Growing grass, as you know is really a pretty simple proposition. But being simple does not equate with being easy. In other words there’s more to it than heading down the lawn care aisle, grabbing a bag of grass seed and spreading it over some dirt then letting nature take it’s course.

No, if you want a lawn that matches the time and level of commitment you can devote to maintaining it, you’ll have to do a bit of research. To learn which strains thrive under the regional conditions you face. And any more that means thriving with few water demands during periods when little rain is expected to fall.

There are five candidates to strongly consider. They would be Bahia, Bermuda, Centipede, St. Augustine, and Zoysia. Let’s take a quick look at what each has to offer.

One fast growing variety that grows thick enough to ward off weeds is St Augustine. But the list of drawbacks with this one is rather lengthy. Not good for high traffic. Not all that drought resistant. Doesn’t like being cold. Can only be started from plugs or sod. Requires lots of water to maintain it’s good looks. All of which would make it rather high maintenance. But a good choice if that’s not a problem.

If you want a medium turf grass which can be easily planted from seed then you can choose Bahia grass. Once established, Bahia will generally need only rainwater to stay green. Plus it can survive almost indefinitely in a dormant state and greens up fast after droughts. This coarse textured grass can grow in variety of soils and due to its extensive root system it is drought tolerant. It is less prone to diseases and insect problems. Drawbacks? This grass requires frequent mowing and some compare mowing it to cutting wire. Plus it doesn’t do well in high shade areas or high pH soils.

Now those looking for a slow growing, low maintenance, warm season grass will find Centipede to their liking. It’s a drought tolerant strain that flourishes in full sun. The fact that it’s low maintenance, meaning less need for mowing, appeals to many busy homeowners. As is the fact you can establish a lawn quickly with this grass from either seed or sod. It’s not for high traffic applications however.

Now given its poor tolerance of shade Bermuda grass needs full sun to shine. Still it’s a widely grown warm-season turf-grass. Being an aggressive and invasive by nature you’ll also find common Bermuda can easily take over nearby flower beds. But it is drought and cold tolerant and free of most major disease issues.

One of the most cold hardy in the group is Zoysia. It’s a thick growing strain that makes it hard on weeds. A slow grower compared to Bermuda it’s got average tolerance for shady growing conditions. Typically you establish a Zoysia lawn with sprigs or plugs. If you go that route you’ll need to be patient. The biggest draw back here is the need for frequent mowing. Plus Zoysia should be regularly de-thatched as well.

As you might have concluded, if you keep your regional weather in mind, know the growing conditions and take your level of commitment to lawn care in mind, growing a lawn that stays green longer isn’t all that tough. Hopefully the run down on your best bets when it comes to strains to consider has made your selection process that much easier.

Along with these tips for picking a warm season grass, Dewey J Capasso has written about coping with lawn grubs, offered tips on watering grass effectively, and has written a more in-depth article on zyosia grass. If you’re looking for ways to keep your lawn green and in trim maybe you should stop by MowerMania.com to find out more.