The Four Major Turf Grasses in Wilmington NC
These four major turf grasses will thrive in our sandy soil.
When in the market for turf, the plethora of options can be overwhelming. Yet, Wilmington, NC’s warm summers and sandy soils narrow down the choices to four warm-season turf grass varieties: Centipede, Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Zoysia.
| Grass Type | Maintenance Level | Ideal for | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Centipede |
Low |
Home lawns |
Slow |
|
Bermuda |
Medium to High |
Athletic Fields, Golf Courses
|
Aggressive |
|
St. Augustine |
Medium to High |
Home Lawns, Parks |
Moderate |
|
Zoysia |
Medium |
High-traffic areas |
Slow to Moderate
|
Centipede Grass in Wilmington NC : The Low-Maintenance Choice
Centipede grass, often called “lazy man’s grass,” is ideal for those seeking a lush lawn with minimal upkeep. While it can pose a challenge to grow in some locales, the warm climate and sandy terrain of Wilmington, NC, provide a conducive environment for its growth. Centipede grass doesn’t enter a winter dormancy phase, unlike other grass varieties, making it susceptible to winter damage if temperatures plummet drastically.
Growth and Mowing
The hallmark of Centipede grass is its slow growth rate. This characteristic, while making it unsuitable for places like baseball fields, renders it perfect for beautiful, lightly-trafficked lawns. The slow growth translates to less frequent mowing needs— a well-sharpened regular mower every other week keeps it at the ideal height of one to two inches.
- Growth Characteristics: Exceptionally slow growth rate.
- Maintenance: Minimal, with bi-weekly mowing sufficing.
- Climate Suitability: Thrives in the warm climate and sandy soil of Wilmington, NC, although vulnerable to winter damage due to the lack of winter dormancy.
Bermuda Grass in Wilmington NC: The Resilient Variety
Bermuda grass is a popular choice for residential lawns, athletic fields, and golf courses, thanks to its aggressive growth and quick recovery from physical damage. If your lawn in Wilmington, NC, is destined to host neighborhood sports, Bermuda is your go-to option.
Maintenance and Irrigation
Bermuda grass boasts a medium to fine texture, requiring regular mowing, particularly in late spring and early summer. Keeping a weekly mow between one to two and a half inches is essential during this period. With the arrival of late fall and winter, the mowing frequency drops, only needed to keep leaves and debris at bay.
Come late March, a thorough scalping using a bagger on your mower prepares your lawn for the spring, removing dead leaves for a quicker green-up. Also, consider irrigation during the growing season, as Bermuda grass requires at least 1” weekly rainfall for optimum growth.
- Growth Characteristics: Aggressive growth, quick recovery from physical damage.
- Maintenance: Requires regular mowing, particularly during late spring and early summer.
- Irrigation Needs: At least 1” of rainfall weekly for optimum growth.
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Centipede & Bermuda Maintenance Summary
| Grass Type | Mowing Frequency | Watering Needs |
|---|---|---|
|
Centipede |
Bi-weekly |
Moderate |
|
Bermuda |
Weekly |
High
|
St. Augustine Grass in Wilmington NC: The Tropical Beauty
Known as buffalo grass in South Africa and buffalo turf in Australia, St. Augustine grass is common in tropical and subtropical regions. Its thick, almost carpet-like sod makes it a medium to high-maintenance turf grass suitable for Wilmington, NC.
Mowing and Cold Tolerance
Aim to mow this turf grass at two to four inches during the growing season, ensuring a sharp mower blade. Adjust the grass height with the changing seasons. Compared to other warm-season turf grass, St. Augustine struggles with cold tolerance, entering early dormancy in fall to evade freezing temperatures, leading to less mowing necessity by fall.
- Growth Characteristics: Forms a thick, almost carpet-like sod.
- Maintenance: Moderate to high, mowing at two to four inches height during the green-up season.
- Cold Tolerance: Enters early dormancy in fall to evade freezing temperatures, leading to less mowing necessity by fall.
Zoysia Grass in Wilmington NC: The Durable Choice
Zoysia grass, known for its wear and tear resistance, is a winner for dense lawn enthusiasts. Although it has a lengthy recovery period, its captivating emerald hue and durability make it a sought-after choice.
Care and Varieties
Full sun exposure is crucial for Zoysia grass to maintain its vibrant color. Due to Zoysia’s dense nature, many owners prefer a reel mower over an ordinary one. The popular varieties in Wilmington, NC, include Empire and Zoro, flourishing at one to two inches. For shaded lawns, a slightly higher grass height is advisable.
- Growth Characteristics: Slow to moderate growth rate, forms a very dense lawn.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun is crucial for maintaining its vibrant color.
- Mowing: Many owners prefer a reel mower over an ordinary one due to Zoysia’s dense nature.
St. Augustine & Zoysia Maintenance Summary
| Grass Type | Sun Exposure | Preferred Mower Type |
|---|---|---|
|
St. Augustine |
Moderate to High
|
Standard |
|
Zoysia |
High |
Reel Mower
|
Embarking on a new turf grass installation in Wilmington, NC? Engage the expertise of Vinedresser Lawn and Landscape professionals. With sod installation being physically demanding, our team is here to ensure a seamless process and stunning results.
Contact Vinedresser Lawn and Landscape for professional advice and services.