The Best Grass for Sandy Soil: A Comprehensive Guide

Five Types of the Grass that Grows in Sand

All grasses can be started in the sand, but they will not be able to grow without a deep root system. They will be slow to spread out and may not reach maturity. Five kinds of grass grow in sand soil:

1. Bahiagrass

If you want grass that grows in sand, Bahiagrass might be good. This grass has deep roots, making it grow in soils like sand. Bahiagrass is also a perennial, warm-season grass that can be grown in the southern regions of the US. One of the best characteristics of Bahia grass is that it can grow with very little maintenance, even in infertile soils such as sand. However, the major drawback to this grass is that it does not spread out as it grows as other species do.

Bahiagrass needs a more acidic pH level than other grass species. Ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 should be reasonable. You may also need to watch out for weed growth during the initial establishment, as the roots can become overwhelmed by those of the competing weeds. Bahiagrass will spread if you cut it at five inches for the first month and then shorter with less frequent mowing. You won't have to worry about shady spots as much as you do with Bermuda grass, but it is still essential to ensure full sunlight.

2. Bentgrass

Bentgrass grows very well in soils with a lot of sand. This type of grass is often grown in southern states, but it can also grow well in northern states with high humidity and cool temperatures. The shallow root system of bentgrass allows it to grow quickly in well-aerated soils. It also prefers acidic soils with a pH level between 5 and 6.5.

Bentgrass is a type of grass that spreads quickly and can take over other areas easily. It does this without needing much encouragement. Bentgrass also has a heavy thatch, which should be trimmed short to avoid problems.

You need to fertilize this type of grass once a year so it will grow well. One big problem with bentgrass is that it is very vulnerable to diseases and bugs. If you don't take care of these problems, the grass will not do well. Bentgrass does not grow in the shade, but it does not do well in drought conditions. You need to water it regularly.

3. Bermuda Grass

A few types of Bermuda grass can grow in cooler climates and areas with low rainfall. Bermuda grass is a warm-season turfgrass, which means it grows best in southern parts of the US. It is one of the thickest grasses and is considered an invasive weed.

You need to make sure your Bermuda grass gets full sunlight every day. You need to water it regularly, but it will do well in soils with many drainages, like sand. The levels in pH can range from 5.8 to 7.0, making Bermuda grass an excellent choice for many locations.

Bermuda grass grows best in the Spring and Summer months. It has a deep root system that allows it to grow in various soils, both sand and clay. People choose Bermuda grass for sporting fields because it is resistant to damage from foot traffic. However, Bermuda grass does require a regular fertilizer regimen. Please read our article to learn more about the best fertilizers for Bermuda grass.

4. Tall Fescue

Creeping Red Fescue is a good grass to grow in sandy soil. It grows slowly, so it doesn't need a lot of attention. The deep root system helps it grow well in fast-draining soils like sand. It can also grow in other conditions, including meadows and coastal areas. The best soil pH levels for optimal growth are from 5.5 to 7, which helps the grass survive many different threats.

The turfgrass will grow all year, but it overgrows in the late spring and early fall. Tall fescue is an excellent perennial grass that can endure for years. Another benefit to this grass species is that it doesn't need a lot of sunlight. It can live with as little as four hours of direct sunlight.

To properly maintain tall fescue grass, you should mow it to a height between two and three inches, determined by the season. You will need to fertilize it once to twice per year. Clemson Cooperative Extension provides a Tall Fescue Maintenance Calendar that has more information on how to care for your tall fescue grass.

5. Zoysia Grass

Zoysia grass lawns have a deep root system, which means they are a good choice for growing in sand. The sand soil drains through to the layers below. The zoysia grassroots can absorb nutrients for proper growth at better rates than those grasses with shallow root systems.

You can make this slow-growing grass grow faster by feeding it with the right kind of fertilizer. The best pH levels for optimal growth are from 6.0 to 6.5. Zoysia grass is excellent for sand soils, but some types of zoysia grass can be affected by nematodes common in sandy soils.

Zoysia grass does not grow well in shaded areas. It needs full sunlight to grow properly. Zoysia is a warm-season species that are considered perennial. While it grows best in the southern regions of the US, you will find some cultivators that do well in the transition zone. Mowing heights range from 1.5 to 2.5 inches during different times of the year. Using a sharp mower blade is imperative to prevent damaging the edges. Controlling weeds with pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides is also recommended to achieve a healthy zoysia grass lawn.