What Type of Grass Is Beneath Your Feet?
Choosing the Right Lawn for Austin Living

If you’ve lived in Austin long enough, you know our weather loves to keep us on our toes. One week it’s sunny and mild, the next it’s 98 degrees with 70% humidity—and don’t forget the sudden spring storms. All of this makes choosing the right grass type more than a cosmetic decision. It’s a strategic one.

We get a lot of questions like: “Why does my neighbor’s lawn stay green while mine looks patchy?” Often, the answer comes down to grass type. So today, we’re giving you the inside scoop on the top 3 grasses for Austin-area lawns—plus how to pick the best one for your lifestyle.

St. Augustinegrass: The Shady Socialite

This grass thrives in warm climates and tolerates partial shade better than most.

Pros:

  • Grows fast and establishes quickly
  • Soft underfoot with a thick, lush texture
  • Good weed resistance due to its density

Cons:

  • Needs frequent watering (not ideal during drought restrictions)
  • Can struggle in high-traffic areas
  • Prone to fungal diseases if overwatered

Best for: Homeowners with partial shade and a quieter yard life.

Bermudagrass: The Athlete

This grass is the MVP for sun-loving, active families.

Pros:

  • Handles heavy foot traffic well
  • Recovers quickly from damage
  • Great drought tolerance and loves full sun

Cons:

  • Doesn’t perform well in shade
  • Requires frequent mowing during peak growth
  • Can spread aggressively if not maintained

Best for: Families with kids, pets, and plenty of sunshine.

Zoysiagrass: The Balanced Beauty

Zoysia is the middle ground—resilient, attractive, and relatively low maintenance.

Pros:

  • Tolerates both sun and partial shade
  • Dense texture keeps weeds out
  • Low water needs once established

Cons:

  • Slower to establish
  • Can be more expensive up front
  • May need dethatching occasionally

Best for: Homeowners looking for a healthy, good-looking lawn without a lot of fuss.

Do You Know What’s in Your Lawn?

Most homeowners don’t know what type of grass they have—and that’s okay. But knowing your grass type can unlock the secrets to better care. Some grasses thrive with weekly mowing, others prefer biweekly. Some need early spring fertilization, while others do best in early summer.

And if you’re a real estate investor or prepping a home to sell? Bermudagrass is a great curb-appeal booster. Meanwhile, Zoysia’s manicured look makes it perfect for front-facing yards with less activity.

Caring for Your Grass Type

Whatever grass you have, here are a few universal spring tips:

  • Aerate if you haven’t already—roots need to breathe after a long winter.
  • Apply a weed preventative post-rain to stay ahead of spring growth.
  • Mow regularly and adjust blade height based on grass type.
  • Fertilize wisely and don’t overdo it—especially in heat.

A lawn that fits your lifestyle, soil, and sunlight isn’t just easier to maintain—it’s more beautiful, too.

Not sure what’s growing in your yard?

We’ll help you identify your grass and build a plan to make it shine.

Call Steiner Lawn Care Today!

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