil types and can thrive in a range of climates, including hot and dry regions. The seeds can self-propagate when dropped onto the soil and although it is a slow process from there, the grass can easily sustain itself into maturity. The biggest difference between these two types of grass is that St Augustine is much more drought-resistant than buffalo. The confusion comes from St Augustine being called Buffalo Grass (or Buffalo Turf) in Australia and South Africa. It also has a beautiful texture thats soft underfoot but doesnt get matted down by foot traffic or rainstorms like some other types of grass do. As for appearance, theyre recognizable for their fine, hair-like aesthetic, with thin blades that are no more than 1/16-inch or less and that taper into a pronounced tip. To keep your lawn green, youll only need to provide 1 inch of water per month. St. Augustine sod and Buffalo grass offer an array of benefits to lawn owners. Fertilizer is a critical component in the growth of healthy lawn grass. Spectracide vs Roundup Which is the Best Weed Killer? Buffalo grass is a good choice for people who live in hot, dry climates. Its low growth makes it better for colder areas, and it stays green year-round. Similarly, St. Augustine grass also has relatively wide, hearty blades. Check that your soil PH levels are correct. Here are several alternative grass species for warm season climate zones: Some plants overstay their welcome, even after you've shown them the door. If you St. Augustine grass is stressed when mowed, it will lay over itself due to the height, and this will cause uneven mowing. And if youre not sure what time of machine to use, might I suggest you take a look at this article on the different types of lawnmower that are available today? For instance, homeowners living in hot, dry climates would be better off with Buffalo grass. If left to grow, centipede grass will top out at 4 to 5". Can you mix Fescue and St Augustine grass? 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