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We all want a greener lawn, it serves as the focal point of our house, and an extension for outdoor activities such as family picnics. In planning for this however we are faced with a dilemma on choosing bermuda grass vs st augustine, the two most common grasses homeowners usually consider. To find the perfect fit, here are key pointers to consider so you’re sure you’re picking the correct grass.
St. Augustine Grass Pictures
With the changing weather conditions, water consumption should always be top priority on our list. The bermuda grass is undoubtedly the best option if you’re looking to preserve water or lesser sprinkler schedules.
St. Augustine grass needs at least twice of the water requirement as bermuda. This may not sound like a pressing concern but in the long run you’ll see the effects in the monthly water bill. Maintenance is the key to preserving a turf, if you don’t want to put extra effort, go for bermuda.
If you’re a beginner in gardening, administer a soil test first. Soil test kits can be purchased from your local gardening stores.
When your soil has inadequate iron chelate or iron sulfate, St. Augustine grass has a hard time growing. Though it has the same potassium requirements with other grasses, it needs at least fertilization every 2 months.
Bermuda grass, on the other hand, depends on nitrogen-rich soil. It can be grown on both acidic and alkaline environments.
Of course, temperaturel always plays a major role in plant growth. St. Augustine has a higher weather tolerance than Bermuda, but when they’re stressed, the turf is easily invaded by pests and diseases. If there is frequent drought or during dormant months, the Bermuda grass easily fends pests and diseases while at the same time requiring no water consumption.
Which part of the lawn are you planning on growing the turf? Will it be constantly exposed to foot or vehicle traffic? The St. Augustine grass has a low tolerance for human activity, they easily get damaged. The bermuda grass however is resilient, even after numerous feet and paw traffic, it retains its shape and grows again fully.
St. Augustine grass requires more maintenance in terms of water consumption, and the regular mowing process. In some cases, it grows agressively and takes over other parts of the lawn.
Therefore, an effective and powerful lawn mower is necessary when you’re having a St. Augustine lawn. A mower might be your best friend in terms of taking care your grass.
You should read: Top 7 best corded electric lawn mower
The bermuda grass, however on the other hand, requires less mowing and watering, as it does get thicker when exposed to either. In addition, frequent trimming should be done in bermuda grass as it can get to driveways and sidewalks easily.
Look at your lawn, is it covered by the shade created by trees or is it fully exposed to the sun? St. Augustine grass thrives well with both constant sun exposure and under shaded conditions. On the other hand, Bermuda grass will struggle to survive when in shaded regions. They tend to thrive well on direct sunlight.
There is no better feeling to see the fruits of his/her labor – a lush green turf. Picking out a type of grass is not a hard task at all, especially now that you’ve understood their characteristics. Also, leave a comment down below if there’s any other consideration you want to point out, and I’ll be happy to learn and share more.
