Austin area. Looking at Bermuda (tiffway419 maybe) or a Zoysia (Palisades maybe). Any suggestions? Both seem like they would be good for drought and weed tolerance. 2x the pallet price for Zoysia however. Is it worth the money?

Also, all areas of the yard will get a lot of sun so shade tolerance shouldn't be a major requirement.

Cavalier zoysia.

worth it for 2x the price?

Zoysia

What type of grass should you get if you don't want to water it?

Yes.

Troutslime said:

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Yes.

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Thanks.

Bobcat-Ag said:

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What type of grass should you get if you don't want to water it?

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https://fieldturf.com/en/products/detail/residential-and-landscaping/

Bobcat-Ag said:

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What type of grass should you get if you don't want to water it?

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Buffalo

Zeon zoysia user here. It's definitely worth the upgrade. I've had a better overall experience vs 419 in same areas. I am getting ready to try out Geo Zoysia in a couple heavier shade areas to see how it performs. If you have any dense tree canopies, 419 will eventually thin out and leave you dissatisfied with its thickness and resulting lack of weed control.

turf guy ag said:

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Zeon zoysia user here. It's definitely worth the upgrade. I've had a better overall experience vs 419 in same areas. I am getting ready to try out Geo Zoysia in a couple heavier shade areas to see how it performs. If you have any dense tree canopies, 419 will eventually thin out and leave you dissatisfied with its thickness and resulting lack of weed control.

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Shade isn't a problem for me. Looking for a thick turf, less water, good weed control.

I'm in Austin & love my Palisades. Zeon/Zorro are great options as well if you like the thin blade varieties.

For Bermuda, I'd stay away from Tif and do a new variety like TifTuf or Celebration. (They require less water than Tif419, are more dwarf in form & have quicker green up.)

I had buffalo grass in Leander. Didn't require much water and worked well for poor soil.

If shade isn't an issue, I'd stick with the zeon. It's a proven turf and will keep a better density than Bermuda when mowed at a taller height. I keep it at 1" but have cut it as high as 2". I use mirimichi carboniz to help combat poor soil conditions and compaction.

turf guy ag said:

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Zeon zoysia user here. It's definitely worth the upgrade. I've had a better overall experience vs 419 in same areas. I am getting ready to try out Geo Zoysia in a couple heavier shade areas to see how it performs. If you have any dense tree canopies, 419 will eventually thin out and leave you dissatisfied with its thickness and resulting lack of weed control.

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Thanks. What would you recommend I do for soil prep? I hit the weeds with roundup today. I'll till the whole thing as well. The dirt here looks very rich and not hard or compacted as is. The previous owner did a significant landscape job and clearly brought in a lot of additional soil. The base looks really good. Wondering if I should just till in some Milorganite as well before I lay the Zoysia down. Any suggestions?

Tilling in Milorganite is a good idea.

Roll the sod after you lay it.

Tilling in milorganite is a good idea. I use the mirimichi product bc it gives the microbes and helps keep better soil oxygen levels and prevent compaction. I add it on a quarter basis to promote good soil health, reducing water needs and helping to fight off soil borne pathogens. Bottom line, the better you make your soil, the healthier grass you'll have and the less you'll spend keeping it look the way you want. Less water, less fertilizer, less herbicides and insecticides. Kelp products are highly effective as well in enhancing the soil.

Thanks fellas.

Your idea of not watering a lot is obviously off if you're considering Bermuda. Use a native grass.