The Best Sod for Houston, Texas

St. Augustine grass grows well in Houston.

St. Augustine grass is a variety that grows well in the hot climates around the Gulf Coast region. This includes the Houston, area where the summers are hot and rainfall is light. St. Augustine grass prefers to grow in full sunlight but tolerates a partially shaded lawn area.

Considerations

Texas A&M University completed testing of the Palmetto variety of St. Augustine grass and found it hardy to 5 degrees F. This results in a grass that will withstand rare cold fronts in the Houston area.

Planting

St. Augustine grass performs best when planted as sprigs or sod. Sprigs are lower in cost to plant, but take six to eight weeks for establishment. Sod is more costly to install but results in a fully established lawn.

Maintenance

St. Augustine sod installed in Houston requires daily watering for the first month after installation. Apply approximately 1/2 inch water to soak the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Monitor the soil moisture during the hot summer months and apply supplemental water during periods of drought in Texas.

References

• Texas A&M University: St. Augustine Grass
• University of Florida: St. Augustine Grass for Florida Lawns
• American Lawns: St. Augustine