Bermuda grass and Zoysia are the two common grass types that thrive best throughout South Texas. Buffalo grass, which is native to the region, also does very well. Varieties like St. Augustine, Bahia, and Centipede grass are better suited to the humid regions of Southeast Texas and do not grow as well in hot, dry areas. If you’re in a coastal region, consider planting Seashore Paspalum to maintain a vibrant lawn.
Is Bermuda or St. Augustine Grass Better for South Texas?
Bermuda grass is far better suited to climates throughout South Texas than St. Augustine grass. Bermuda grows well in humid or dry climates, spreads quickly, and can be established through seed or sod. Although it doesn’t do well in shade, Bermuda grass will provide a beautiful lawn anywhere in South Texas if it receives full sun.
- Bermuda grass grows well in sunny lawns throughout South Texas.
- Bermuda has lower water requirements than St. Augustine, making it a better choice in arid regions.
- St. Augustine does best in humid coastal regions of South Texas.
- Because it must be started from sod, St. Augustine can be a more expensive choice.
St. Augustine grass needs frequent watering and is less drought-tolerant than Bermuda. This makes it a poor choice in the dry regions of South Texas. Although it grows well along the coast, from Port Arthur to Corpus Christi, it won’t grow well in regions west of San Antonio. Plus, St. Augustine can’t be seeded, so you’ll have to purchase sod or grass plugs to get your lawn started.
7 Best Lawn Grasses for South Texas
Warm-season grasses are the ideal choice for South Texas lawns. Although you can grow bluegrass in some areas of Texas, South Texas summers are too hot for cool-season grasses such as bluegrass. Below are the best choices for your lawn:
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is a fast-spreading, drought-tolerant grass that grows well throughout summer. Whether you are living in the Houston area, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, or west to El Paso, you can cultivate a Bermuda grass lawn. However, Bermuda grass does not do well without full sun, so if your lawn is partially shaded, it’s best to choose a different grass.
Zoysia
Zoysia grass is a great choice for partially shaded lawns where Bermuda grass won’t grow. Like Bermuda, Zoysia grows well throughout South Texas. This warm-season grass can tolerate both humidity and drought. It’s simply one of the best choices for South Texas lawn grass.
Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass is the only lawn grass that is native to America. It is low-maintenance and grows naturally on the Texas plains, so it thrives throughout most of South Texas. However, Buffalo grass does best in dry regions from Corpus Christi westward. It’s an extremely drought-tolerant grass that can enter summer dormancy when other grasses will die.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is a fast-growing emerald green grass that requires frequent mowing. It thrives in the humid regions near Houston. Although St. Augustine tolerates partial shade, it doesn’t handle dry weather and drought well. So, it’s not ideal for the western portions of Texas.
Centipede Grass
Like St. Augustine grass, Centipede lawns are best suited for Southeast portions of Texas. This grass loves water, making it less suited for dry regions of Texas from San Antonio westward. If you’re searching for grass with high drought tolerance, Centipede is not the ideal choice.
Seashore Paspalum
If you live in a coastal region of South Texas, Seashore Paspalum is an excellent choice. It grows well in coastal soil with high levels of salt, where other lawn grasses will struggle and die. It does well in hot weather but does not tolerate drought, cold, or shade well.
Bahia Grass
Bahia grass is a shade-tolerant grass that loves humidity and thrives in humid areas of Southeast Texas. It does not have good drought or cold tolerance, so it is not well-suited for dry regions or those with frosty winters. It often thrives in lawns that are too shady for Bermuda grass.
What Grass is Best for South Texas Heat?
The best grass types for lawns in South Texas are:
- Bermuda grass
- Zoysia
- Buffalo grass
- St. Augustine
- Centipede Grass
- Seashore Paspalum
- Bahia grass
Although St. Augustine, Centipede, and Bahia grass do especially well in the eastern regions of Southeast Texas, they can struggle in drier areas. Bermuda grass and Zoysia are the two varieties that perform best throughout all of South Texas.
