Native (Central) Texas Grasses

[tchookem 3984]

I can't keep the lawn looking decent. I really don't care enough and I can't justify using the water it takes to keep it green.

 

The HOA feels differently.

 

I'm thinking about just spreading some native Texan grass seed, letting it do what it does, and just keeping that mowed.

 

Any recs on a brand/seed I should use?

[Jerry Callo 8960]

I can't keep the lawn looking decent. I really don't care enough and I can't justify using the water it takes to keep it green.
 
The HOA feels differently.
 
I'm thinking about just spreading some native Texan grass seed, letting it do what it does, and just keeping that mowed.
 
Any recs on a brand/seed I should use?

You should look at Buffalo grass and xeriscaping.

[WithoutAClue 16150]

Look into Habiturf, developed at the Lady Bird Wildflower Center. It's a blend on native grasses.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/habiturf-lawn/creating-native-habiturf-lawns.htm

[tchookem 3984]

You should look at Buffalo grass and xeriscaping.

Already done the xeriscaping. Still have some parts of the yard that are required to be grass. Thanks for the buffalo grass rec.

[Booper 415]

On 4/30/2023 at 9:25 PM, WithoutAClue said:

Look into Habiturf, developed at the Lady Bird Wildflower Center. It's a blend on native grasses.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/habiturf-lawn/creating-native-habiturf-lawns.htm

I have habiturf in my front yard and I love it. That being said any grass you put down will turn brown if not watered.

[Not that Bob 743]

1 hour ago, Booper said:

I have habiturf in my front yard and I love it. That being said any grass you put down will turn brown if not watered.

Comment on getting it started. How much soil amendment is needed? I'm not good at starting grass from seed. 

[NotActuallyALonghorn 5004]

I don't believe any of the native grasses in Texas are turf forming. They are all bunch grasses, which are not likely to meet the approval of your HOA. 

[Post Oak 20570]

Can't you just say that buffalo grass or habiturf is just a move to conserve more water.  

I'm probably wrong but 10 or so years ago there was a law passed that neutered what they could complain about. 

[Booper 415]

7 hours ago, Not that Bob said:

Comment on getting it started. How much soil amendment is needed? I'm not good at starting grass from seed. 

https://www.wildflower.org/learn/how-to/create-a-native-habiturf-lawn
 

Here is the correct way of installing. I cheated and used hydroseeding. I only have about 3 inches of soil and not great drainage so I had a couple of areas that needed reseeding. Other than that it came out great. It is a bunch grass and very drought tolerant. You have to mow it high also. I cut mine at 4”.