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Do you know your grass types?
Key takeaways in this article
- Six common grass types: U.S. lawns mainly use Kentucky bluegrass, Bermuda, Bahia, St. Augustine, Zoysia, and fescue.
- Warm vs. cool season: Bermuda, Bahia, St. Augustine, and Zoysia love heat, while Kentucky bluegrass and fescue prefer cooler climates.
- Identify by texture and blades: Bermuda is bristly with aboveground roots, while St. Augustine has broad, flat, dark green blades.
- Best for shade and coast: St. Augustine tolerates both shade and salty soils, making it ideal for coastal U.S. lawns.
- Zoysia needs least upkeep: Zoysia fights back most weeds and requires far less maintenance than most other grass types.
Whether you’re a lawn care pro getting ready for the upcoming season or a weekend warrior who’s just in it for the love of the cut, it’s essential to know your grass so you can know how to treat it.
Kentucky Bluegrass
Renowned for its deep green color and soft texture, Kentucky bluegrass first gained popularity—and its famous name—because its high tolerance for heavy traffic and grazing made it the premier choice for pastures across the great state of Kentucky. A cool-season turf not suited well for deep shade, Kentucky bluegrass tends to grow very aggressively when in the right environment and is one of the most popular choices for lawns in the U.S.
Bermuda
Primarily found in the South but known to pop up throughout the Midwest, Bermuda is a dense, durable warm-season grass that thrives in the summer heat and stands up well to drought and heavy traffic. A dead giveaway due to its bristly texture and aboveground roots, Bermuda needs plenty of sunlight and good care to prosper.
Bahia
Common in the Southeast, Bahia is a coarse, durable warm-season grass known for its exceptional heat resistance and disease repellent nature. A member of the Paspalum family, Bahia requires minimum maintenance but can often be more challenging to mow due to its tough stems and low-growing tendencies.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is a warm-season turf with a dark green color and broad, flat grass blades. A popular choice for the coastal regions of the U.S., St. Augustine can also be found in the south and is highly tolerant of both shade and salty soils.
Zoysia
Notorious for its aggressive nature in fighting back most weeds, zoysia is a versatile warm season turf that welcomes heat but can also grow well in cool temperatures and partial shade. Extremely durable and tough, zoysia requires far less maintenance than most grass types and its thick, soft carpet feel make it an enticing option for lawns.
Fescues
A common and highly popular grass type, fescues can differ greatly depending on the species. Fine Fescue is ideal for cool seasons and can withstand cold spells and high shade better than most but does not tolerate heat well. Tall Fescue is known for its flexible nature and is more comfortable in the heat than other cool-season grass types. Tall Fescue should not be blended with any other grass species while Fine Fescue blends well with Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass. Resources https://www.naturesseed.com/blog/identifying-5-common-lawn-grass-species/ https://www.backyardworkshop.com/common-types-grasses-found-america/ https://www.totallandscapecare.com/lawn-care/lawn-care-the-dirt-on-st-augustine-grass/
