Choosing a successful turf grass for your landscape is much easier now than ten years ago. Why? Research.
Every year, a lot of money is put into researching turf grass, and research helps creates hardier, better-looking, and disease resistant turf varieties, which in turn become available to the consumer.
So which one is right for you?
Well grass varieties come in two general categories: cool season and warm season grasses.
Cool season grasses:
Grow actively in cool weather spring and fall and then growth slows down in summer. These types of lawns will remain green in summer with ample water. Cool season grasses for home lawns include:
Bent Grass
Kentucky Blue Grass
Rough Blue Grass
Tall Fescue
Creeping Fescue
Annual Ryegrass
Perennial Ryegrass
Warm season grasses:
Grow vigorously in warm conditions and go dormant and brown out in the winter and then resume growth as the weather warms up. Warm season grasses are generally not as hardy as cool season grasses. Warm season grasses for home lawns include:
Bermuda Grass
Hybrid Bermuda Grass
St. Augustine
Zoysia Grass
These grasses are generally the best varieties for residential use although varieties will vary as to your city and state.
In choosing a turf grass for your lawn make the following considerations:
- Geography: What is the climate of your area? Do you have cold winters, hot summers, or snow?
- What is your soil type?
- What is the microclimate where the turf will be located? Shady, windy, percentage of daily sun.
- What will the turf area be used for? Children’s play, sports, animals, looks.
If you are thinking about putting in a lawn, a good tip is to call your local sod farm or seed distributor for information on grasses that are suitable for your area. They can give you the latest information and save you a lot of time.
More about grass types and lawn care:
How to choose the best grass variety for your area
An in depth look at each type of grass
How to patch, overseed or start a new lawn
An in depth look at solving exisiting lawn problems
For more Gardening Tips and Gardening Advice visit our main gardening website at Weekend Gardener Monthly Web Magazine – www.weekendgardener.net
Have good week!
