Growing a beautiful and sustainable lawn is not easy. If you make the mistake of selecting a grass type that does not match your yard’s needs, you may encounter frustration. Remember, purchasing grass seed, planting, and maintenance require more of your time and money. Thus, if you choose the wrong grass type, you will be wasting a lot.
In this case, understanding how to determine grass type should be your first step if you want to grow a green and lush lawn. It is good to note that some lawn care procedures such as fertilization, mowing, and lawn control treatments may depend on the type of grass you choose.
Thus, if you identify your grass incorrectly, you might end up with the wrong lawn care treatment practices. This article has essential information to help you choose a grass type that will grow into a green and healthy lawn.
Contents
- Here Is How to Determine Grass Type
- 1. Know your local climate
- 2. Determine how you want your lawn to look like
- 3. Understand the purpose of the grass
- 4. Consider the availability of water in your area
- FAQs on How to Determine Grass Type
- Which grass type should I consider?
- Which grass types do not require a lot of care and maintenance?
- Are all grass varieties durable?
- Author
Here Is How to Determine Grass Type
1. Know your local climate
Your location will determine the type of grass to choose. Just like other plants, grass has weather limits. Some grass does not perform well in cool climates, while others do.
For instance, cool-season grass can be your option if you live in the northern part of the United States. These grasses peak their growth during the winter months. Besides, you can choose warm-season grass if you live in areas with hot conditions.
Generally, there are two grass types which include:
Warm-season grasses
- Bermuda grass
- Bahiagrass
- Zoysia grass
- Centipede grass
Cool-season grasses
- Fine fescue grass
- Tall fescue
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Perennial ryegrass
As you know, various grass types will do well in different weather conditions. Thus, it is best to choose one that matches your local climate.
2. Determine how you want your lawn to look like
The grass features will determine the overall appearance of your lawn. For instance, some grass species are dark green while others have a paler shade of green. Besides, it would be best to consider the grass blades. Various grass species vary in the shape and width of their blades. Some blade tips are rounded, others are sharp-pointed, while others are boat-shaped.
The growing habit of the grass is another vital feature to consider. Some types of grass form clump-like bunches while others creep out. Grasses that grow closely together include fescue, while those that spread out include centipede grass.
Also, other grass types spread out and have rhizomes that help them spread and fill out the dead spots. These grass types include the Bahia grass.
Also read: What will kill dandelions but not my grass?
3. Understand the purpose of the grass
What purpose will the grass serve? Some grass types are durable, while others cannot withstand foot traffic and high temperatures.
If you want to establish a lawn for your playful kids and pets, choosing a grass type that can hold up well to the rough nature is a good idea. For instance, Kentucky bluegrass is known for its durability. It can handle uneven footsteps and exercise practices.
Also read: Best grass seed for muddy lawn
4. Consider the availability of water in your area
Rain can help to keep your lawn moist. But sometimes, it can go for several weeks without rain. In this case, you may need to water your lawn. Hence, before you grow your grass, it is good to think about the water sources in your area.
Is there a river near your yard? Is the collected rainwater enough for watering your lawn? Also, you need to figure out whether your schedule is conducive to watering the lawn.
As you are aware, some grass requires a frequent watering procedure to germinate and grow. But some can withstand the drier season. Grasses such as buffalo, Zoysia, and tall fescue can handle dry months. But Kentucky bluegrass needs more care and maintenance, thus, requiring much more water.
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FAQs on How to Determine Grass Type
Which grass type should I consider?
The best grass type depends on your yard’s needs. It is good to note that no grass variety fits all. So, it’s best to ask yourself questions about your goals for establishing your lawn. For instance:
1. Do you have enough time for watering and mowing the lawn?
2. Do you want to minimize fertilizer and chemical usage?
3. Do you have enough water in your area?
4. Is the grass designed to stand up a lot of foot traffics?
Answering these questions can help you choose the best grass type for your lawn. Some grass varieties can withstand heavy foot traffic while others cannot. Some require a lot of water to maintain them healthy, while others can do well in dry months.
See also: Why do I have clumps of grass?
In this case, you need to understand the purpose of the lawn, availability of care and maintenance materials, climate, and how you want the lawn to look in the future.
Which grass types do not require a lot of care and maintenance?
Lawn care is an expensive task. You will need to purchase fertilizer, herbicides, and water to ensure that your grass looks healthy. Also, you will need to mow the lawn frequently to keep it at the right height.
In this case, the labor and lawn care services can be costly. But the good thing is that there are low-maintenance grass types that will not require most of your time and effort.
They include:
1. Bahiagrass
2. Fine fescue
3. Tall fescue
4. Buffalo grass
Are all grass varieties durable?
Do you own a lawn that is patchy and dying due to heavy traffic or regular use from pets and kids? It is good to shop around and look for a durable grass type.
Here are durable grass types that can withstand high traffic
1. Tall fescue
2. Perennial ryegrass
3. Kentucky bluegrass
4. Bermuda grass
5. Zoysia grass
If you want to have a good-looking lawn, you need to choose the best grass types.
As you know, various types of grass do well in different conditions. Some require hot climates, while others need cool conditions to thrive. Besides, some are shade tolerant, and others can withstand foot traffic.
In this case, it would be helpful to learn how to determine grass type. This will enable you to choose a grass variety that is more suitable for your yard’s conditions.
