JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- In a very dry spring with drought conditions, homeowners are looking for options to keep their lawns green and green in their pocket.
St. Augustine grass is popular on the First Coast, but does require a lot of water. Turf experts say at a minimum the grass needs an inch of rain or water a week to maintain its green look.
"You want to water heavy when you water and deep watering less often," says Gary Moreau with Turf Tech. He says surface watering is not good for the root system.
RELATED: How The Drought Is Impacting First Coast Farmers
More homeowners are eying another grass called zoysia when having to resod their lawn. The grass is hailed as more drought and chinch bug resistant.
Mike Tupper is replacing his old St. Augustine lawn in East Arlington with zoysia because it requires less water.
"I think water is going to be price of oil if we keep going the way we are using it ... so anything we can do to help, I'm willing to try," said Tupper.
Landscaper Douglas Raggins is sold on zoysia and says more homeowners are replacing dead lawns with this variety of grass.
"Easier to maintain, easier to cut," said Raggins who says zoysia does not grow as fast and does not need to be cut as often.
First Coast News