7+ Types of Lawn Grass – Kentucky Bluegrass, Bermuda, Fescue & More

When it comes to choosing the right grass for your lawn, there are several factors to consider. Local climate and soil conditions play a significant role in determining which type of grass will thrive in your area. The good news is that there are a variety of grass species available, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits.

In this article, we will explore some of the most popular lawn grass varieties, including Kentucky Bluegrass, Bermuda grass, and Fescue. Whether you’re looking for a grass that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foot traffic, or shade, we’ve got you covered.

Key Takeaways:

• Kentucky Bluegrass is a cool-season grass known for its ability to recover well from drought, cold, and foot traffic.
• Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass that thrives in full sun but goes brown in cold weather.
• Fescue is a cool-season grass with deep roots, making it more resistant to drought and foot traffic.
• Zoysia grass is a warm-season grass that can tolerate shade, insects, disease, and dryness.
• St. Augustine grass is a plug- or sod-grown species that thrives in sandy soil and bright sun.

Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis)

Kentucky Bluegrass is one of the most popular lawn grass species for home lawns, parks, and athletic fields. This cool-season grass is well-known for its ability to recover well from drought, cold, and foot traffic. Its medium to fine leaf texture and medium to dark green color make it visually appealing for lawns. Kentucky Bluegrass is often used for sod and performs best in cooler climates, thriving in the spring and fall.

When choosing Kentucky Bluegrass for your lawn, there are several popular varieties to consider. ‘NuDestiny’ is resistant to certain fungi, making it a wise choice for areas prone to disease. If your lawn has shade, ‘Midnight’ is an excellent variety that thrives in such conditions. Another popular option is ‘Blue Velvet’, which adds a touch of elegance to any landscape.

It’s important to note that Kentucky Bluegrass requires more water compared to other grass types during hot weather. To ensure its health and vitality, it’s recommended to water Kentucky Bluegrass twice as much as fescue during these periods. With proper care and maintenance, Kentucky Bluegrass can provide you with a lush and beautiful lawn for years to come.

“Kentucky Bluegrass is a top choice for homeowners looking for a resilient and visually appealing lawn grass. Its ability to recover well from drought and foot traffic, combined with its medium to fine texture, makes it an ideal candidate for home lawns.” – Lawn Care Expert

Table: Comparison of Different Lawn Grass Types

As seen in the table above, Kentucky Bluegrass, along with other grass types, has its unique qualities and considerations that can help homeowners make the best choice for their specific needs and preferences.

Bermuda Grass (Cynodon spp.)

When it comes to selecting the best grass types for home lawns, Bermuda grass is a popular choice among homeowners. This warm-season grass, originally from Africa, has gained popularity due to its ability to thrive in full sun. Bermuda grass is known for its aggressive spreading, making it an excellent choice for those looking to establish a thick, lush lawn.

One key characteristic of Bermuda grass is its high fertilizer requirement. It requires regular fertilization to maintain its vibrant green color and optimal growth. Regular mowing is also essential for Bermuda grass, with a recommended height between 1 to 2 inches to keep the lawn looking neat and well-maintained.

Table: Comparison of Bermuda Grass Varieties

It’s important to note that Bermuda grass may not be the best choice for lawns in northern climates as it tends to go brown at the first sign of cold weather. For those in such regions, alternatives like Tall Fescue, Buffalo Grass, and Zoysia can be considered.

Zoysia Grass: A Popular Choice for Home Lawns

Zoysia grass is one of the most popular lawn grass types and a great choice for homeowners looking to achieve a beautiful and low-maintenance lawn. Known for its ability to tolerate shade, insects, disease, and dryness, Zoysia grass is versatile and adaptable to various environments. However, it is important to note that Zoysia grass does go brown at the first sign of cold weather, making it more suitable for warmer regions.

One of the key advantages of Zoysia grass is its slow growth rate, which means less frequent mowing and maintenance. While damaged areas may need to be patched with sod due to its slow spreading nature, this grass variety forms a dense turf that can withstand moderate foot traffic. Additionally, Zoysia grass has good drought tolerance, allowing it to withstand dry periods without extensive watering.

When it comes to selecting the best grass type for your home lawn, it’s crucial to consider factors such as climate, soil conditions, and lawn usage. While Zoysia grass is a great option for many homeowners, it’s worth exploring alternatives such as Bermuda grass and tall fescue to determine the best fit for your specific needs.

Key Features of Zoysia Grass:

• High shade tolerance
• Resistant to insects and disease
• Good drought tolerance
• Slow growth rate, requiring less mowing
• Forms a dense turf that can handle moderate foot traffic

“Zoysia grass provides a beautiful and low-maintenance lawn option for homeowners, offering shade tolerance, resistance to insects and disease, and excellent drought tolerance.” – Landscaping Expert

St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum)

St. Augustine grass is a popular choice for home lawns due to its ability to thrive in sandy soil and bright sun. It is well-suited for areas with high heat and humidity, making it an excellent option for lawns in the southern United States. St. Augustine grass has a lush, dense growth habit and a vibrant green color, providing a visually appealing lawn.

One of the advantages of St. Augustine grass is its ability to tolerate shade, making it a suitable choice for lawns with trees or buildings that cast shadows. However, it is important to note that St. Augustine grass can be sensitive to foot traffic and chewing insects, so proper care and maintenance are necessary to keep it healthy.

St. Augustine grass is well-suited for lawns in southern regions with sandy soil and bright sun. It provides a lush, green lawn and can tolerate shade, making it a versatile choice. However, it requires proper care and maintenance to thrive.

Some shade-tolerant and winter-hardy varieties of St. Augustine grass include ‘Raleigh’, ‘Delmar’, and ‘Mercedes’. These varieties are known for their ability to withstand colder temperatures and maintain their green color even during winter months. Alternatives to St. Augustine grass include Centipede grass, Bahia grass, and Seashore paspalum, which are better suited for specific soil types or environmental conditions.

Growth habits of St. Augustine grass

St. Augustine grass spreads through above-ground runners called stolons and below-ground stems called rhizomes. This natural spreading ability allows it to quickly fill in bare spots and create a dense carpet-like lawn. However, it’s important to note that St. Augustine grass can be aggressive in its growth, and proper maintenance is required to prevent it from invading other areas of the lawn or garden.

Overall, St. Augustine grass is a popular choice for homeowners looking for a lush, green lawn in warm and sunny regions. It provides excellent shade tolerance and winter hardiness, making it a versatile grass option. With proper care and maintenance, St. Augustine grass can create a beautiful and inviting outdoor space.

Buffalo Grass (Buchloe dactyloides)

Buffalo grass is a popular choice for home lawns due to its low water and fertilizer requirements, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective option. This native American grass thrives in hot and dry climates, making it ideal for areas with limited water availability. It has excellent drought tolerance and can survive in low maintenance conditions. Buffalo grass also has a deep root system, which helps it withstand foot traffic and recover quickly from damage.

One of the key advantages of buffalo grass is its low maintenance requirements. It grows slowly and requires less mowing compared to other grass types, saving both time and effort. Additionally, its dense growth habit helps prevent weed growth, further reducing the need for herbicides and weed control. This grass species also exhibits good resistance to disease and pests, minimizing the need for chemical treatments.

“Buffalo grass is a native of America and is known for its low water and fertilizer requirements.”

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing buffalo grass for your lawn. It is not suitable for areas with excessive water or fertilizer, as this can encourage weed growth and reduce its overall performance. Buffalo grass is also not recommended for areas with heavy shade, as it prefers full sun. If you have pets or children who frequently play on the lawn, it’s important to note that buffalo grass may not tolerate heavy foot traffic as well as other grass species.

Advantages of Buffalo Grass

• Low water and fertilizer requirements

• Excellent drought tolerance and recovery

• Dense growth habit prevents weed growth

• Good resistance to disease and pests

Considerations for Buffalo Grass

• Not suitable for excessive water or fertilizer

• Prefers full sun and may not tolerate heavy shade

• May not withstand heavy foot traffic as well as other grass species

Popular Lawn Grass Species: Tall Fescue

Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is a popular lawn grass species known for its deep roots and resistance to drought and foot traffic. It is a cool-season grass that performs well in open, sunny areas but is moderately shade-tolerant. Tall Fescue is primarily a bunch-type grass, which means it does not spread as aggressively as other grass types. This characteristic makes it a good choice for low-maintenance areas where spreading grasses may become invasive.

Some newer varieties of Tall Fescue, such as ‘Rebel IV’ and ‘Tarheel II’, have been developed to tolerate certain fungi, increasing their overall disease resistance. These improved varieties can provide homeowners with a more attractive and resilient lawn. However, it is important to note that Tall Fescue may require more watering than other grass types during hot weather, as its deep root system needs sufficient moisture to thrive.

For those considering Tall Fescue for their home lawns, alternatives such as fine-leaf fescue and turf-type tall fescue can also be considered. Fine-leaf fescue offers a finer texture and greater shade tolerance, while turf-type tall fescue provides a thicker, more vigorous turf that can withstand heavy foot traffic and recover well from damage. When choosing the best grass type for your lawn, it is important to consider factors such as climate, soil conditions, and maintenance requirements to ensure a beautiful and resilient lawn all year round.

Lawn Grasses Used In Kentucky

In the state of Kentucky, there are several types of grasses that are commonly used for lawns. The most popular choices include Kentucky Bluegrass-ryegrass mixes and bluegrass-fine fescue mixes. These grass varieties are preferred because of their adaptability to the local climate and their ability to withstand the seasonal changes that Kentucky experiences.

Other grasses, such as Bermuda grass and Zoysia grass, are also planted in Kentucky, but they are more suited for warm-season grasses and may not perform as well in certain areas of the state. Bermuda grass, in particular, is a warm-season grass that thrives in full sun and is commonly used in southern parts of Kentucky. However, it is not recommended for lawns in the northern areas of the state.

In low maintenance areas and utility areas, tall fescue turf type is commonly used. It is known for its drought-resistant nature and ability to withstand foot traffic. For shaded areas, fine fescue is often the grass of choice, although it may struggle in high-traffic areas. Ultimately, the choice of lawn grass in Kentucky depends on factors such as climate, soil conditions, and the specific needs of the lawn.

Table: Comparison of Lawn Grasses Used In Kentucky

The Pros and Cons of Different Grasses for Utah Lawns

In Utah, there are several popular grasses used for lawns, each with its own pros and cons. One of the most common choices is a mix of Kentucky Bluegrass and ryegrass, or a mix of Kentucky Bluegrass and fine fescue. These grass types are favored for their ability to adapt to the local climate, making them a reliable option for Utah lawns.

Another grass that is used in southern Utah is Bermuda grass. While it can thrive in the warmer climate of the southern region, it is not recommended for lawns in the northern part of the state. Bermuda grass requires full sun and regular maintenance, so it may not be suitable for every homeowner.

If you have shaded areas in your yard, fine fescue may be a good choice. However, fine fescue struggles in high-traffic areas and may not withstand heavy use. Kentucky Bluegrass is a popular grass for Utah lawns due to its ability to recover well from drought, cold weather, and foot traffic. It provides a lush and attractive lawn, but it does require regular watering and maintenance.

For those looking for a new lawn, turf-type tall fescue is recommended. It is drought-resistant and resistant to diseases and insects, making it a low-maintenance option. Additionally, perennial ryegrass is often used in combination with other grass types for overseeding thin or damaged turf.