Grasses are the foundation of a beautiful lawn. If you want to have an attractive, thick turf free of weeds, you’ll need good-quality grass seed. Finding a variety of grass that will grow strong roots and spread quickly to take over any bare spots or sparse areas in your yard will allow you to have a lush, green lawn. We’ll evaluate whether or not Paspalum is that grass.
Paspalum grass seed is one type of grass seed available for purchase at many home improvement stores and online. But is paspalum grass the best choice for your lawn? Let’s find out.
What is Paspalum Grass?
Paspalum grass is a bunchgrass variety that’s a warm-season perennial. This type of grass is very tall and isn’t generally used as turfgrass. It’s more of an ornamental grass that grows up to 2 or 3 feet and produces flowers throughout the spring and summer months.
Paspalum grass is considered an invasive species in Florida and Hawaii because it readily spreads across the landscape and can also grow very tall. Once you have this grass growing in your yard, it can be very challenging to get rid of. This grass variety is considered a weed in most countries that it grows worldwide. It’s native to South America, and there are three different varieties.
Paspalum Dilatatum
This variety of paspalum grass is the most common of the three varieties. It’s also the tallest, growing up to three feet tall, and it’s found growing worldwide. The leaves of this plant are quite narrow, and flowers are produced on taller spikes in the spring and summer, which turn into grass seeds in the fall.
Paspalum Notatum
Paspalum Notatum is commonly referred to as Bahiagrass; this grass is lower to the ground and is sometimes used as a turfgrass to create hardwearing lawns that are heat resistant. It can grow to a foot in height and produces seed heads in the spring and summer.
Paspalum Distichum
The last variety of paspalum grass is known as Water Couch grass, as it thrives in damp locations and is often found growing near fresh water sources such as lakes, rivers, and ponds. This variety is also quite tall and produces seed heads from which it reproduces.
Is Paspalum Grass Right for Your Lawn?
There are a few things to consider before you decide what type of grass seed to plant in your yard. The climate where you live is a major factor that you need to take into account before planting.
If you live in a warm area with hot summers and mild winters, you’ll need to plant warm-season grass. In contrast, those living in the northern states where winters are colder will require a cool season. Here are a few other things to consider before deciding whether paspalum grass is right for you:
Climate
Paspalum grass is warm-weather grass that does best in climates that have long, hot summers and mild winters. If you live in a colder climate, paspalum grass may not be the best choice for your yard.
Maintenance
Another thing to consider is the amount of maintenance your grass requires. Paspalum grass is a low-maintenance grass. It requires some pruning to keep it in shape and to stop it overshadowing smaller plants. The grass also needs regular watering but is fairly drought resistant.
Appearance
Another thing to think about is how the paspalum grass will look in your yard. It does grow tall, so you’ll have to prune it regularly if you don’t want it towering over everything else growing in your lawn.
How to get rid of paspalum grass from your lawn?
Paspalum grass is very tall, spreads quickly, and is considered a weed. It can take over turfgrass and can become challenging to eliminate. The most effective way to remove this grass is by using a herbicide. Be sure to read the label on the herbicide to make sure it’s safe to use around children and pets. You might also need to water the area where you’ll be spraying the herbicide before applying it to help it take effect.
Paspalum grass can spread through its seeds, so there are a few things you can do to stop this from happening. Make sure that when you mow the paspalum grass, you cut it as close to the ground as possible. You can also remove the seed heads before they have a chance to mature and spread.
Conclusion
If you live in a warm climate and are looking for low-maintenance ornamental grass that is drought resistant, paspalum grass may be the right choice for your yard. If you’re searching for turfgrass, it’s best to choose a different variety.