(Continued from the previous page)Turf Type Tall Fescue - Tall
fescue has traditionally been used in the transition zone (Eastern portion
of Zones 6 & 7) and the upper south, but the development of new
turf type tall fescues has made them compatible in the cool, humid regions
as well. These new tall fescues are greatly improved in comparison with
the old common types, including Kentucky 31. They have finer leaf blades
that create a denser turf, have improved resistance to disease and insect
injury, and are tolerant of the higher summer temperatures characteristic
of many areas throughout the north and upper south.
 Turf type tall fescues have good drought and
shade tolerance. They are often sold as blends of two or
more named varieties. However, mixtures in combination
with a small amount (5-10%) of improved Kentucky
bluegrass is becoming more common; the more aggressive
bluegrass used to fill in thinning areas which can occur
with the tall fescues. Selecting the best grass for your
lawn in the south depends primarily on two factors: how
much sun your lawn will receive and its geographic
location within the warm season grass region. The primary
choices for southern lawns are: Bermudagrass, St.
Augustine, centipedegrass, zoysia, tall fescue, and
buffalograss.
Warm Season (Southern)
Bermudagrass -
Bermudagrass originated in Africa, where
it evolved under a hot-dry climate. It is the most
predominant species throughout the south and southwest.
It is a very aggressive grass that demands full sun and
has very little tolerance or shade. There are two basic
groups of bermuda . . . those that can be established by
seed, and those that can only be planted from sprigs or
sod.
The best time to start a bermuda lawn from seed
is from late spring to late summer when nighttime
temperatures stay above 65 degrees. Sodding is the most
common method of establishing a hybrid bermuda lawn,
although sprigging is also used. Bermuda lawns can be
sodded anytime of the year, but the best time is during
the summer months. This species does not have any
significant disease or insect problems when properly
mowed, fertilized and watered. With the exception of
buffalograss, seeded bermudagrasses have the lowest water
and fertilization needs among the warm season grasses.
Bermudas go dormant and turn brown with the first cold
weather in the fall and don't renew growth and color
until soil temperatures get back to at least 60 F.
St. Augustine -
St. Augustine is a popular and widely used
lawn grass in the humid coastal areas of the south from
Florida to California. Its popularity is due in great
part to having the greatest shade  tolerance of the warm
season grasses, while it also thrives in full sun. St.
Augustine, which has a wider leaf blade than most other
lawngrasses, is relative easy to establish by sodding or
plugging with proper fertilization and watering, and will
do well in most soil types. However, it is quite
sensitive to freezing temperatures and winter kill; thus,
limiting its use in the upper south. The available
varieties vary greatly in their cold tolerance. Make sure
the one you select has a good record of winter survival
in your area before you buy. Also, only those varieties
that are labeled as resistant to disease called St.
Augustine Decline (SAD) should be purchased.
The older lawns that have SAD can be improved
by planting plugs of the new SAD-resistant strains. The
best time to sod or plug St. Augustine is during the
summer months when temperatures remain above 65 degrees.
(Continued on the next page)
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Which
Northern Grass Fits your Lifestyle?
Generally sunny
with irrigation - In
the northern portions of cool, humid, semi-arid,
and inter-mountain areas, consider a blend of
improved Kentucky bluegrasses or a mixture of
Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue. In the
southern portion of the cool humid and semi-arid
areas, look for an improved Kentucky bluegrass
blend with improved perennial ryegrass.
A considerable
amount of shade - In
the northern portions, semi-arid, and
inter-mountain areas, look for an improved
Kentucky bluegrass blend, combined with a higher
percentage of fine fescue. In the southern
portion of the area, look for a mixture of
improved Kentucky bluegrass, improved perennial
ryegrass, and improved fine fescue. Another
option is to use an improved turf type tall
fescue blend.
High traffic
and play - In
the northern portion, semi-arid, and
inter-mountain areas, look for a mixture of
improved Kentucky bluegrasses with a relatively
high percentage of improved perennial ryegrass.
In the southern area, once again, look for a
mixture of improved Kentucky bluegrasses with a
high percentage of improved perennial ryegrass.
You can also choose an improved turf type tall
fescue variety or blend.
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