South Carolina lies within the “transition zone,” presenting a unique challenge for turfgrass management. The climate is too cold for many warm-season grasses in winter and too hot for most cool-season grasses in summer. No single grass species thrives year-round across the entire state, forcing homeowners to select a variety that can survive the extremes of both seasons. The complexity is compounded by varying soil types and microclimates. The primary goal is identifying a turfgrass best suited to the property’s specific conditions and the homeowner’s willingness to perform maintenance.
Regional Factors Influencing Selection
The state’s geography creates two distinct climatic and soil environments that influence turfgrass success. The Upstate, including the Piedmont region, experiences cooler winters and generally has heavier, clay-based soils. This clay soil can become compacted, but it retains nutrients better than the sandy soils to the east. Conversely, the Lowcountry and Coastal Plain are characterized by hotter, longer, and more humid summers, along with milder winters. The soils here are often sandy and acidic, allowing for fast drainage but necessitating varieties that tolerate high moisture stress and lower nutrient levels. For example, the cooler temperatures and partial shade in the Piedmont sometimes allow for the limited use of cool-season Tall Fescue, which would fail in the intense heat of the coast.
Recommended Warm-Season Grass Varieties
Most successful lawns in South Carolina rely on warm-season varieties because of their ability to withstand intense summer heat and humidity.
- Bermudagrass is the most popular choice for areas receiving full, direct sunlight due to its exceptional tolerance for heat, drought, and heavy foot traffic. It forms a dense turf that recovers quickly, but its high maintenance needs and inability to tolerate shade are significant drawbacks.
- Zoysiagrass offers a good balance between Bermuda’s heat tolerance and a finer, carpet-like appearance, showing moderate tolerance to shade and drought. While highly wear-tolerant, Zoysia is slow to establish, often requiring sod or sprigs, and can develop a significant thatch layer over time.
- St. Augustinegrass is the most shade-tolerant warm-season option, making it a favorite for properties with mature trees, especially in coastal regions. This grass requires frequent watering and is susceptible to winterkill if planted too far north into the Piedmont.
- Centipedegrass is often called the “lazy man’s grass” due to its minimal fertilization needs and slow growth rate. It performs well in the sandy, acidic soils common across the state, but it has poor traffic tolerance and is susceptible to cold damage, limiting its use in the coldest parts of the Upstate.
The only cool-season grass recommended for permanent use is Tall Fescue, which is best reserved for deeply shaded areas in the Upstate where summer temperatures are slightly less severe.
Seasonal Maintenance and Care Routines
Successful warm-season turfgrass management hinges on proper timing for activation in spring and preparation for dormancy in the fall.
Watering
Watering should be done deeply and infrequently, with the goal of delivering 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. This practice encourages the development of deep, drought-resistant root systems. The best time to irrigate is in the early morning to minimize water loss from evaporation.
Mowing
Mowing height is a factor that changes depending on the grass type and the season. Bermuda lawns are typically maintained at a lower height, while Centipede and St. Augustine should be mowed higher, often between three and four inches, especially during the summer heat. Keeping the grass taller helps shade the soil, conserving moisture and reducing stress on the turf.
Fertilization
Fertilization must begin in late spring, generally when soil temperatures consistently reach 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which usually occurs in April or May. This timing aligns with the grass’s active growth period and avoids encouraging shoot growth before the roots are ready. Notably, Bermudagrass requires a high-nitrogen feeding schedule to maintain its density, while Centipedegrass is sensitive to excessive nitrogen and needs a much lighter application. A final, light application of fertilizer in late summer or early fall helps the lawn recover from summer stress, but nitrogen should be avoided completely in the late fall to prevent winter injury.