A Guide to Types of Grass in Florida

Six turfgrass superstars consistently top the list for Florida lawns, each with strengths like heat tolerance, drought resistance or low maintenance:

• St. Augustine: Broad blades, heat and humidity tolerance, partial shade adaptability
• Zoysia: Dense growth, traffic resistance and water conservation once established.
• Bermuda: Fine texture, drought-hardy, aggressive growth, thrives in full sun.
• Bahia: Coarse texture, low maintenance, ideal for sandy soils.
• Centipedegrass: Light green, slow-growing, thrives on minimal fertilizer.
• Seashore Paspalum: Salt tolerance, vibrant green, suited for coastal areas.

Here’s what makes each grass unique.

St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine is a favorite in Central, South and Coastal Florida. Its broad, blue-green blades form a lush lawn that tolerates heat, humidity and shade. Maintenance includes weekly mowing at 2.5-3.75 inches, regular fertilization and timely pest control for chinch bugs and fungal issues.  

Zoysia Grass

Zoysia creates a dense, traffic-friendly mat and handles occasional drought, making it popular in Central and North Florida. However, it spreads slowly, requiring patience and attentive weed control during establishment. Regular mowing and fertilization keep this premium turf pristine.

Bermuda Grass

Bermuda thrives in full sun with fine-textured blades that recover quickly from foot traffic. Its deep roots provide drought tolerance, ideal for Central Florida’s sandy soils. However, it dislikes shade and requires frequent mowing to prevent thatch buildup.

Centipedegrass

Centipedegrass, known as “lazy man’s grass,” thrives in acidic, nutrient-poor soils in the Panhandle area of North Florida. It requires minimal fertilization and mowing but recovers slowly from wear, making it less suited for heavy traffic. It can also be susceptible to more diseases than most turfgrass species.

Seashore Paspalum

Seashore Paspalum excels in coastal areas, tolerating salt spray and brackish water. Its rich green blades require frequent mowing at the right height and precise fertilization but deliver a lush lawn where others fail.

With these profiles in mind, let’s match each grass to Florida’s distinct regions. 

Florida’s diverse climates, from the Panhandle to the Keys, demand region-specific grass selections to reduce maintenance and improve drought tolerance. Here’s a region-by-region breakdown:

North Florida

Cities like Pensacola, Tallahassee and Jacksonville experience cool snaps, favoring Bermuda and Zoysia grass.

• Zoysia resists traffic and weeds, perfect for active families.

Central Florida

Heat-loving species shine in areas like Orlando and Tampa:

• St. Augustine tolerates shade and creates lush, green lawns.
• Zoysia offers durability and a manicured look.
• Bermuda thrives in full sun, recovering quickly from heavy use.

South Florida

Warm-season grasses dominate in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Naples:

• St. Augustine handles humidity and partial shade.
• Bermuda is known for its aggressive growth and recovers quickly from foot traffic.

Coastal Regions

Beachside communities like Sarasota and Key West need salt-tolerant options:

• St. Augustine cultivars balance maintenance ease with curb appeal.
• Seashore Paspalum resists salt damage, ideal for waterfront properties.

By aligning the best grass types with your region, you’ll enjoy a healthier, lower-maintenance lawn. Next, let’s identify which grass type is already growing in your yard. 

TruGreen pairs the best Florida grass types with customized care plans, addressing local soil profiles, pest pressures and weather patterns. Services include:

• Fertilization programs replenishing sandy soils.
• Weed control to protect nutrients.
• Pest treatments targeting chinch bugs, mole crickets and fire ants.
• Core aeration for healthy growth.
• Disease monitoring to halt fungal issues.

TruGreen’s local experts understand Florida’s unique lawn challenges and provide tailored solutions that adapt with the seasons.

Ready to enjoy a lawn that stays healthy, green and low maintenance? Discover TruGreen’s Florida lawn care services and see how easy it can be to keep your yard thriving year-round.