How to Choose Lawn Grass

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By writedesign
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It's important to choose lawn grass that grows in your climate.

If you plan on buying a newly built home that has no lawn grass or want to plant new lawn grass on your existing lawn, choosing the right grass seed is essential to having a nice green yard. If you plant a warm season grass and the weather gets very cold in the winter, the grass will die. The same will happen if you plant a cool season grass where it gets really hot in the summer. In addition, if you plant the wrong grass seeds for the climate you live in, your lawn will be prone to weeds, pests, disease and will require lots of lawn service. Before purchasing grass seed for your yard, be sure to follow the steps below on how to choose lawn grass:

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Imagine your dream lawn.

Imagine your ‘dream’ lawn - what color green is it? How wide are the blades of grass? How fast will the grass grow? How tall will it grow? How durable should the lawn be? What will you use it for (decoration, lounging, dog area, playground, erosion control, etc)? Where will it be located (on a slope, on flat ground, etc)? How much lawn treatment and maintenance do you want to be responsible for? Will you maintain it yourself or hire a lawn care company to service it? Will it be easy to mow it with a lawn mower or will you need special lawn care tools to service it? All of your answers will help narrow down your search for the perfect grass seed.
Step 2

Make note of the climate you live in.

Make note of the climate you live in. Is it really hot in the summer or really cold in the winter? Extreme climates require specific grasses. For example, bermuda grass and saint augustine grass are good choices for hot climates (as long as there is no drought), while zoysia grass, centipede grass, and buffalo grass are best suited for semi-arid climates (they don’t need much water).
Step 3

Look at the soil and sun exposure.

Figure out what type of soil (dry or damp) is available and how much sun and shade will hit the lawn everyday.
Step 4

Decide how much you want to spend on your lawn.

Decide how much money you want to spend on your lawn. Different types of grasses require different types of lawn care. If a professional lawn care company will service the yard for you, make sure you get estimates if you have varied ornamental grasses on your lawn. Not all lawn-service companies deal with special landscapes.
Step 5

Compare grasses.

Review the grass comparison charts and grass varieties in the resources below to help you choose a specific lawn grass for your location. It’s also a good idea to call a local lawn care company and inquire about the varieties of lawn grasses available in your area. Lawn care companies are often willing to give free advice if they feel you might hire them for their lawn care services.