If you plan to upgrade your lawn in Dallas or Fort Worth, one of the most important things to understand is how grass spreads. Many homeowners focus on color, softness, or shade tolerance, but the growth pattern of grass often matters more than people realize. Runner-type grass plays a major role in how a lawn fills in, how it handles wear, and how well it controls weeds.
Some lawns already contain runner-type grass without the homeowner knowing it. Other people choose runner-type grass on purpose because of its durability and ability to recover. Before installing new sod or replacing an existing lawn, it helps to understand what runner-type grass is, how it grows, and how different varieties behave in North Texas conditions.
This guide explains runner-type grass in simple terms, breaks down the different runner styles, and helps you understand which grass types work best for residential lawns in the Dallas and Fort Worth area.
What Is Runner-Type Grass
Runner-type grass spreads by growing horizontal stems that create new grass plants as they move across or beneath the soil. These stems are called runners. As runners grow, they place roots into the soil at different points. Each rooted section becomes a new grass plant connected to the original one.
This growth style allows runner-type grass to fill in bare spots, recover from damage, and form a dense lawn surface. Because of this, runner-type grasses often look thicker and more uniform than grasses that grow only from seed clumps.
Runner-type grass can spread in two main ways. Some varieties spread above the ground, while others spread below the surface. Certain grasses use both methods at the same time.
Understanding Aboveground Runners
Aboveground runners are known as stolons. A stolon grows out from the base of the grass plant and travels across the surface of the soil. As it moves, it sends roots downward whenever it finds good contact with soil. These rooted points grow upward and become new grass blades.
Stolons allow grass to spread quickly. They help the lawn repair itself after foot traffic or minor damage. This is why runner-type grass often recovers faster than bunch-type grass.
Some homeowners notice stolons because they can be visible on the soil surface. Depending on the grass type and maintenance style, this look may feel messy to some people. In dense lawns, stolons often hide beneath the canopy and become less noticeable over time.
Understanding Underground Runners
Underground runners are called rhizomes. Rhizomes grow beneath the soil surface and spread horizontally. As they grow, they send shoots upward that become new grass plants.
Rhizomes help create a smooth and even lawn because they spread without being seen. They support strong root systems and improve the lawn’s ability to recover from stress. Grasses with rhizomes often handle wear better because damage to the surface does not kill the entire plant.
Many of the most durable turf grasses use rhizomes as part of their growth system.
Why Runner-Type Grass Matters for Lawn Replacement
If you plan to replace an existing lawn with new sod, runner-type grass becomes very important. Old runner-type grasses can grow back through new sod if they are not removed properly. Their runners may survive beneath the soil and push upward later.
This causes mixed grass types, uneven texture, and poor visual results. Removing existing runners before sod installation helps prevent this issue. Proper soil preparation and removal of old grass allow the new sod to establish cleanly and evenly.
Common Aboveground Runner-Type Grasses
Several grass types spread mainly through stolons. These grasses often appear in mixed or seed-grown lawns across North Texas.
St. Augustine grass spreads aggressively through aboveground runners. It handles shade fairly well but struggles with wear and disease. Many homeowners replace it due to thinning or patchy growth.
Centipede grass spreads slowly through stolons. It requires little maintenance but does not handle traffic well and struggles during long dry periods. Buffalo grass spreads by runners but produces thin turf with long dormancy periods. It does not perform well in shade and offers limited visual appeal.
Creeping bentgrass spreads aggressively and appears mostly on golf greens. It does not perform well in residential heat conditions. These grasses can interfere with new sod if they remain in the soil.
Common Underground Runner-Type Grasses
Some grasses spread mainly through rhizomes. Kentucky bluegrass uses underground runners and creates a dense lawn in cooler climates. It does not tolerate heat well and struggles in North Texas summers.
Certain red fescue varieties spread through rhizomes but prefer cooler and shaded environments. They rarely perform well in open North Texas lawns.
Grasses That Use Both Stolons and Rhizomes
Some of the most popular turf grasses spread both above and below ground. This combination creates strong, dense, and resilient lawns.
Zoysia grass spreads using stolons and rhizomes. This allows it to recover quickly while maintaining a smooth appearance. Zoysia forms a thick turf that naturally limits weed growth and handles traffic well. Many homeowners in Dallas and Fort Worth choose Zoysia for its balance of durability, appearance, and adaptability.
Bermuda grass also spreads through both methods. It recovers quickly from damage and handles heavy use. It requires full sun and struggles in shade, which limits its use in many residential yards. Seashore paspalum spreads aggressively and tolerates salt well. It appears mainly in specialty or coastal environments rather than residential lawns.
Why Runner-Type Grass Works Well in Dallas and Fort Worth
North Texas presents unique challenges for lawns. Clay soil, heat, drought cycles, and increasing shade from mature trees all affect turf performance. Runner-type grasses handle these challenges better than bunch grasses.
Runners allow the lawn to fill in naturally. They repair minor damage without reseeding. They create a connected root system that holds moisture longer and stabilizes the soil. This matters during hot summers and dry stretches.
Runner-type grass also supports lawn leveling and smooth mowing. The interconnected growth helps the lawn stay uniform across the surface.
How Runner-Type Growth Improves Lawn Longevity
A lawn built on runner-type grass lasts longer because it adapts to stress. When one section experiences wear or damage, nearby runners help repair it. This reduces bare spots and thinning areas.
Runner-type grass also helps prevent erosion. The interconnected roots hold soil in place and reduce runoff during storms. This keeps the lawn healthier and more stable year after year.
Choosing the Right Runner-Type Grass for Your Yard
Not all runner-type grasses perform the same. Some handle shade better. Others handle traffic better. Some require more maintenance. Understanding these differences helps homeowners make better choices.
Zoysia stands out because it balances appearance, durability, and adaptability. It performs well in sun and partial shade. It grows thick without aggressive maintenance. It recovers steadily without overwhelming nearby areas.
Choosing the right grass starts with understanding how it grows. Runner-type grass provides the structure needed for a lawn that looks good and stays strong.
FAQs About Runner-Type Grass in Dallas and Fort Worth
What makes runner-type grass different from other grasses?
Runner-type grass spreads through horizontal growth instead of growing only in clumps.
Can runner-type grass grow back through new sod?
Yes, old runners can return if they are not removed before installation.
Is runner-type grass good for high traffic lawns?
Many runner-type grasses recover well from foot traffic due to their spreading growth.
Does runner-type grass help with weed control?
Dense runner growth helps crowd out weeds naturally.
Which runner-type grass works best in North Texas?
Zoysia performs very well due to its balance of shade tolerance, durability, and density.
If you are thinking about upgrading your lawn or replacing an existing turf, understanding how runner-type grass works can help you avoid costly mistakes. Zoysia Sod helps homeowners across Dallas and Fort Worth choose and install grass that lasts. Call (469) 802-0424 to talk with a team that understands how great lawns are built from the ground up.
