If you’re a homeowner in Texas looking for a high-performance, durable and visually appealing lawn, Latitude 36® Bermudagrass is an excellent choice. This premium bermuda grass variety was developed by Oklahoma State University and has been proven through extensive testing to thrive in Texas’ diverse climate conditions.
With its cold tolerance, fine texture, rapid recovery, superior wear resistance and drought tolerance, Latitude 36 stands out among other warm season grasses. Whether you’re in Dallas, Houston, Austin or San Antonio, this grass provides a healthy, green lawn that withstands Texas’ demanding climate.
Why Latitude 36 Works for Texas Climates
Texas presents a unique mix of weather challenges, including intense heat, occasional drought and unpredictable cold snaps. Many warm season grasses struggle with these conditions, but Latitude 36 has been engineered to perform exceptionally well.
According to National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) trials, Latitude 36 consistently rates among the top-performing bermuda grasses in terms of turf quality, wear tolerance and winter survivability.
Key Characteristics of Latitude 36 Bermudagrass
1. Cold Tolerance
Unlike many bermuda grass varieties that struggle with colder temperatures, Latitude 36 has demonstrated exceptional winter survivability. In freeze tolerance studies conducted by Oklahoma State University, Latitude 36 had equal or better tolerance than Midlawn, which has been widely recognized as one of the most cold-hardy bermuda grasses.
According to 2008-2009 NTEP trials, Latitude 36’s cold tolerance was significantly better than Tifway and Premier, two other well-known bermuda grass varieties.
"The level of winter hardiness of Latitude 36 should allow it to be used in the transition zone environment with reduced risk of freeze injury relative to Tifway." – 2009 NTEP Report
This makes Latitude 36 ideal for homeowners in North and Central Texas, where winter temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing.
2. Fine Leaf Texture & Aesthetic Appeal
Latitude 36 is known for its fine-textured, dense growth, which gives it a high-end, carpet-like appearance. It has a finer blade width (1.67mm) than many standard bermuda grass varieties, making it one of the most aesthetically pleasing options available.
3. Exceptional Wear Tolerance & Recovery
One of the key advantages of Latitude 36 is its ability to withstand high foot traffic and recover quickly. This is why Latitude 36 is used in professional sports fields and high-traffic areas, including:
- University athletic fields
- Golf courses
- Commercial landscapes
For homeowners, this means your lawn can endure kids playing, pets running and frequent use without suffering long-term damage.
"Latitude 36 has provided excellent sod tensile strength, equivalent to Tifway under testing conditions at Stillwater, OK." – Oklahoma State University Turf Researchers
4. Drought Resistance & Water Efficiency
With Texas experiencing frequent drought conditions, water conservation is a key factor when selecting a turfgrass. Latitude 36 is highly drought-tolerant, meaning it maintains its green color and health with less water than other common varieties.
- In salinity stress tests in New Mexico, Latitude 36 outperformed Midlawn and Premier in drought and saline soil conditions.
- Latitude 36 also performed better than or equal to Tifway and Premier in drought trials conducted in multiple locations.
This means homeowners can cut down on irrigation costs while still maintaining a green lawn.
5. Early Spring Green-Up & Fall Color Retention
One major concern with warm season grasses is color retention throughout the year. Latitude 36 stands out for its early spring green-up and excellent fall color retention, extending the period homeowners can enjoy a vibrant, green lawn.
In NTEP spring green-up tests, Latitude 36 rated significantly higher than Tifway, Premier and Midlawn, meaning it starts turning green earlier in the season.
"Latitude 36 should allow for an extended growing season, offering a richer, greener lawn compared to other bermudagrasses." – 2009 NTEP Report
Why It’s the Best for Texas Homeowners
✔ Thrives in Texas’ extreme climate, handling both heat and occasional cold snaps.
✔ More resilient than standard bermuda grasses, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like backyards and front lawns.
✔ Reduced maintenance needs—requires fewer pesticides and fertilizers compared to lower-quality sods.
✔ High water efficiency, saving homeowners money on irrigation costs.
✔ Professional-grade turf quality, used in sports stadiums and golf courses.
Why Pick Latitude 36 Bermudagrass for Your Texas Lawn? – Answered
Latitude 36 is not just another grass—it’s a premium, scientifically backed solution for Texas homeowners looking for a high-performance, low-maintenance and visually stunning lawn.
If you’re looking for a grass that thrives in Texas, recovers quickly and provides long-term value, Latitude 36 is the best investment for your home.
