Lawn Care 101: Learn More About Fort Worth Grass Types
The Right Grass Makes All the Difference in Texas
Hey there, Fort Worth neighbors! Cole here from New Day Landscaping. If you've been scratching your head about why your lawn isn't looking its best, you might be fighting a losing battle against Mother Nature. The truth is, picking the right grass type for our North Texas climate is half the battle when it comes to maintaining a healthy, beautiful lawn.
Cheers to Rhett from Lawn Insider for putting together such a helpful video on grass types. Now for my take on what works best for lawn care in Fort Worth, where our unique climate and soil create some interesting challenges.
Understanding Warm Season Grasses in Fort Worth
Here in North Texas, we're firmly in warm-season grass territory. Our hot summers and relatively mild winters mean that Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Zoysia grasses dominate our landscapes. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, especially when dealing with our clay soils, water restrictions, and temperature extremes.
Over the 100+ properties we maintain throughout Fort Worth, Benbrook, Crowley, and surrounding neighborhoods, we've seen firsthand how different grass types perform in various conditions. Let me break down what works where in our area.
Bermudagrass: The Fort Worth Workhorse
Bermudagrass is probably the most common type we see around Fort Worth, and for good reason. It's tough as nails and can handle our brutal summer heat without breaking a sweat.
Why Bermuda Works in Fort Worth:
Heat and Drought Tolerance: When those 100°+ days hit in July and August (and they will!), Bermuda stands strong while other grasses struggle.
Self-Repairing: Bermuda's aggressive growth habit means it can recover quickly from damage, which is perfect for families with kids and pets.
Low Water Needs: With our frequent water restrictions, Bermuda's drought tolerance is a major plus.
Fort Worth Bermuda Challenges:
Shade Issues: Many Tanglewood and Overton Park properties have mature trees that create too much shade for Bermuda to thrive. We've helped dozens of homeowners in these neighborhoods transition to more shade-tolerant options for these areas.
Winter Dormancy: Bermuda turns brown earlier than other warm-season grasses, sometimes as early as late October in Fort Worth. Don't panic – it's normal and will green up again when soil temperatures consistently reach 65°F in spring.
Our Bermuda Pro Tip:
For our Fort Worth Bermuda lawns, we've developed a specific lawn mowing schedule that adjusts throughout the season. We start at 2" in early spring, drop to 1.5" during peak growth, and gradually raise back to 2" as fall approaches. This approach has given our clients a 95% satisfaction rate with their Bermuda lawns.
St. Augustine: The Shade Champion
While Bermuda dominates many Fort Worth lawns, St. Augustine is the king of shaded areas, especially in established neighborhoods with large trees.
Why St. Augustine Works in Fort Worth:
Shade Tolerance: If you've got live oaks, pecans, or other large shade trees on your property (common in neighborhoods like Tanglewood), St. Augustine might be your best bet.
Thick Growth: Its dense carpet-like growth helps choke out weeds.
Visual Appeal: Many of our clients prefer the wider blades and lush appearance.
Fort Worth St. Augustine Challenges:
Water Needs: It's thirstier than Bermuda, which can be challenging during Stage 1 and 2 water restrictions.
Disease Pressure: Our humidity can trigger brown patch and gray leaf spot, especially in early fall when temperatures drop but humidity remains high.
Clay Soil Issues: Our heavy Fort Worth clay soils can cause drainage problems that St. Augustine doesn't love.
Our St. Augustine Pro Tip:
For our St. Augustine customers in Fort Worth, we've developed a custom aeration and compost top-dressing program that improves drainage in our clay soils. This has reduced disease issues by nearly 40% compared to properties without this treatment.
Zoysia: The Best of Both Worlds
If I had to pick a "Goldilocks" grass for Fort Worth, Zoysia would be it. It's not as common as the other two, but we've been installing more of it in recent years with excellent results.
Why Zoysia Works in Fort Worth:
Versatility: Handles both sun and moderate shade, perfect for properties with varying light conditions.
Drought Tolerance: Needs less water than St. Augustine but stays greener longer than Bermuda during dry spells.
Traffic Tolerance: Stands up to reasonable foot traffic while maintaining its appearance.
Fort Worth Zoysia Challenges:
Establishment Time: It's slower to establish than other grasses, requiring more patience during installation.
Thatch Buildup: Our seasonal cycle can lead to thatch issues with Zoysia if not properly maintained.
Cost: Initially more expensive, though many of our clients find the long-term benefits worth the investment.
Our Zoysia Pro Tip:
For new construction homes in areas like Crowley and parts of Benbrook, we often recommend Zoysia as the perfect balance between water efficiency and aesthetic appeal. When installing Zoysia, we add a specialized soil amendment that helps the grass establish 25% faster than traditional installation methods.
Making the Right Choice for Your Fort Worth Property
So which grass is right for your Fort Worth lawn? Here's my practical advice based on what I've seen work across hundreds of local properties:
Consider Your Property Conditions:
Full Sun & Heavy Activity: Bermuda is your best bet. It can handle the heat and repairs quickly from damage.
Shaded Areas: St. Augustine or Zoysia, depending on how dense the shade is.
Mixed Conditions: Consider a combination approach – Bermuda in sunny areas and St. Augustine or Zoysia in shaded sections.
Water Concerns: If you're worried about water bills or restrictions, Bermuda and Zoysia are more efficient than St. Augustine.
One thing I've learned after 15+ years in this business – there's no one-size-fits-all solution for Fort Worth lawns. What works perfectly for your neighbor might not be right for you, even if you're just across the street.
Fort Worth Seasonal Lawn Care Tips
Regardless of which grass type you have, here are some Fort Worth-specific seasonal tips:
Spring (March-May):
Don't fertilize too early! Wait until you've mowed your lawn twice to ensure it's actively growing.
Our spring storms can be intense – make sure your drainage is working properly before the rains hit.
Summer (June-August):
Water deeply and infrequently – 1" of water per week, applied in 2-3 sessions.
Mow regularly but never remove more than 1/3 of the blade height at once.
Fall (September-November):
Apply pre-emergent weed control in late September/early October to prevent winter weeds.
Reduce watering as temperatures cool but don't stop completely until dormancy.
Winter (December-February):
Apply a second round of pre-emergent in February to prevent spring weeds.
Minimize traffic on dormant turf to prevent damage.
Get Expert Help With Your Fort Worth Lawn
Whether you're looking to install a new lawn, renovate an existing one, or just need help maintaining what you have, our team at New Day Landscaping understands the unique challenges of Fort Worth grass types. We proudly serve homeowners throughout Fort Worth, Benbrook, Crowley, Overton Park, and Tanglewood with customized lawn care programs designed specifically for our local conditions.
With over 100 satisfied clients across the area and a 95% customer retention rate, we've built our reputation on detail-oriented care that acknowledges the unique needs of each property we maintain.
Ready to transform your lawn? Give us a call at (817) 760-0479 or visit our website at www.newdaylandscaping.net to schedule a free consultation. Let's make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood!
