The creation of lush green lawns on sandy soil is a hard task. However, the grass may thrive in your sandy yard due to the best grass seeds for sandy soil and the correct procedure. Only the right choice of grass seeds can turn your dream of a green lawn into reality.
This guide covers the details about the most efficient grass seeds for sandy soil. In addition, the superior drought tolerance, water utilization, and strong root systems of those seeds are elaborated. So, let’s start the guide to make your dream come true!
The Best Grass Seed for Sandy Soil
There are six types of grass well known for the sandy soil. You can consider one of them for your lawn. But check the weather conditions before planting grass seeds on a sandy lawn and ensure that the climate favors the seeds to increase the chances of survival.
The following are the best options for grass seeds for a sandy lawn:
Tall Fescue Grass
Tall fescue grass is a common and well-known grass, and it is an excellent grass in terms of drought resistance. Lawn owners prefer tall fescue grass for its several advantages. There is no special requirement for temperature because this tall fescue grass can survive in full sun or shade. In addition, it is highly adaptable to various types of soil. Tall Fescue is a popular choice for sandy soil due to its fine texture, low maintenance, and drought tolerance.
Types
Fescue grass comes in various types e.g. Chewings Fescue, Sheeps Fescue, and Strong Creeping Red Fescue.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Tall Fescue Grass
Advantages
- One of the common grasses is readily available.
- The germination process is swift.
- It can bear various temperature conditions.
- Excellent drought resistance.
- Fine texture and Low maintenance requirements
Disadvantages
- Less resistant to heavy foot traffic.
- You may need to reseed it often.
- Slower establishment rate as compared to many other grasses.
- Require frequent mowing due to faster growth rate.
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia grass is a warm-season grass best known for its slow but steady growth. It is in high demand due to its dense turf, high drought resistance, and wear. It can withstand the hottest temperatures and is the best option for sandy southern parts of the United States. One of the most important things about this grass is that it can make growing weeds difficult. It’s a warm-season grass best known for its exceptional drought tolerance, low water needs, and wear resistance. It develops deep root systems that extract water and nutrients efficiently from the soil.
Types
Zoysia grass comes in different varieties, each having unique characteristics. Some major types of Zoysia grass include Emerald Zoysia, Meyer Zoysia, Zeon Zoysia, Empire Zoysia, and Innovation Zoysia.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Zoysia Grass
Advantages
- Dense turf provides excellent resistance to wear.
- Excellent Drought tolerance.
- Hold up against weeds.
- It will not become flat after mowing.
Disadvantages
- It becomes dormant in cool temperatures and turns brown.
- It can take several months to reach maturity.
- It grows best in full sun and may struggle in shady areas.
Bahia Grass
Bahia grass ( Paspalum Notatum) is another best option for sandy soil. It is a warm-season grass known for its low-maintenance requirements. Bahia grass seeds are easy to find and give good results when sowed in sandy soil. They are not only drought-resistant but also can survive in hot climates. The leaves of Bahia grass look slightly different due to their broader shape. Moreover, this grass has a grainy texture. You can expect excellent results from planting them in sandy soil directly in the sun. They will not burn out like most grasses and give a beautiful green lawn.
Types
Bahia grass is available in two types at the commercial level which are: Common Bahia Grass and Pensacola Bahia Grass.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Bahia Grass
Advantages
- Excellent heat and drought tolerance.
- It can reseed itself.
- Can resist insects and diseases.
- It requires less mowing and fertilizing as compared to other types of grass.
Disadvantages
- The color is light and may not work for all homes.
- Bahia grass goes dormant and turns brown during cold weather months.
- It is not ideal for barefoot activities due to its coarse texture.
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is another warm-season grass that can hold up in severe weather conditions. It is well known for its fast growth, vibrant green color, and excellent drought tolerance. Bermuda grass is the best option for golf courses. One great thing about this grass is that it can survive and prosper with little water. The roots of this grass grow more deeply and provide longevity than the other shallow-root grasses. It is a highly adaptable grass against the sandy soil and results better in the sandy southern parts of the United States. Bermuda grass will last for years, so it is the best option for consideration.
Types
Bermuda grass comes in different varieties. The common types are Tifway 419 Bermuda grass, Celebration Bermuda grass, Tifgrand Bermuda grass, Latitude 36 Bermuda grass, and TifTuf Bermuda grass.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Bermuda Grass
Advantages
- Roots grow very deeply.
- Fewer water requirements than other grasses.
- Spread aggressively throughout the lawn and suppress weeds.
- Highly drought and wear-tolerant.
Disadvantages
- Spread into flower beds
- Turn brown due to excessive use of water.
- It requires high maintenance.
Centipede Grass
Centipede grass is an excellent option for a warm and sandy climate. It does not require high maintenance. Its seeds are easy to find, and there is no need to worry about it burning out. It is the best option for southern areas of the United States because it can hold up in full sun and shade. However, it may be inactive during winter and a bit sensitive while changing into growing seasons.
Types
Centipede grass does not have distinct types and is a single species (Eremochloa ophiuroides).
Advantages and Disadvantages of Centipede Grass
Advantages
- Tolerate too much heat.
- It nurtures well in partial shade.
- It requires less mowing.
- It tends to green up earlier in the spring, offering a vibrant lawn sooner.
Disadvantages
- Cannot bear high foot traffic.
- It needs more time to turn green after winter.
- Centipede grass can be susceptible to chinchbug infestations.
Bentgrass
Bentgrass is a type of lawn grass well suited for the cool season. It is adaptable due to cutting at various heights. Bentgrass is well appreciated due to its fine texture, dense growth habit, and rich green color, and for its ability to create a smooth greenlike appearance. It will spread quickly on lawns and create an eye-catching view, but it can spread to places you don’t want to see. Moreover, there are problems with weed control, as it may need proper maintenance so that your lawn looks great all year.
Types
There are three main types of Bentgrass which are Creeping Bentgrass, Colonial Bentgrass, and Velvet Bentgrass.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Bentgrass
Advantages
- Give a lush green look to your lawn.
- Compatible with warm weather conditions and survive in sandy soil.
- Can bear heavy foot traffic.
- Bentgrass forms a thick, dense mat, giving a carpet-like feel.
Disadvantages
- Difficult to grow with less drought tolerance.
- It requires more maintenance to keep away the weeds.
- It is susceptible to some fungal diseases, particularly in warm, humid climates.
Factors and Challenges of Sandy Soil
All of the above seeds are best for sandy soil. Now, it is up to you which is best for your lawn. Pick up any seed according to weather conditions because the correct seed will help you get better results. However, some factors can affect the grass, so it is good to consider them before planting grass on your lawn. So let’s have a look at these factors.
Sandy soil consists of large particles that allow water and nutrients to drain quickly. This leads to several challenges for growing grass, including:
Drought Stress
Sandy soil dries out quickly. It puts stress on the grassroots and makes it difficult to maintain a healthy lawn. Therefore it adversely affects the overall growth and development of the grass.
Nutrient Deficiency
Nutrients leach out of sandy soil very easily. Later deprives grass of essential elements for growth. Adding the nutrients at the proper intervals can address this issue.
Erosion
Sandy soil is more susceptible to erosion from wind and heavy rain. It further potentially damages your lawn. However, amendments like adding organic matter and compost can improve the situation.
How to Grow Grass In Sandy Soil
Growing grass in sandy soil is straightforward and easier than you think. If you want to grow grass on a sandy surface, then follow the below tips for preparing the land according to the type of grass you want to flourish:
- Clear the land of big rocks, debris, and weeds properly.
- With a rake, dig the ground about six inches, mix the organic material, and spread the soil equally on the surface.
- You can use any fertilizer instead of organic material. However, fertilizer is essential to boost plant growth. Coat the area with fertilizer and ensure that it will not blow off.
- After all of these preparations, it’s time to select the grass seed for your sandy soil.
- Spread seeds of your choice and water the soil slightly. Please don’t use too much water, as it can wash away the seeds.
- Make another round for spreading seeds covering all bald spots, and no empty spot left behind.
- Check the area frequently and remove the weeds that grow before the grass.
- Mow the grass when it reaches up to three inches.
Conclusion
Don’t worry about sandy soil! Grow a beautiful lawn with these six above-mentioned drought-resistant grasses. Always remember, that deep watering is key for sandy soil. Each type of grass is briefly explained with its characteristics, types, pros, and cons so that selecting grass seed for your lawn does not become frustrating for you. So, by following these guidelines and selecting the suitable grass seed option, you can transform your sandy soil into an oasis.
FAQs
1. How long will it take for grass seed to grow in sandy soil?
The time duration to grow is 14 days after planting grass seeds in sandy soil. However, the exact time of growth varies depending on the type of seeds and the suitable growing conditions of the environment. Only sow the grass seeds if the weather is suitable for growth.
2. Is fescue a good choice for sandy soil?
Tall fescue is an excellent choice for sandy soil due to its drought-tolerant nature. It can survive in sandy soil. It is also one of the most accessible types of grass to grow, which makes it a favorite among homeowners.
3. Can you sow grass seed on sand?
Growing grass seeds on sandy soil is possible, but growing them on pure sand is hard. To do that, mix more organic material into the sand for better composition.
4. Is adding a layer of Topsoil a good way to Grow Grass on Sand?
Applying a thin layer of topsoil on the sand surface is not better than choosing seed-resistant sandy soil. Although you can use topsoil for the first few inches, below this topsoil, the sandy soil is where the grassroots can start to develop. In the sandy soil, the grass roots take hold and tolerate the natural soil.