Need suggestions for the best grass/ground covering for Dallas.

Charlene
by Charlene
We live in Dallas, and our small backyard is mostly shaded with not great drainage. We also have two very large dogs. We cannot get St. Augustine to grow, and want to minimize the mud. Thinking about mini-mondo. Other suggestions for a type of grass?

  6 answers
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Nov 21, 2017

    Artificial Grass.

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Nov 21, 2017

    I'd go to a plant nursery that specializes in lawns. They would be the best to advise you taking into consideration your climate and soil.

  • Cindy Darsey Chadwell Cindy Darsey Chadwell on Nov 21, 2017

    Home Depot, Lowe’s, or an area nursery is the best place to ask about this. they can recommend a custom blend for your area and needs

  • Beth Beth on Nov 21, 2017

    As a landscape contractor, I've faced your dilemma many times. It's going to seem kind of weird, but take a look at the fake grass that's available now. I know, I know. FAKE GRASS? THAT ASTROTURF JUNK?. Not really. The products out there now are so good. They look and feel real.

    So, I had an area that took a lot of foot traffic in my yard. It was covered with gravel that was a &*!@#$ to walk on. I had fake grass left over from a job. I cut a piece to fit, and threw it on top of the gravel (Real professional installation, huh?). It has been there for 4 years now! The dog sleeps there. It still looks and feels really good.

    If your heart is set on plant material, you need to evaluate what the backyard is for. Is is mostly for the dogs to potty and play on? Do you use it or mostly just look at it? Would you use it if it wasn't ugly (no offense meant)? How much time do you want to spend keeping it up?

    Gosh I write too much!

    There is a dwarf mondo that only gets a couple of inches tall, but it's super easy for dogs to tear it out of the ground for the first couple of years.

    St Augustine has an eating disorder, a chemical dependency and a drinking problem. You're forever feeding it, treating it and watering it. ICK. Then it just DIES.

  • Sara Cooper Sara Cooper on Nov 21, 2017

    Contact your County Extension Agent- they will have great information for you, free.