🌿 Essential Guide: The Best Grasses for Orlando's Climate and How to Keep Them Perfect

If you live in Orlando, you know that not all grass types can withstand our intense sun and high humidity. Choosing the right grass and providing proper maintenance are the secrets to a lush, resilient backyard.

Green Horizon Landscaping has prepared this guide for you to understand the best lawn options in Central Florida!

The Resilience Champions of Central Florida

The key is to select grasses that tolerate heat, drought (during dry spells), and have good resistance to common diseases and pests in our region.

1. St. Augustine Grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum)

This is, by far, the most popular grass in Orlando and much of Florida.

• Advantages: It has a deep blue-green color, tolerates moderate shade, and recovers well from light traffic.

• Watch Out For: It is susceptible to pests like the Sod Webworm and, especially, to the Take-All Root Rot (TARR) fungus, which causes yellow patches.

• Green Horizon Tip: St. Augustine should be cut higher (about 3 to 4 inches) to shade the soil and strengthen the root system, preventing heat stress.

2. Zoysia Grass (Zoysia japonica)

A premium option that is growing in popularity due to its density and beauty.

• Advantages: Creates a dense, "carpet-like" feel, has excellent traffic and drought tolerance (once established), and good resistance to some pests.

• Watch Out For: It is slower to establish and may require a bit more fertilization to maintain its vibrant color.

• Green Horizon Tip: Zoysia benefits from a lower cut than St. Augustine and requires regular aeration to prevent thatch buildup.

3. Bermuda Grass (Cynodon spp.)

More common on golf courses and commercial areas due to its need for sun and low cutting height.

• Advantages: Grows quickly, is extremely heat and drought tolerant, and recovers rapidly from damage.

• Watch Out For: Requires full, direct sun all day. It is less suitable for backyards with many trees and needs frequent fertilization and mowing.

• Green Horizon Tip: Ideal if you have an open, sunny yard. If not properly maintained, it can quickly invade flower beds.

The Secret to Your Orlando Lawn's Success

No matter which grass you choose, smart maintenance is what ensures its beauty. Green Horizon Landscaping focuses on:

1. Strategic Mowing: We adjust the mowing height according to the grass type and time of year, promoting strong roots and resilience.

2. Seasonal Nutrition Program: We provide the exact nutrients (including micronutrients deficient in Florida soil) to support your grass's growth cycle.

3. Disease Monitoring: Our technicians are trained to identify the first signs of Florida-specific fungi and pests, acting preventatively to protect your lawn.

Stop fighting the Florida climate! Let Green Horizon Landscaping handle the science for you.

Contact us today to find out which maintenance program is ideal for your type of grass!