St. Augustinegrass is a popular grass in warm, humid climates like southern Louisiana. It is known for its relative shade tolerance (although sun is always preferable) and wide, coarse leaves. This bluish-green grass grows best in soils that are at least moderately fertile and well-drained. St. Augustine must be planted vegetatively (sod, plugs, or sprigs) since seed is not commercially available in most places.

It is a fine-medium textured, all-purpose grass that is used in sports fields, home lawns, and golf courses across the state. It resists wear from foot traffic, and if it’s damaged, it repairs quickly due to its aggressive growth habit. Whether you enjoy backyard entertaining or hosting local flag football games on your front lawn, it can take the heat and sun. This grass must be planted in full sun; it will not thrive in any amount of shade.

Zoysia grass is a slow-growing grass that produces a dense, full lawn. As a slow-growing grass, it requires less frequent mowing and can tolerate some shade. It withstands traffic well, but due to its slow growth habit, it is slow to repair if wear or damage occurs. Zoysia requires minimal fertilization and is prone to thatch, so plan to dethatch regularly to keep this grass in prime condition.

If you’ve ever heard of lazy man’s grass, you’ve heard of centipede grass. It is a yellow-green colored turf grass used in commercial lawns, cemeteries, and home landscapes where the owners want a low-maintenance lawn. If you plant it, you’ll have to dethatch periodically. As a slow-grower, you won’t have to mow as often as more aggressive grasses, and you can establish this grass with sod, plugs, or seed.