Albuquerque is a unique city, and its landscape is no exception. The “Duke City” boasts more than 300 days of sunshine each year, paired with its stunning natural surroundings and vibrant cultural scene. It’s easy to see why this unique city is popular among outdoor enthusiasts and those who enjoy spending time in nature.
While the city’s arid climate may not be ideal for all types of grass, there are several that thrive in Albuquerque’s sunny weather and diverse landscape. The city falls under USDA hardiness zones 7a and 7b, which means that many types of grasses will grow well here.
This post will list some of the best grasses for Albuquerque based on their ability to thrive in both sun and shade.
Albuquerque Grass Types That Thrive in Sunlight
If you’re looking for a grass that can stand up to the Albuquerque sun, you have a few different options to choose from. This city is rich in history and culture, and its landscape is no exception.
With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Albuquerque is a great place to grow grass. The following types of grasses will do well in the city’s sunny climate:
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is a type of warm-season turfgrass that is common in Albuquerque. It thrives in sunny, dry conditions and is often used for golf courses, sports fields, and lawns. In fact, this grass type is famous worldwide and is known for its ability to withstand high temperatures and drought.
Bermuda grass has a deep green color and a dense, carpet-like texture. It is known for being tough and resilient, able to withstand heavy foot traffic and drought conditions.
Its dense growth habit also makes it a good choice for areas that are prone to weeds. Prized for its heat and drought tolerance, Bermuda grass is a great choice for Albuquerque lawns.
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia grass is another type of warm-season turfgrass that does well in Albuquerque’s sunny climate. This grass type is known for being slow-growing, which means it requires less mowing than other types of grass.
Unlike Bermuda grass, which has a deep green color, zoysia grass is lighter in color and often takes on a yellowish hue.
Zoysia grass is also known for being more shade-tolerant than Bermuda grass. However, it should be noted that this grass type will go dormant in the winter months. This means that it will turn brown and stop growing when the temperatures get cold.
It’s possible that one of the greatest negative features of this grass type is its slow growth. Zoysia grass can take several years to reach its full potential. While this may seem like a bad thing for some growers, in Albuquerque, slow growth means less mowing.
For those who don’t mind a little extra work upfront, zoysia grass is an excellent choice for an Albuquerque lawn.
Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass is a type of warm-season grass native to the Great Plains region of the United States. This grass is well-adapted to dry, hot conditions and is often used for pastures, meadows, and lawns.
Buffalo grass has a deep green color and a very fine texture. As a low-maintenance grass, it’s perfect for busy people who don’t have much time to spend caring for their lawn.
In fact, it’s one of the most popular types of grasses for use in public parks and other public areas because it is attractive and easy to care for.
Buffalo Grass also has a beautiful blue-green color that creates a stunning contrast against the city’s red desert landscape.
In addition, this grass is relatively resistant to disease and pests, making it a healthy option for your yard. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance lawn or a striking design element, Buffalo Grass is an excellent choice for Albuquerque homeowners.
Albuquerque Grass Types That Thrive in Shade
As a city of contrasts, not all lawns in Albuquerque are sunny. In fact, many homeowners have shady lawns that receive little to no direct sunlight. While this can make it difficult to grow grass, there are a few types that will do well in the city’s shady climate.
Fescue Grass
Fescue grass is a type of cool-season turfgrass that is common in Albuquerque, and it is popular for its ability to thrive in shady areas. This grass has a deep root system that helps it survive in conditions where other grasses would quickly die off.
The blades of fescue grass are also narrower than those of different grasses, enabling it to reduce the amount of sunlight it absorbs. The long and narrow leaves help the grass capture moisture and shade.
While fescue grass is a hardy grass that can survive in many different climates, it’s important to note that it will go dormant in the summer heat. This means it will turn brown and stop growing when the temperatures get too hot.
Perennial Ryegrass
Perennial ryegrass is a versatile grass that thrives in both sun and shade. It has a deep green color and a fine-textured blade, making it an attractive addition to any lawn. While this grass can tolerate some sun, it does not do well when overexposed to direct sunlight.
This makes it an excellent option for Albuquerque homeowners looking for a grass type that does well in their shady landscape.
Perennial ryegrass is also known for its quick germination and growth. This makes it a good choice for those who want to quickly fill in their lawn.
However, it’s important to note that this grass will go dormant in the winter. This means that it will turn brown and stop growing when the temperatures get cold.
Best grass for Albuquerque: Final Thoughts
Albuquerque’s climate is unique and can be challenging for homeowners who are trying to grow grass. However, there are a few types of grass that will do well in the city’s climate. Understanding the different types of grass and their needs will help you choose the best type for your lawn.
Buffalo Grass is an excellent choice if you’re looking for low-maintenance grass that can survive in sunny or shady conditions. For those who want quick-growing grass to fill in their landscape, Perennial Ryegrass is a good option.
As always, Bermuda grass thrives in Albuquerque’s warm climate and is a popular choice for many homeowners. No matter what type of grass you choose, be sure to water it regularly and provide the necessary care to ensure a healthy lawn.