Know Your Lawn
A Guide to Eastern NC Turf
Welcome to the warm season zone! If you have recently moved to New Bern or the
surrounding Eastern North Carolina area from further north, you might notice the lawns here
behave a little differently than what you're used to.
The "Warm-Season" Difference
In the northern US (Cool-Season Zone), grasses like Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass stay green for most of the year but struggle in high heat. Here in Zone 8b (The Warm-Season Zone), our grasses love the heat.
What to expect:
● Summer Peak: Your lawn will look its absolute best during the hottest months (May–September).
● Winter Dormancy: Unlike northern lawns that stay somewhat green, warm-season grasses go "dormant" (turn brown/tan) after the first hard frost, typically in late November. This is normal! They are not dead; they are sleeping to protect themselves from the cold and will green up again in spring.
1. Centipede Grass
("The Lazy Man's Grass")
This is one of the most common lawns in the New Bern area because it is low maintenance and loves our acidic, sandy soils.
● How to Identify: It has a distinct "apple green" or light green color. The blades are medium-width, and it spreads by crawling runners (stolons) on top of the soil. It generally does not grow very tall.
● Care Tips:
○ Mowing: Needs to be cut lower than Fescue but not as low as Bermuda (approx. 1.5 to 2 inches).
○ Fertilizer: Low sensitivity. Do not over-fertilize Centipede or use high-nitrogen "northern" fertilizers, or you will kill it (a condition called "Centipede Decline").
○ Water: It has a shallow root system, so it needs consistent water during droughts.
2. Bermuda Grass
The "sports turf" of the south. If you want a lawn that looks like a golf course fairway, this is likely what you have or want.
● How to Identify: Fine-textured, thin blades with a grey-green to dark green color. It is aggressive and dense. You may see distinct "seed heads" that look like a bird's foot if you miss a mow.
● Care Tips:
○ Mowing: Needs frequent mowing! It grows fast and should be kept shorter (1 to 1.5 inches).
○ Sunlight: Requires full sun. It will thin out and die in shaded areas under trees.
○ Traffic: Highly durable. Great for families with dogs and kids playing in the yard.
3. St. Augustine Grass
A popular choice for coastal areas and homes with shade trees.
● How to Identify: Very broad, flat, coarse blades that feel thick. It has a blue-green hue and spreads via thick, visible runners on top of the soil.
● Care Tips:
○ Mowing: Must be mowed high (3 to 4 inches). Cutting it too short can damage the root system.
○ Shade Tolerance: This is the most shade-tolerant warm-season grass we have. If you have large oak trees, St. Augustine is likely your best bet.
○ Water: It is not as drought-tolerant as Bermuda; it likes moisture.
4. Zoysia Grass
Often considered the "premium" lawn choice in our area. It forms a thick, carpet-like turf that feels amazing to walk on barefoot.
● How to Identify: Very stiff, dense leaf blades that stand upright. It is "prickly" to the touch if you run your hand against the grain. It forms a very tight sod that crowds out weeds.
● Care Tips:
○ Mowing: Can be mowed at varied heights depending on the specific variety (1.5 to 2.5 inches), but requires a sharp blade to cut cleanly through the stiff leaves.
○ Appearance: One of the first grasses to go brown in winter and the last to green up in spring.
5. Bahiagrass
Often found on larger lots, roadsides, or rural properties aroundHavelock and Bridgeton.
● How to Identify: Distinguishable by its signature "Y-shaped" seed heads that shoot up quickly, sometimes just days after mowing. The blades are light green and somewhat coarse.
● Care Tips:
○ Mowing: Tough on mower blades! It has tough stems that require sharp equipment. It usually needs to be cut higher (3 to 4 inches).
○ Durability: Extremely drought and pest resistant. It thrives in poor, sandy soils where other grasses fail.
Need Help Identifying
Your Lawn?
Not sure which grass you have? We can help! During our first visit, we can identify your turf type and customize a mowing height that ensures your lawn stays healthy and green.
Call us today at 252-288-2420 to get a FREE QUOTE!