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Past hot, dry conditions may make some homeowners reconsider grMissouri After two consecutive hot and dry summers, some homeowners are asking about using warm season grasses in lawns. According to Gaylord Moore, horticulture specialist, University of Missouri Extension, both warm and cool season grasses have benefits. Most lawns in southwest Missouri are cool season grasses like fescue, bluegrass or fescue-bluegrass mix. They have the tendency to remain green through the cool months but go dormant during the hot summer months without the aid of irrigation. The opposite is true of warm season grasses like Zoysia, Bermuda or buffalo grass. These varieties green in the spring when soil temperatures warm in late April or May and brown near the first killing frost in the late fall. "Just take your pick as to your choice of turf color during given times of the year," said Moore. Do the warm season grasses have an advantage during hot droughty conditions during the summer months? According to Moore, the answer is yes, just with a few drawbacks. "Do you want Bermuda grass in your lawn as an aggressive spreader? It does not recognize borders and invades flower and vegetable gardens and probably your neighbors' cool season lawn," said Moore. Bermuda grass does well with athletic fields and golf courses. Once established, it is very difficult to eradicate. However, Bermuda grass will not tolerate any shade. Buffalo grass is heat and drought tolerant once it is established. However, it has poor wear tolerance, shade tolerance, poor density and it is susceptible to weeds according to Moore. "The overall appearance of Buffalo grass may not be acceptable for some homeowners. It can, however, be an excellent rough, low-maintenance grass," said Moore. This leaves Zoysia as the other warm season grass choice. It has the best qualities of the three for a warm season lawn except most recommended species must be established by sprigs or sod. "It has excellent heat and drought tolerance, excellent weed competition, it is not invasive, it has low fertility requirements and it has tough leaves with dense growth," said Moore. To remain green and growing Zoysia requires 35 percent less water during the summer than fescue and over 50 percent less than bluegrass. "With any of these grass species of choice there are pros and cons to be considered. There may not be a perfect solution that applies to all yards," said Moore. For more information contact Moore or the Greene County Master Gardener Hotline at 417-862-9284.
0 None None Date: 3/22/07
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