Bermuda Grass
Warm Season
Full Sun
Heavy Fertilizer Needs
Fast Grower
TURF 411
GRASS GUIDE
GRASS TYPES
Here in the "Transition Zone" we have many different grass types. Each one with their own pro's and cons and their own preferred settings and maintenance needs.
All grasses fall into two categories, either warm-season grasses or cool-season grasses. Surprisingly, very few of the grasses here in the US are native to our country. Most were brought over from other countries and then adapted through new varieties and cultivars.
What is the Transition Zone?
Understanding lawn care in our region comes down to three main turf zones: the Cool-Season Zone up north where grasses like Fescue thrive in mild summers, the Warm-Season Zone down south dominated by heat-loving Bermuda and Zoysia, and the Transition Zone in the middle where both types overlap and struggle with weather extremes. As local summer climate patterns trend hotter and muggier, North Alabama sits right on the front lines of this shift. These prolonged periods of summer heat and high humidity put intense stress on cool-season turf, making Tall Fescue much more vulnerable to thinning, summer heat dormancy, and lawn diseases like Brown Patch. While keeping a lush Fescue lawn in our area is still achievable, it now requires even more attention—including strategic watering, proper summer mowing heights, and annual fall overseeding to keep it thick and resilient, AND most importantly SHADE!
A SHORT GUIDE TO TURF TYPES
Zoysia Grass
Warm Season
Full Sun - Some Shade
Moderate Fertilizer Needs
Slow Grower
St. Augustine Grass
Warm Season
Full Sun - Mostly Shady
Moderate Fertilizer Needs
Slow Grower
Centipede Grass
Warm Season
Full Sun - Some Shade
Low Fertilizer Needs
Slow Grower
Fescue Grass
Cool Season
Mostly Shady - Total Shade
Low Fertilizer Needs
Fast Grower
Rye Grass
Cool Season
Mostly Shady - Total Shade
Low Fertilizer Needs
Fast Grower
Frequently Asked Questions
Warm season grasses like Bermuda and zoysia can be personal preference. Golf courses mow as low as 5/8” on greens and tee boxes while areas outside of fairways may be as tall as 3-4”. The lower your height, the more frequently you need to mow. Never take off more than 1/3 the blade length on each mowing. Cool season grasses like Fescue in our area need to stay high, around 3-4” for best results.
Initially, we eliminate any problems inside your home first, to get rid of any existing pest issues and to seal off avenues of pest infestation. From there we focus our attention outside, where pests live and breed. We concentrate on eradicating access areas where pests can gain entry or where they might find food and water sources – then we create a barrier of protection so that pests won’t reappear.
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FREE QUOTE?
Turf Worx recognizes that creating a beautiful lawn and having the freedom to pursue your passions are achievable goals. Our mission is to offer you both. Are you ready for the best results, ever? Request a free quote today!
