South Florida presents a demanding environment for turfgrass, requiring species that withstand intense tropical conditions. The climate features a long, hot, and humid growing season, often accompanied by heavy rainfall that encourages pests and disease. Soil is typically sandy, draining quickly and offering low nutrient retention. The underlying limestone bedrock often contributes to alkaline conditions, making grass selection crucial for successful lawn maintenance.
Primary Turfgrasses Suited for South Florida
St. Augustinegrass
St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) remains the dominant residential turf throughout the region, prized for its dense, blue-green sod. This warm-season grass spreads aggressively via above-ground runners (stolons), allowing for quick establishment from sod. The most widely used cultivar, Floratam, has a coarse texture and wide blades, but offers relatively poor shade tolerance compared to other St. Augustine cultivars.
Zoysiagrass
Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) has grown in popularity due to its fine to medium-fine texture, delivering a lush, carpet-like appearance. While establishing slower than St. Augustine, Zoysia varieties form an incredibly dense turf resilient to wear and tear. Cultivars like Empire and Icon offer good drought tolerance and a soft feel underfoot.
Bahiagrass
Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) is a low-maintenance option recognized by its coarse, light-colored blades and distinctive ‘Y-shaped’ seed heads. This species develops an extensive, deep root system, allowing it to persist well in infertile, sandy soils with low water and fertilizer inputs. It is often selected for large lots or areas without automated irrigation, surviving extended dry periods through drought-induced dormancy.
Bermudagrass
Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is a vigorous, dark-green turf generally favored for high-traffic areas like golf courses and athletic fields. Improved hybrid varieties are fine-textured and establish quickly through both stolons and underground rhizomes. However, Bermudagrass requires the highest level of maintenance, including frequent mowing and fertilization, and performs poorly in shaded conditions.
Matching Grass Type to Environmental Conditions
Shade Tolerance
For properties with mature trees or significant shade from structures, St. Augustinegrass or Zoysiagrass are the most suitable choices. St. Augustinegrass generally offers the best shade tolerance among the region’s turfgrasses. Zoysiagrass varieties, such as Zeon, also possess strong shade performance. Bermudagrass demands full sun and will thin and fail quickly in shaded areas.
Salt Tolerance
Coastal properties subject to salt spray or saline irrigation water need a species with high salt tolerance. Bermudagrass, particularly cultivars like Celebration, excels under these conditions, followed closely by Zoysiagrass and St. Augustinegrass. Bahiagrass has less tolerance for salt exposure and should be avoided in direct coastal locations.
Traffic Tolerance
Where a lawn receives heavy foot traffic from children or pets, Zoysiagrass and Bermudagrass are far more durable due to their dense growth habits and excellent wear tolerance. St. Augustinegrass only offers moderate traffic tolerance, and its recovery from damage is slower than the aggressive growth of Bermudagrass. Bahiagrass, with its open growth and coarse texture, is the least suited for heavy use.
Drought Tolerance
In areas with watering restrictions, or for homeowners seeking low-input turf, Bahiagrass is the clear choice because of its exceptional, deep-rooted drought survival mechanism. Bermudagrass is also highly drought-tolerant, but it will require more water and fertilizer to maintain a high-quality appearance. St. Augustinegrass and Zoysiagrass require supplemental irrigation to remain green and healthy during extended dry periods.
Managing Common South Florida Lawn Issues
Pests
The southern chinch bug is the most damaging insect pest for St. Augustinegrass, sucking plant juices and leaving behind large, irregular brown patches. Mole crickets prefer Bermudagrass and Bahiagrass. They tunnel beneath the surface, feeding on roots and causing the turf to dry out.
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases are a concern due to high humidity, with Brown Patch and Gray Leaf Spot being common issues. Brown Patch is particularly destructive to St. Augustine and Zoysia, encouraged by warm days and moisture-laden nights. Proper cultural practices, such as avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilizer, can reduce susceptibility to these fungal outbreaks.
Watering Practices
Watering should be deep and infrequent, aiming for a total of 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. The best time to irrigate is early morning, between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM, which allows the grass blades to dry completely before nightfall. Watering in the late afternoon or evening extends the leaf wetness period, which directly promotes fungal spore germination.
Mowing Height
Mowing height is a key maintenance factor to manage heat stress and promote root health. St. Augustinegrass should be maintained at a height of 3.5 to 4 inches to encourage a deep root system that better withstands drought. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade during a single mowing session, as this stresses the turf and makes it more vulnerable to pests and disease.