Choosing Grass for 2-Acre Warm Climate Property

New 5-acre property (2-acre lawn) in warm climate, semi-dry, full sun. Previously had St. Augustine in wet area. Wants low maintenance, easy mowing. Heard centipede has thinner blades.

Warm-Season Grass Comparison

Grass	Blade	Mowing	Water	Shade	Maintenance	Establishment
Bermuda (hybrid)	Fine	0.5-1.5", weekly	Moderate	Poor	Moderate	Seed/sod/sprigs
St. Augustine	Coarse	2.5-4", weekly	High	Good	High	Sod/sprigs only
Centipede	Medium	1.5-2", biweekly	Low	Moderate	Low	Seed/sod
Zoysia	Fine-medium	1-2", weekly	Moderate	Good	Moderate	Sod/sprigs
Bahiagrass	Coarse	2-3", biweekly	Very low	Poor	Very low	Seed

Recommendation: Hybrid Bermuda

• Most hybridized grass (golf-green quality possible)
• Full sun + 1-3"/week = excellent
• Cultivars: 'TifTuf' (drought), 'Latitude 36' (cold), 'Celebration' (wear)
• Seed in spring OR sod for instant
• Weekly mowing at 1" = premium look

Centipede Considerations

• "Lazy man's grass" - low N needs (1-2 lbs/year)
• Hates high pH (>6.5) and phosphorus
• Slow recovery from damage
• Thin blades = easier mowing but less dense
• Best for acidic, infertile sands

2-Acre Strategy

• Near house (1 acre): Hybrid Bermuda sod for instant quality
• Outer acre: Common Bermuda seed (economical)
• Perimeter: Bahiagrass or native meadow (no mow)
• Irrigation: Zone by grass type needs

Pre-Plant

• Soil test → amend
• Glyphosate existing vegetation
• Grade for drainage
• Order certified sprigs/sod/seed

Bermuda gives best balance of look, durability, and establishment speed for large sunny areas. Centipede if soil acidic and truly low input desired.