How Does Seawater Affect Grass Growth?

Living by the Ocean

Living by the sea is a dream come true for many people. There's something about the sun, the sand and the breezes that come with living at the ocean that attracts people to the coastlines. However, it can be a nightmare for those trying to develop a nice, healthy-looking lawn. Many lawns near the ocean take a substantial amount of work.

Determining the Problem

With the daily sea breezes so common in coastlines, lawns near the ocean are under a constant barrage of salt water. The wind picks the salt water off the ocean and carries it inland, where it is deposited on lawns close to the ocean. While the water can be carried dozens of miles, the lawns most dramatically affected are the ones within a few miles of the sea. Grass that is affected by salt will often have a yellowish tinge to it.

Why Salt is Bad

Salt is a chemical that does not react well with many land plants. Most are not capable of dealing with a very salty soil. Seawater can actually prevent plants, such as grass, shrubs and trees, from getting water at the root. The chloride in salt can also damage the leafy parts of the plant. Salt can also break down certain nutrients in some types of soils, thus providing less food for the grass.

Countermeasures

Fertilizer is one of the keys to reinserting nutrients in the soil. But that is not the only thing to consider. Some grasses, such as Bermuda and St. Augustine, are more salt tolerant than others. Kentucky bluegrass is definitely a grass type to avoid in areas where seawater is a problem. The combination of choosing a proper fertilizer and proper grass type will help lead to a much healthier lawn near the sea.