Where we live and what we face:
In Tidewater Virginia, we are smack in the middle of the Transition Zone. This means that our climate can support both season and warm season turf, but neither of them well. Cool season grasses, such as bluegrass and fescue, do great Fall through Spring; however, hot and dry Summer conditions cause problems such as drought stress, heat stress, and fungus infection.

Warm season grasses, such as bermuda, zoysia, centipede grass, and St. Augustine's grass can be cultivated beautifully late Spring through Summer and even into Fall. However, frost and consistent cold temperatures drive these turf species into a dormant state. You may have noticed how golf course fairways and many athletic feilds are white/brown during the winter. This is an example of warm season turf in its dormant state.

Is our climate changing?
Without getting into a heavy discussion about global warming and climate cycles, it is safe to say that conditions have been changing in our area. At the very least, higher population density requires us to be water-smart and undergo restrictions on usage during certain times of the year. With this in mind, many people are considering warm season turf grasses as a way to conserve water usage on lawns and create more sustainable landscapes.

Pros of warm season grasses:
Warm season turf can tolerate hot, dry conditions, and on the whole is more resistant to fungus infestation. Even during severe drought, a quick watering or rainfall can revive the grass very quickly. Less water is required to sustain. Fertility requirements are lower, which means less money spent on fertilizer and less nitrogen and phosphorus leaching into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Warm season grasses, being very dense, have a natural degree of weed suppression. Because they spread laterally, any damage or loss can be self repaired.

Cons of warm season grasses:
They grow poorly in shade conditions (although new cultivars are getting better all the time). Because they spread laterally, they can be invasive to flower beds and the neighbor's turf. Given our location, warm season turf goes dormant from mid-late October until mid-late Spring. This is a big consideration; having a white lawn for 5-6 months out of the year is big change. Can be challenging to maintain properly with low cutting, bagging (if necessary), and trimming.

Pros of cool season grasses:
Considered by many to be the most beautiful turf types (the classic emerald green, lush lawn). Stays green all year long, under the proper care and moisture conditions. Not invasive. Easy to cut and maintain.

Cons of cool season grasses:
Expensive to repair every year. Expensive to water (if not on a well). Requires more water to keep alive during the Summer season (taxing resources). Prone to severe fungus infections from late May until September. Cannot tolerate hot, dry conditions; drought and heat stress cause a brown coloration. Cannot self repair (most varieties).

The Choice:
It's up to you to decide what works best for your taste, site specifics, watering ability, and budget. We enjoy both types, warm and cool season, for their respective qualities. Please feel free to call the office if you would like to talk about turf options in more depth.

Sincerely,
Mitchell Foos
The King's Garden