Thank you for visiting the Hessenauer Sprinkler Repair and Irrigation blog and website. We like to offer our online readers news, tips and advice concerning sprinkler irrigation and drainage here in Orlando and the Central Florida area.
Today we would like to explain details about the types of grass that are appropriate for most Orlando lawn irrigation. Review this photo to the left which shows how each variety about to be discussed actually looks. (Click on the photo to enlarge then click back to come back to this page)
Central Florida is a beautiful region that is blessed with a temperate climate. The land is garnished with gorgeous lakes and impressive lawns, yet many pursue such lawns and do not know where to start.
There is no single correct answer for what type of grass should be planted here in Orlando and Central Florida. Weigh the pros and cons of each variety of grass and keep in mind how often you want to maintain your lawn. The following are suggestions for your lawn here in Orlando and Central Florida in general.
St Augustine grass is probably the most common grass found in Orlando. Accustomed to warm weather and thriving easily in many types of soil, St Augustine grass grows densely with a blue-green color. Frequent watering and proper watering are required to avoid thatch buildup and pest problems in St Augustine grass. The best time to plant this grass variety is either Spring or Fall, and other variations include Floratam, Palmetto, Del-Mar, and Seville.
Carpet Grass or flatgrass is native to the Gulf Coast states and other tropical climates. Mainly planted in wet areas, Carpet Grass is best established from Mid-April to May. Mowing should be frequent or weekly, and should be done to a height of 3/4 inch to 2 inches. Fertilize Carpet Grass at least twice a year, Fall and Spring, but preferrably 4 times a year.
Bermuda Grass is a turf that is well adapted to Central Florida’s climate and soils. Maintained Bermuda Grass is absoultely beautiful, resilient and soft. This type of grass does take a great deal of maintenance including monthly fertilization, twice a week mowing, and frequent irrigation. Bermuda Grass can be established quickly and produces a vibrant and dense turf. Though it can be established successfully about any time of year, the prime season is between April and September.
Bahia Grass is the second most common in Orlando used mostly as a pasture grass when starting with dry, sandy soil, common in a certain part of Orlando. Bahia Grass is also drought tolerant, needs little fertilization to maintain, and usually turns brown in cooler weather. During hot summer months, Bahia Grass needs weekly mowing yet little other maintenance.
Centipede Grass does well in Central Florida, although is the most common grass for homes in the Panhandle. This grass is light in color, slow-growing, needing little fertilization. Fertilization actually could cause long term problems with Centipede Grass. Not the prettiest turf, this type of grass is susceptible to problems by nematodes, a plant parasite.
Seashore Paspalum is increasingly popular in coastal regions and is a great choice for an Orlando lawn. Often used on golf courses and common for residential lawns, Seashore Paspalum can tolerate poor quality water and grows best during the Summer. Large amounts of rainfall are required for this type of grass, making it perfect for Orlando and Central Florida. Seashore Paspalum is a great choice under specific soil conditions, especially if you are closer to the ocean.
The types of grass that are appropriate for Orlando compliment an efficient irrigation system. Contact us today at 407-302-2227 if you have an irrigation project to tackle here in Orlando and Central Florida. Bookmark us for more news, tips and advice concerning irrigation and drainage, and come back soon!