How to Choose and Care for Turf Grass

Turf grass is a term that refers to the grasses that are used to create lawns, sports fields, golf courses, and other landscapes that require a uniform, durable, and low-maintenance ground cover. Turf grasses are different from ornamental grasses, which are usually taller, more colorful, and more diverse in shape and texture. Turf grasses are designed to withstand frequent mowing, traffic, and environmental stress.

There are many types of turf grasses available, but they can be broadly classified into two categories: cool-season and warm-season. Cool-season grasses grow best in regions with cold winters and mild summers, while warm-season grasses thrive in regions with hot and humid summers and mild winters. There is also a transition zone, where both types of grasses can grow, but may face challenges from diseases, pests, or extreme weather.

In this blog post, we will discuss the characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks of some of the most common turf grasses in each category, and provide some tips on how to choose and care for them.

Cool-Season Turf Grasses

Cool-season turf grasses are typically planted in the fall or spring, when the soil temperature is between 50°F and 65°F. They grow actively in the spring and fall, and go dormant or slow down in the summer and winter. They prefer full sun, but some can tolerate partial shade. They need regular watering and fertilizing, especially during dry or hot periods. They also need frequent mowing to maintain their optimal height and density.

Some of the most popular cool-season turf grasses are:

• Kentucky bluegrass: This is one of the most widely used turf grasses in the northern U.S. It has a medium to dark green color, a medium texture, and a boat-shaped leaf tip. It spreads by underground stems called rhizomes, which help it recover from damage and form a dense sod. It is winter hardy, drought tolerant, and resistant to some diseases. However, it is also susceptible to other diseases, insects, weeds, and shade. It requires moderate to high maintenance, including frequent watering, fertilizing, and mowing.
• Perennial ryegrass: This is a fast-growing turf grass that has a dark green color, a fine texture, and a folded leaf tip. It does not spread by rhizomes or stolons (aboveground stems), but forms bunches of tillers (vertical shoots) at the base of the plant. It is often mixed with other cool-season grasses to improve their establishment and wear tolerance. It is adaptable to various soils and climates, and resistant to some diseases and insects. However, it is also prone to other diseases and pests, especially in hot or humid conditions. It requires moderate maintenance, including regular watering, fertilizing, and mowing.
• Tall fescue: This is a coarse-textured turf grass that has a dark green color and a rolled leaf tip. It forms bunches of tillers at the base of the plant. It is more tolerant of shade, drought, heat, and traffic than other cool-season grasses. It is also resistant to some diseases and insects. However, it is also susceptible to other diseases and pests, especially in wet or cold conditions. It requires low to moderate maintenance, including occasional watering, fertilizing, and mowing.

Warm-Season Turf Grasses

Warm-season turf grasses are typically planted in the late spring or early summer, when the soil temperature is above 70°F. They grow actively in the summer, and go dormant or brown in the winter. They prefer full sun, but some can tolerate light shade. They need less water and fertilizer than cool-season grasses, but more mowing to prevent them from becoming too thick or woody. They also need periodic dethatching (removing excess dead plant material) and aerating (poking holes in the soil to improve air circulation).

Some of the most common warm-season turf grasses are:

• Bermuda grass: This is one of the most widely used turf grasses in the southern U.S. It has a light green color, a fine texture, and a pointed leaf tip. It spreads by both rhizomes and stolons, which help it form a dense and resilient sod. It is very tolerant of heat, drought, salt, and traffic. However, it is also very invasive and can crowd out other plants. It requires high maintenance, including frequent watering, fertilizing, mowing, dethatching, and aerating.
• St. Augustine grass: This is a coarse-textured turf grass that has a dark green color and a rounded leaf tip. It spreads by stolons, which help it form a thick and lush sod. It is more tolerant of shade and salt than other warm-season grasses. However, it is also more susceptible to diseases, insects, and weeds. It requires moderate to high maintenance, including regular watering, fertilizing, mowing, dethatching, and aerating.
• Zoysia grass: This is a medium-textured turf grass that has a light green color and a hairy leaf tip. It spreads by both rhizomes and stolons, which help it form a dense and durable sod. It is tolerant of heat, drought, salt, and traffic. However, it is also slow to establish and recover from damage. It requires low to moderate maintenance, including occasional watering, fertilizing, mowing, dethatching, and aerating.

How to Choose and Care for Turf Grass

Choosing the right turf grass for your lawn depends on several factors, such as:

• Your climate and location: You should choose a turf grass that matches your region’s temperature, precipitation, and humidity levels. For example, if you live in the North, you should choose a cool-season grass, while if you live in the South, you should choose a warm-season grass. If you live in the transition zone, you may need to choose a mixture of both types of grasses, or a grass that can adapt to both extremes, such as zoysia grass.
• Your soil type and condition: You should choose a turf grass that can grow well in your soil’s texture, pH, fertility, and drainage. For example, if you have sandy soil, you should choose a drought-tolerant grass, such as Bermuda grass or buffalograss. If you have clay soil, you should choose a grass that can tolerate poor drainage, such as tall fescue or centipede grass. You should also test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels, and amend them if needed before planting your turf grass.
• Your sun exposure and shade: You should choose a turf grass that can thrive in your lawn’s light level. For example, if you have full sun, you should choose a sun-loving grass, such as Bermuda grass or Kentucky bluegrass. If you have partial shade, you should choose a shade-tolerant grass, such as St. Augustine grass or fine fescue. If you have full shade, you may need to consider alternative ground covers, such as moss or mulch.
• Your traffic and use: You should choose a turf grass that can withstand your lawn’s intended use and wear. For example, if you have children or pets that play on your lawn frequently, you should choose a traffic-tolerant grass, such as Bermuda grass or perennial ryegrass. If you have a low-use lawn that is mainly for aesthetic purposes, you should choose a low-maintenance grass, such as buffalograss or hard fescue.

Once you have chosen your turf grass, you should follow these general steps to plant and care for it:

• Prepare the site: You should remove any existing vegetation, rocks, debris, and weeds from the area where you want to plant your turf grass. You should also till the soil to a depth of six to eight inches, and rake it smooth and level. You should then apply any amendments, such as lime, fertilizer, or organic matter, according to your soil test results and recommendations.
• Plant the seeds or sod: You should plant your turf grass seeds or sod according to the instructions on the package or label. You should sow the seeds evenly and lightly cover them with soil or mulch. You should lay the sod pieces tightly together and stagger the joints. You should then water the seeds or sod thoroughly and gently tamp them down to ensure good soil contact.
• Water and fertilize: You should water your newly planted turf grass frequently and deeply until it is established. You should then water it less often but more deeply to encourage deep root growth. You should fertilize your turf grass according to its type and needs. Generally speaking, cool-season grasses need more fertilizer in the spring and fall, while warm-season grasses need more fertilizer in the summer.
• Mow and trim: You should mow your turf grass regularly to maintain its optimal height and density. You should not cut more than one-third of the leaf blade at a time, and vary the mowing direction to prevent ruts and compaction. You should also trim the edges of your lawn with a string trimmer or edger to keep it neat and tidy.
• Control weeds, diseases, and pests: You should prevent and control any weeds, diseases, or pests that may affect your turf grass. You can use cultural methods, such as proper watering,