St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) Easily grown from sod, plugs, or sprigs, St. Augustinegrass produces a dense blue-green turf that has good shade and salt tolerance. It is highly popular in coastal areas from Florida to California. Drawbacks: Thick thatch if heavily fertilized and watered. Vulnerable to chinch bugs and grubs. Recommendations: For USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 10. According to the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP), look for slow-growing Amerishade, cold…
Do not buy seed on impulse! Choosing the right grass for your lawn can make the difference between having a low-maintenance, environmentally-friendly lawn versus one that is susceptible to diseases, pests, and weeds. The type of seed you choose depends on several factors: What do you want your lawn to look like? Grasses vary in color, leaf width, habit (characteristic appearance), and density. Grass color and texture vary by species and…
If you read the research reports from various grass institutes, the number of cultivars of grass species are astonishing. When you add in the numerous characteristics of each grass and how each grows under different conditions, the task of selecting the best for your location can seem daunting. In addition, with ongoing research, there are always new and improved cultivars. Avoid confusion by contacting your Cooperative Extension Service (CSREES) and…
There is no breed of grass able to thrive on both a Vermont ski slope and a Florida orange grove. For this reason, grasses are divided into two main groups, cool-season, and warm-season, and then further divided into two subgroups, transition zone and native. Cool-Season Grasses Cool-season grasses all thrive in northern areas, including Canada, as well as higher elevations farther south. The main growing period for cool-season grass is in…
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) For a deep green, fine-textured, attractive lawn, choose Kentucky bluegrass. Bluegrass is able to withstand moisture and temperature extremes, is winter hardy, and will grow in full sun to light shade depending on cultivar and location. Sown by seed and spread by rhizomes and tillers, it forms strong, dense sod that recovers well from injury. Maintenance requirements for Kentucky bluegrass vary. Older common cultivars require less…
Native Grasses Native Grasses are survivors having evolved and adapted to the arid grassland plains. Unlike turfgrasses, native grasses are open and natural in appearance and require little maintenance. Native Grasses prefer full sun to grow best during the hot summer months. Native Grasses are especially suited to the Central Plains states but have been widely adapted across the United States and Canada. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service…