| What's
the Best Grass for My Lawn? |
 his is the
most frequently asked question of The Lawn Institute by
homeowners. The answer depends on a number of factors,
such as, general geographic location for turfgrass
adaptation (cool season or warm season grasses), the
amount of sun and shade, the amount of traffic or play,
watering practices, and the general level of maintenance.
Answers to these questions will help you and the garden
center retailers make a better decision as to which
quality seed mixture or blend to buy for your geographic
location and environmental conditions. What are your
choices or options?
 The first
order of business is to have a general understanding of
the grass species that grow best in your area of the
country. Let's start with the northern lawns, which are
identified with the cool season grass species; namely,
Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, perennial ryegrass, and
turf type tall fescue.
Cool Season (Northern)
Kentucky Bluegrass -
This is by far the "Number One"
lawngrass for the northern parts of the country. It's a
native of Europe and Asia and came to North America
several hundred years ago. This grass has been and is
used for about every turf area except golf course putting
greens.
Many older lawns were planted with common
Kentucky  bluegrass some years
ago. In the last several years, there has been major
breakthroughs in the breeding and development of new,
improved bluegrasses.
The new, named bluegrass varieties found in
quality blends and mixtures are more heat and drought
tolerant, have greater insect and disease resistance, and
in many cases are more shade tolerant; though they grow
best with an abundance of sunlight.
Once established, Kentucky bluegrass spreads by
underground stems called rhizomes. Thus, it is capable of
filling in to heal areas of thin grass and help crowd out
weeds. But, they germinate slowly and are often times
sold in mixtures with other faster germinating cool
season grasses, such as, perennial ryegrasses and fine
fescues. However, in seed mixtures, the Kentucky
bluegrasses should be the dominant species by percentage
and weight. It can be established by seed or sod. (Continued on the next page)
|
What
is The Lawn Institute?
 n 1955, The Lawn Institute was incorporated as a
not-for-profit corporation to assist in and encourage
through research and education the improvement of lawns
and sports turf. For more than 45 years, the Institute
has been one of the most respected authorities in North
America among turf professionals and  scientists for
monitoring, reporting, and interpreting the latest
advances in turfgrass research, landscape horticulture,
and agronomic science.
Through the 1980's, the Institute focused its
efforts and communication toward the emerging
professional lawn and landscape market; educating the
growing number of commercial operators. At the outset of
the 1990's, informational efforts shifted more toward the
homeowner by working closely with the consumer magazines
and the growing number of professional garden writers.
With greater exposure to the homeowner through
the consumer press, The Lawn Institute continues to
receive thousands of requests from homeowners for
information on the best lawnseed, sod, proper maintenance
practices, and specific questions related to their
particular lawn and landscape situation. |
