A Guide to Grass Types

The average person is unaware that there are more than ten types of grass. Green, glossy, blue-green, longer, shorter – fine or thick are only a few of the words that could be used to describe the many different types of grass.

Kentucky bluegrass is a grass that excels within the northern United States as it has a high cool tolerance. This is accompanied with a nice blue-green hue. It is finely textured and a medium maintenance grass that will be sure to last on your lawn.

Ryegrass is available as a perennial or annual grass and favours well in the sun but will tolerate shaded areas well. Annual ryegrass is available at lower costs as the grass will last only one year. Ryegrass is a popular choice for backyards and playgrounds alike as it has a high tolerance to traffic. Ryegrass is identified by the fine green blades that give the appearance of wide and glossy plant.

Buffalograss is one of the lowest maintenance grasses. It is the only grass that fares well while left unkempt. It is one of the two native grasses in North America used for lawns – and can be found naturally in the prairies. Buffalograss thrives in areas where it is naturally found.

St. Augustine is one of the thicker genuses of grass. It fares well in shade or sun; making St. Augustine a versatile lawn choice. It grows thick and course and is proficient in the southern and coastal states. There are no seeds produced therefore the grass will be required to be planted in sods – another popular choice for residential lawns.

Creeping Bentgrass is a popular choice for putting greens. Bentgrass is available in two forms; creeping and colonial. Colonial is a traditional choice for lawns as it is meant to grow taller than the ¼ inch recommended golf course height. Creeping Bentgrass is meant to be kept no more than ¼ inch high.

Bermuda grass has deep roots which enable the grass to be tolerable to dry and drought conditions. Bermuda grass is able to pull moisture from deep in the soil. It is important to remember that if the conditions are less than ideal the grass will become dormant and turn an undesirable shade of yellow or brown. Conditions which may cause the Bermuda grass to become dormant are lack of water, and excessive amounts of shade and a constant temperature less than fifty degrees. Bermuda grass is difficult to restore once it has entered into a dormant stage.

Centipede grass is intolerable to drought due to its short roots. It is a sensitive grass which will not bear many environments including; salt, shade, heavy traffic or excessive sun. Centipede grass has an extended recovery time but is low maintenance if in the correct environment.

Fescue and Tall Fescue grass are resilient – although Fescue does not excel in areas of heavy traffic. A Tall Fescue choice fares better in the sun than the latter and is popular in the Southwest. Fescue grass has become more of a cool season grass – and fares will in low levels of shade.

Zoysia is one of the most tolerant, and versatile of the grasses. Flourishing under heavy traffic but may succumb to wear and take longer to grow in that condition. Zoysia is a very fine bladed grass. It is adept to grow in dry areas, as the grass is one of the most tolerant to drought and otherwise low maintenance.

The many different types of grass will comply with different environments. It is important to take this into account when choosing the grass for your property. Is the grass durable enough for the wear that is going to take? Will the grass have enough sunlight or enough shade? Will the amount of water that the grass will receive allow it to flourish? These are only a few of the questions that you should ask your local grass supplier before purchasing – it is important to learn about the foliage prior to implanting it in your lawn.

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