Dominant warm-season grass for zones 7–11 (some varieties to zone 6). Dormancy: goes dormant and turns brown when soil temps drop below 10°C (typically first hard frost). Aggressive green-up in spring when soil warms above 16°C consistently. Spring green-up task: rake out dead material after dormancy, fertilize with high-nitrogen feed when fully green. Summer peak: the most heat and drought-tolerant turfgrass; thrives 25–38°C. Mow very short (0.5–1.5 in for hybrid, 1.5–2.5 in for common). Overseeding with ryegrass in fall gives winter color but must be eliminated in spring. Dormancy trigger: consistent nights below 10°C for 2+ weeks. Fall prep: last fertilization 6 weeks before first frost; do not fertilize with high-nitrogen after mid-summer (promotes winterkill).

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