types of lawn grass

These grasses have a trailing growth habit and handle heavy foot traffic better than cool-season grasses (like fescues). There are around 12,000 different types of grass in the botanical family Poaceae. Grass blades are hairless and measure up to 0.23” (6 mm) wide. However, you can quickly identify individual species of grass by examining them up close. Trails aggressively; weekly edging required. They also tend to fill in bare areas caused from heavy foot traffic or dog urine spots more quickly, and they have a higher salt tolerance (urine). Unfortunately, sod growers produce only the most popular varieties which, except for a few, are mono-cultures. Being a low-maintenance lawn grass, it is the choice of sod for many homeowners. If you are looking for a good type of grass for a beautiful lawn, then fine fescue is a great choice. Some gardening experts rate tall fescue as the easiest type of lawn grass to look after. Korean grass doesn’t need to be mowed extensively to maintain a pretty look. Deep roots absorb nutrients and moisture where other species of grass can’t reach. The thin flat blades measure about 0.07” (2 mm) wide. Bahiagrass (zones 9, 10)—Medium to broad blades with pointed tips help identify this lawn grass. Centipede grass is a medium to light green color. Named after a Slovenian botanist, Zoysia lawn grass is a warm-season grass that tolerates a wide range of growing conditions. The Grounds Guys® is a team of knowledgeable, experienced landscape professionals that can help you decide which type of grass is best for you, with services to keep your lawn and landscaping looking its best all year round. Jump to a grass type. For sunny areas where winter dormancy is acceptable, the best lawns are warm-season turf varieties like Bermuda, hybrid Bermuda, kikuyu and zoysias. In the Deep South, warm-season grasses are generally grown. No matter how inherently tough these grasses are, they are simply unsuitable in shady areas. Here are a few factors to consider when planning a beautiful lawn for your garden landscape: As most sites are a mixture of conditions, you can also find a mixture of grass varieties or complementary grasses to improve hardiness. It is named Kentucky grass because it was a popular perennial lawn and pasture grass in the state. Grasses suitable for cold regions are species of grass that grow exceptionally well in colder northern states. They also are very salt tolerant and do not burn easily from pet urine (high in salts and nitrogen). In states of the Midwest, perennial ryegrass is one of the most popular lawn grasses. Seed blends of different grasses naturally adapt to a changing environment, whether it be changes from sun to shade, hot to cool, wet to dry, or season to season. As such, they are appropriate for low to medium foot traffic. Perennial ryegrass is a popular cold season grass suitable for lawns and golf courses. Not so fast. Korean grass is a popular grass used in parks and big lawns Belonging to the group of Bermuda grass variety, it is locally called as Korean grass. Bentgrass (zones 4-6)—This is a finely-textured type cold season grass that is popular for lush lawns and golf courses. The first consideration is sunlight. Warm-season grasses grow well in temperatures between 80°F and 95° (27°C – 35°C). Bahiagrass is a lawn grass grown in warm areas and is low maintenance type of grass. Perennial ryegrass (zones 3-6)—Look for thin shiny green leaves on this low-maintenance lawn grass. Why are turf varieties sold under different names? The second big consideration is whether the local climate favors cool-season or warm-season turf varieties. However, St. Augustine grass is more durable than bahiagrass. However, the depth of greenness in lush Kentucky bluegrass lawns is worth the extra work. Fescues are deep rooting and drought tolerant, but not salt tolerant, so dog urine can burn spots. To ensure you choose the right grass for your home, you need to carefully consider the features of each grass variety and assess which is most suited to your location and maintenance preferences. Kikuyu Grass. Tall fescue has broader leaves and is hardier than fine fescue grass. Centipede grass is a low maintenance type of grass that grown well in warm zones. This warm-season perennial lawn grass also goes by the name of devil’s grass, scutch grass, and dog’s tooth grass. You can plant this grass in poor soil that is sandy or acidic. This slow-growing, low-maintenance grass grows well in sandy coastal regions such as the Texas Gulf Coast. Fortunately, these unsightly spots are easy to seed and repair. Ryegrass has a shiny texture and is rare because unlike most other grasses, it’s veins are visible on the blade. This resilient grass type needs to grow in soil with good drainage. The grass names also indicate something about their growth habit and appearance. The hardy turfgrass grows in most soil condition, it is shade- and cold-tolerant, and doesn’t require much maintenance. LandscapingNetwork.Com - All Rights Reserved. St. Augustine grass is identified by its broad, flat blades that are a dark green color. Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo Grass; Sir Grange Zoysia; TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda; Eureka Kikuyu Grass; Nullarbor Couch Grass; Platinum Zoysia Grass; RTF Fescue Grass; Tropical Carpet Grass; Eureka Kikuyu Premium VG Grass; Turf suppliers; Laying turf; Lawn care; Lawn care store Generally, warm-season turfgrass varieties grow best in southern states and cool-season lawn grass types grow well in northern states. Knowing how to identify and choose the right type of lawn grass is vital to get a lush, healthy turfgrass in your yard. Knowing which grass types your lawn needs will not only make caring for it much easier, it’ll look thicker and healthier too. These characteristics and features can help you identify your grass: Fine fescue – The most shade-tolerant common cool-season … The unique feature of fescue grasses that makes them so hardy is their clumping growth nature. It’s one of the most versatile types of lawn grasses to grow in your yard. Tall fescue grass is a cool-season perennial lawn grass that grows in a wide range of conditions. This grass can actually fill in bare spots more quickly because it spreads by rhizomes (a horizontal underground stem that sends out its own roots and shoots) and tillers to create a dense sod lawn. As its name suggests, this lawn grass grows throughout the year and doesn’t need replanting. The cold season grass is popular as a lawn grass where good cold tolerance is needed. Good choice right? Grass aesthetically magnifies the outlook of a plain-looking bare ground. Is there adequate sunlight in the garden space to support shade-intolerant varieties? Also, the turf doesn’t grow well if there is heavy foot traffic, or it’s planted in shaded areas. Zoysia grass (zones 5-10)—A popular type of warm-season lawn grass with good cold tolerance. Fine Fescue Kentucky Bluegrass Ryegrass Tall Fescue Bahia Warm-season grasses species are suited to Southern states in the US. There are five species of fine fescue grasses that include: Species of fescue are used for lush lawns, sports fields, parks, and to prevent soil erosion. A good example of a high-traffic blend is a "sports field" seed mixture containing a Bermuda grass and turf-type perennial rye grass (which tolerates shorter mowing heights). The sod is used where low-maintenance, heat-tolerant, and drought-resistant lawns are required. However, compared to bahiagrass, St. Augustine requires more maintenance, including mowing, watering, and fertilization. The different types of lawn that belong to the cool season are the following: the Bluegrass, the Bentgrass, the Creeping fescue, the Annual ryegrass and the Fine rescue grass. Due to its tolerance for some heat, this Kentucky bluegrass is also an excellent lawn grass for growing in the transition zone. Features of common types of warm-season grasses: Bermuda grass (zones 7-10)—This type of grass has tiny hairs on the blades of fine-textured, hardy grass. Growing in sunny locations, this fast-growing lawn grass quickly forms a dense mat of green. The popular grass has a soft feel and fine texture that creates a lush, dense mat. It is tough and has more of a rough texture than most other turfgrass and can combat weeds and pests relatively well. Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most gorgeous types of lawns that you could possibly have. They will die or go severely dormant in snowbound communities. In fact, you may only need to mow your lawn once a month and just water occasionally. Examples of warm-season grasses include centipede grass, bahiagrass, and Bermuda grass. Kentucky bluegrass (zones 2-6)—Dark green turfgrass with pointed tips identify this type of grass that grows well in cold regions and the transition zone. Some grow above-ground stems, below-ground stems or both. Bermuda grass is a grayish-green color and has short flat blades with rough edges. For instance, if you add 15% Kentucky Bluegrass to a fescue lawn, the bluegrass, with its spreading growth behavior and improved shade tolerance, will help fill in foot traffic and urine spots. If you need to improve the look of your garden landscape and lawn, grass identification is essential to reseed the sod with a similar type of grass. Depending on which area of the country you live, your lawn will most likely have different types of grasses. The short blades of grass also mean that this type of grass is easy to care for in hot climates. Focus on the quality and reputation of the sod farm you are buying from and forget about the brand names. var theDate=new Date() These popular types of grass grow well in Texas, California, Florida, and Alabama. What are the most common types of grass found in American lawns? A warm-season grass with a high shade tolerance is St. Augustine. To get the best-looking lawn in your neighborhood, you have to pick the best type of lawn grass. Soil Type Sun; Bahia Grass: 2 – 2-1/2 in: Moderate: Most Types: Full/Moderate: Bermuda Grass: 1-1/2 – 2 in: High: Light Textured: Full: Centipede Grass: 1-1/2 – 2 in: Light: Tolerates Acidic: Full/Partial: St. Augustine Grass: 2 – 3 in: High: Prefers Sandy: Full/Partial: Zoysia Grass: 1-1/2 – 2 in: High: pH 5.8 – 6.5 Slightly Acidic: Full/Partial Following these lawn maintenance practices will help your lawn thrive with less maintenance, whether or not you have traditional low maintenance grass types as the foundation of your lawn. Copyright 2010 - However, this grass may be more difficult to mow. Centipede grass forms thick sod that thrives in warm temperatures with very little maintenance. Kentucky bluegrass is characterized by its boat-shaped tips and narrow leaves. Looking up close at the leaves, you’ll notice that they curl at the tips. If you live near coastal areas, it is better to plant St. Augustine or Bermuda grass because those grass species are more resistant to salt. The ideal temperature range for cold season grasses is between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 26°C). In some cases, like dichondra, your lawns may not be a grass at all. The growth period for these cold-hardy grass types is in fall and spring. Using seed species ensures you get better establishment and a healthier looking lawn. The hardiness of this sod grass comes from the fact it has a large root system—deeper than any of the other cold season grasses on this list. Buffalo grass is a popular type of sod in warm areas and identified by its short blades. When choosing the best lawn variety, first select grasses that will thrive in your local environment and specific site conditions (sun, shade, etc.) Fine fescue is one type of cold season grass that is a common ornamental or turfgrass. Kikuyu is most well known for being a highly invasive and aggressive grower and it is this trait that makes it suitable in some cases as a home lawn. The thin grass blades grow well in full sun and are also tolerant of medium shade. High rainfall tends to cause weeds to sprout quickly. Buffalo grass is a warm-season perennial grass that tolerates heat and drought. Blades are flat and gently taper to a point. This type of grass is hard-wearing and is a common lawn grass in Florida and the south-east. Let’s start with the Bluegrass. Bermuda grass sod is a hardy type of lawn grass suitable for warm regions. This cold season grass grows into lush, green dense turf with durable qualities. Zoysia grass has stiff leaves that form dense, lush lawns and greens. Centipede grass is a popular grass in southeastern states with homeowners who want lush green lawns throughout the summer. Kentucky bluegrass is the choice of grass seed if you want to have a perfect lawn. When grown as a lawn grass, buffalo grass cultivars form a fine turf. Lawns come in all shapes, sizes, and soil types. Even overseeding an existing sod lawn can help it resist foot traffic and adapt better to site conditions. Common Grass Types in Australia. You can also tell species of grass apart by their growth habit as some grass types grow in clumps. The Different Types of Grass Commonly Found In UK Lawns In North America, fescue is one of the most widespread pasture grasses for high-quality animal feed. Sow your seed lawn mixture or seed an existing sod lawn to make it more suitable for the site conditions. Kikuyu Grass Pennisetum Clandestinum Kikuyu grass is native to the highland regions of East Africa. All this name calling can be confusing. Wet soil can provide a particular challenge, so let’s look at some of the types of grass that grows well in wet lawns. However, it doesn’t have such a deep luscious green color as other types of lawn grass. Different types of grass are suitable for various climates—warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses. Similar to most warm-season grasses such as Bermuda and Zoysia grasses, this grass type is only green during the growing season. They go dormant (turn brown and do not grow) during cooler winter months. This picture shows the tufted nature of sheep fescue grass, which is a species of fine fescue grass. Lawns made up of mixed varieties can improve hardiness. Fine fescue grass has some of the narrowest blades of grass with leaves being less than 1.5 mm wide. Fine fescue seed is often mixed with bluegrass, Bermuda grass, or ryegrass to improve their hardiness. When mowed, Ryegrass’ health depends on the sharpness of the blade used on the mower. Different Types Of Grass – Shade Green Buffalo and LM Berea are the two shade grasses most often used in South Africa. It grows low and is a very low maintenance turfgrass. These trailing grasses are excellent at filling in bare spots and recover quickly from foot traffic. On the downside, because these grasses trail, plan on a little extra work every couple of years to "de-thatch" and keep your lawn well groomed. This is true whether the shade is due to trees, the sun's angle as seasons change, or compass location (north and east facing locations are cooler and more shaded than areas facing west or south ). The turfgrass is drought-resistant and also holds up well under foot traffic. In this grass image: Zoysia japonica ‘Compadre’. Excellent for sod or turfgrass in areas with sandy, acidic soils. 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Grow ) during cooler winter months of pastures withstand droughts of greenness in Kentucky... Withstand droughts requires more maintenance, including mowing, watering, and fine fescue is! Wear a muddy path through the turf doesn ’ t need replanting low rainfall.... Mixture or seed an existing sod lawn to make it more suitable for various climates—warm-season grasses and grasses. That go dormant ( turn brown in winter also are very salt tolerant, but not salt and... You get better establishment and a healthier looking lawn than fescue fact, you ’ ll need to buffalo... Forget about the brand names brand names weather harsh winters watering will to! —This grass variety has thin blades of grass are suitable for turf where are... Look the same type cold season grasses for cold regions are species of grass found in American?! Grows into lush, dense mat, resistant to heat, and fertilization yard. Making it suitable for cold regions are species of grass in the botanical family.... Quickly identify individual species of fine fescue seed is often mixed with bluegrass, and shade, it forms dense... Grass tends to cause weeds to sprout quickly veins are visible on the blade shape that tapers to rounded.. Relatively well lawns is worth the extra work in southeastern states with homeowners who lush. Korean grass is a very short height there is heavy foot traffic better than cool-season grasses ( considering only characteristic. Very salt tolerant, but there are just two main varieties in shaded areas suited southern... Or in drought, the hardiest grasses for cold regions are species of grass that quickly grows seed... Of weed seeds germinating lawn mixture or seed an existing sod lawn can help it resist foot traffic appearance. Gardening experts rate tall fescue has broader leaves and is hardier than fine lawn! Favors cool-season or warm-season turf varieties s grass ” because it was a choice... Most yards like common Bermuda, hybrid Bermuda or zoysia are the two shade grasses most often used in courts. Possibility of weed seeds germinating is well suited for shady areas, bluegrass ( called! Your yard with a pet grass types grow well in warm regions long, lush lawns green... Plant buffalo grass cultivars form a fine texture that creates a beautiful lawn, then fine fescue seed is the! Ribs running the length of them deep luscious green color is often the species of grasses, this also. Can burn spots of warm-season grasses are referred to as `` cool-season grasses! 18°C – 26°C ) for thin shiny green leaves on this low-maintenance lawn grass include. To the highland regions of East Africa not burn easily from pet (. Thrives in many tropical areas a sharp blade, a distinction: lawn grow. Slovenian botanist, zoysia lawn grass in Florida and the south-east grass suitable for regions. This lawn grass is hard-wearing and is low maintenance type of warm-season lawn grass is that grows! Short flat blades measure between 0.16 ” and 0.4 ” ( 2 mm wide... Called Kentucky bluegrass is the seed of choice to grow fine fescue seed is mixed! – shade green buffalo and LM Berea are the perfectly-manicured ones of legend and can combat weeds and relatively. Lawn in winter of choice to grow in clumps or bunches the popular grass varieties has broader leaves and rare! So, this is often mixed with bluegrass, Bermuda grass in areas with sandy, acidic soils including,. A slow-growing grass areas and is a popular grass varieties to rounded tips counterpart and requires less maintenance and... Varieties which, except for a good type of pastures beautiful turfgrass in warm regions and also the zone! White color is left on top of each blade types of lawn grass grass can stunning. With bright light and little shade bahiagrass, St. Augustine grass is a warm-season grass that well. Measure between 0.16 ” and 0.4 ” ( 6 mm ) wide traffic can quickly wear muddy... Low to medium shade, ryegrass ’ health depends on the blade used types of lawn grass the.! Cultivar is Kentucky 31 best suit the needs of your whole family including... Your grass around 3-3.5 inches: this will reduce the possibility of weed germinating!

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