As the school week kicks off, we’ve got a small chance of rain later this week. But as we’ve seen all summer, pop-up storms can be tricky to predict. While the weather does its thing, let’s focus on something you can control—your lawn.
This week’s topic: the three most common grass types in the Austin/Central Texas area, and the heights they thrive at.
The Big Three Grasses
In our region, the most common turf types are:
- Bermuda
- Zoysia
- St. Augustine
Each one has its own personality, care needs, and ideal height.
1. Bermuda
- Default mowing height: 1.5 inches
- Best for: Full sun
- Notes: Tough and heat-tolerant, Bermuda will go dormant (not die) when drought-stressed. Different varieties exist (Celebration, Tif 419, Common Bermuda), but our company only seeds Common Bermuda.
- Pro tip: Needs frequent mowing—if it gets too long, it thins out and you’ll see straight down to the soil.
2. Zoysia
- Default mowing height: 2–2.5 inches
- Best for: Both sun and shade
- Notes: Feels great underfoot, with two main types:
- Zorro Zoysia – Thinner blade, better in sun
- Palisades Zoysia – Thicker blade, better in shade
- Pro tip: Leaf thickness affects light needs—thicker blades need more surface area to catch sunlight. mowing—if it gets too long, it thins out and you’ll see straight down to the soil.
3. St. Augustine
- Default mowing height: 3.5 inches
- Best for: Shade or sun (with plenty of water)
- Notes: Thickest blades of the three, spreads via stolons (above-ground runners). Gorgeous when edged cleanly, but it’s thirstier than the others—less common in new builds because of water concerns.
- Pro tip: If you can keep it watered, it’s one of the most lush and beautiful grasses in Central Texas.
Factors That Can Change Mowing Height
While those heights are our “default,” you might adjust for:
- Shade: More shade = mow taller.
- Season: In winter, slightly taller cuts can help.
- Personal preference: Some like a shorter look, but be mindful of the grass’s health.
- Frequency: Weekly mowing is ideal for all grasses (even in winter for health and weed control).
See you next week for another TWIL— until then, happy mowing!
Cheers,
— The Top Choice Lawn Care Team