Types of Lawn Grass in West Texas

West Texas is known for its hot temperatures and lack of rainfall. According to city-data.com, sections of extreme West Texas receive an annual rainfall of less than 8 inches year. The best grasses for lawns in West Texas need to be durable and able to withstand periods of drought. They also need to thrive under full-sun conditions.

Buffalo Grass

Buffalo grass is a hardy grass native to the American plains. It received its name because it once served as the main source of food for the large herds of buffalo. It was also used by early settlers in the plains to build sod houses. It has since been refined to serve as an attractive lawn grass with a greenish-blue color. One of the warm-season perennial grasses, buffalo grass can withstand high heat and prolonged periods of drought. It does not require much water and maintenance. It is one of slower-growing grasses and normally requires up to a month to germinate and take hold. It also grows low to the ground. According to the Lawn Care Academy website, it reaches a maximum height of 3 to 8 inches. It spreads itself with surface runners and has a fine texture.

Bermuda Grass

Bermuda is one of the most common of the Texas turf grasses. According to the Seedland website, it is regarded as the South's grass. It is a warm-season grass that grows in tropical and subtropical zones. In addition to lawns, it is often used on golf courses and sports fields because of its durability. It is a quick-growing grass that spreads itself with above-ground shoots and underground stems. It is grown from sod, seed or sprigs. It will quickly overtake other plants in the area. Bermuda grass has narrow leaves and is not tolerant to shade. It does withstand high temperatures and is drought-tolerant. It has a green color throughout the year in warm-weather areas, but will go dormant in zones that have frosts. It requires a medium amount of maintenance such as watering and mowing.

Zoysia Grass

Zoysia grass does well in West Texas because is it tolerant to high temperatures. It will turn to a stray color during times of extreme drought, but otherwise has an attractive green color for lawns. It can survive droughts because it has deep roots that draw water from the ground. It has a medium tolerance for shade, but prefers full sun. Its dense turf makes it hardy and also helps it choke off weeds and crabgrass. It can also be mowed short. Another plus is zoysia grass adapts to most soils, including those in West Texas that often lack for nutrients. Its durability makes it a popular choice for sports fields, golf courses and parks. The Aggie Horticulture website says it is relatively free of serious pest problems. Most varieties of zoysia grass can be established from seed, sprigs or sod.