The Grass Doctor

What's the best kind of grass seed for a lawn in Long Beach, California?

I'm getting ready to overseed my very patchy lawn in Long Beach, Calif. I'd like a durable and drought-resistant grass. The climate here is fairly mild in temperature (although it can reach 100 degrees at height of summer) and relatively dry compared to other parts of the country. What's the best grass seed to choose?

Public Comments

1. A hybrid Bermuda mix.
2. I'm a Long Beach resident and you shouldn't plant grass since it is completely wrong for our climate and the drought conditions we have. Think of the money you will save since you won't have to water as much. From the Long Beach Water Department. Grass needs about 6 to 7 times more water than Long Beach receives in rainfall. A Beautiful Long Beach Landscape is not Grass. It is an alternative to water-thirsty lawns. It may include “outdoor rooms” for dining and entertainment, walkways, patios, play areas, mulch, or rock. It definitely includes beautiful plants that thrive in our semi-arid Long Beach climate. These gardens conserve water, are beautiful, create habitat for wonderful wildlife such as hummingbirds and butterflies and reduce or eliminate runoff and the need for fertilizers, chemicals and constant maintenance. Talk about win, win, win, win, win! BLBLs are beautiful landscapes that come in many different themes and styles. What defines them in a basic sense is they... 1. Use much less water (this usually means ditching the grass) 2. Create wildlife habitat (we’re not talking about cougars.. how about hummingbirds lizards, and butterflies?) 3. Require very little maintenance (What?! No mowing or sod replacement? That’s great!) 4. Use little or no chemicals (don’t have to kill the crab grass with chemicals that harm the sand crabs) 5. Allow little to no runoff (contribute to ocean pollution no longer) Then you’ll have your very own Beautiful Long Beach Landscape. We, at the LBWD, look at all of these factors and agree it seems to improve quality of life as well. Who knew your lawn could bring unbridled happiness AND the well being of Long Beach!?!