If you’re like most homeowners in Ohio, you dream of having a thick, lush, green lawn surrounding your home. But if your yard gets full sun exposure, you know how difficult it can be to maintain healthy grass. Areas that bake in the hot summer sun often end up with dry, patchy spots and grass that thins out over time.
The challenges of growing grass in full sunlight are real. But don’t lose hope! By choosing the right type of grass and caring for it properly, you can still have an enviable lawn even in sun-drenched spaces.
Why Grass Struggles in Full Sun
There are a few reasons why grass has a harder time thriving in full sunlight:
- Heat and drought stress – Most grasses prefer consistent moisture and moderate temps. The hot sun quickly evaporates water from the soil surface.
- Increased evaporation – Grass needs water to stay green and healthy. Intense sun leads to faster moisture loss.
- Many cool season grasses suffer – Types like Kentucky bluegrass don’t tolerate heat and drought well.
When moisture levels drop, grass blades wilt, turn brown, and stop growing. Extended high temperatures also take a toll. Different grass species have different heat tolerance. But no grass can survive long without sufficient water.
Warm Season vs Cool Season Grasses
Not all grasses are created equal when it comes to sun and heat tolerance. The major categories are warm season grasses and cool season grasses:
Warm Season Grasses
Warm season grasses evolved in hot climates. They thrive during Ohio’s long summers but go dormant and brown once cool weather arrives. The warm season grasses best suited for full sun here include:
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia is a top choice for sunny spots in Ohio. This warm season grass handles heat and drought stress better than most other varieties. It forms a thick, durable turf that chokes out weeds.
The fine-bladed zoysia turns a lush dark green after establishing. It retains its color even in intense sunlight when properly watered. Be aware that zoysia grass is slow growing. Seeding a new lawn requires patience as it can take 14-21 days just to germinate and 2-3 months to fully fill in.
For faster results, laying zoysia sod is a better option. Either way, zoysia will reward you with a hardy sun-loving lawn for years to come.
Bermudagrass
If you want a grass that thrives in the blazing sun, bermudagrass is another top contender. This aggressive, spreading grass flourishes in tropical and subtropical climates. It readily tolerates heat, drought, salt, and heavy foot traffic.
However, bermudagrass can be almost too vigorous. It’s considered a noxious weed in many areas since it invades flower beds and vegetable gardens. Bermudagrass also turns brown with winter dormancy. But if you have a large open sunny area, it will provide a lush green carpet through the dog days of summer.
Cool Season Grasses
Cool season grasses grow best in Ohio’s cool spring and fall weather. Most struggle to thrive once the summer solstice hits. But some fare better in full sun than others:
Tall Fescue
Of all the cool season grasses, tall fescue is the most heat and drought tolerant. This versatile grass does well in shade and sun, handling heat and humidity better than other varieties.
Tall fescue has a deep root system, which helps it stay greener in sunny spots. But even this grass will show drought stress if moisture consistently runs low. Fescue lawns require irrigation during hot dry periods to keep looking their best.
Perennial Ryegrass
Perennial ryegrass establishes quickly, giving a new lawn appeal fast. But it lacks the heat endurance of tall fescue and needs frequent irrigation. Expect to run your sprinklers more with a perennial ryegrass lawn.
This grass also has higher maintenance needs overall. Without proper mowing, fertilization, and weed control, perennial ryegrass becomes thin and patchy. Not an ideal pick for low-effort full sun lawns.
Kentucky Bluegrass
No list of cool season grasses would be complete without Kentucky bluegrass. It’s a classic northern lawn grass known for its lush appeal and rich green blades.
Yet in hot climates like Ohio, Kentucky bluegrass struggles. This grass hates heat, drought, and full sun exposure. Its shallow root system means it dries out fast when moisture runs low. Don’t expect bluegrass lawns to stay green all summer without intensive watering and care.
Planting Zoysia Grass in Ohio
If you decide warm season zoysia is the best grass seed for your sunny space, here are some tips to get your new lawn established:
When to Plant Zoysia
Early to mid summer is prime time for planting zoysia grass in Ohio. Warm soil temperatures will encourage faster germination and growth. Laying sod in early fall is another option.
Site Preparation
Proper prep is key before introducing zoysia grass. Start by killing off any existing grass or weeds with a non-selective herbicide. Till the soil to a depth of 6 inches to relieve compaction. Add compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility if needed.
Seeding vs. Sod
As mentioned above, zoysia grass seed can be painfully slow to germinate and establish. Buying zoysia sod guarantees instant results, albeit at a higher upfront cost. If time and money are no concern, sodding is the way to go.
But don’t rule out seed just yet. Seeded zoysia lawns fill in beautifully over one to two growing seasons. The seed’s slow germination also means less mowing and watering the first year. If you can wait, seeding reaps rewards down the road.
Overseeding
Even once established, zoysia lawns benefit from occasional overseeding. This involves scattering additional seed to fill in thin or bare spots. Overseeding in early summer keeps your zoysia lush and thick for years.
Watering Needs
Daily watering is crucial while zoysia grass is sprouting and taking root. Once mature, this drought-resistant grass needs less hydration. About 1 to 2 inches of water per week delivered by rain or irrigation keeps zoysia green and growing.
Caring for Zoysia Grass
Don’t let zoysia grass’ reputation for being “low maintenance” fool you. This hearty grass still requires proper care and tending for optimum health. Here are some tips:
Mowing
Let zoysia grow to a height of 2-3 inches before mowing. Never remove more than 1/3 of the total blade height when you cut it. Mowing frequently but not too short avoids lawn stress.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early summer to fuel zoysia’s growth spurt. Avoid excess nitrogen which leads to thatch buildup. One pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually is sufficient.
Dethatching
Thatch is a spongy accumulation of roots, stems, and debris between the soil and grass. Dethatching zoysia lawns once a year improves air and nutrient flow to the soil underneath.
Winter Care
Zoysia grass turns tan and goes dormant with Ohio’s first hard frost. Avoid the temptation to overseed with cool season grass. Let your zoysia lawn rest over winter until its summer glory returns.
Other Sun-Loving Alternatives
If you decide traditional grass just won’t work in your challenging sunny spots, consider these alternate options:
Grass Alternatives
White clover, thyme, sedum, and other spreading groundcovers thrive in full sun with less watering and mowing than grass. Just be sure they aren’t invasive before planting.
Artificial Turf
Can’t beat the heat? Artificial turf needs no water, remains perpetually green, and never needs mowing. The upfront cost is high but the long-term benefits may outweigh it.
Hardscaping
Instead of struggling with finicky grass, expand patios, decks, and footpaths. Or add gravel and rock beds where greenery won’t grow. Embrace hardscaping solutions that tolerate sunny abuse.
Growing lush grass in areas that bake in full sun can be daunting. But by choosing the right type of grass for your Ohio lawn – zoysia and other heat-loving varieties – you can still achieve an enviable yard.
Prepare the site properly, plant at the optimal time, and care for your sun-worshipping grass correctly. With a bit of patience and TLC, even challenging sunny spots can become an oasis of vibrant green grass.
