Careful selection of the proper grass is a must for successful establishment of any lawn. Study your lawn area and choose an adapted grass suited to your situation. In general, St. Augustine and zoysia grasses must be established by sprigging or pluging. Centipede grass may be established in this manner or by using seed. Common bermuda grass is established by using seed, hybrid bermuda grass by sprigging or plugging.
Carpet grass is established by using seed.
Shaded conditions will be tolerated by St. Augustine, zoysia and centipede grass. Bermuda grass and carpet grass will not tolerate shade. St. Augustine is susceptible to the diseases brown patch and St. Augustine decline. It's also susceptible to chinch bugs. A new variety of St. Augustine, called Floratam , resists St. Augustine decline and is reported to have some resistance to chinch bugs.