Turf Grasses How do I know which one

Turf Grasses How do I know which one to use? Original by Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office July, 2002

Objectives • Be able to name at least three turf grasses • Describe characteristics of each • Using a scenario, select species and tell why

New Terms • Species – group of organisms with common characteristics, capable of producing fertile offspring · Cultivar -variety of plant within a species with different characteristics, capable of passing on to offspring • Blend -two or more cultivars of the same species

· Mixture -two or more species together · Warm season -grows best when temps are 80 -95 degrees F · Cool season -grows best when temps are 60 -75 degrees F

Buffalo Grass • • Warm season Native to the plains Requires little maintenance Drought resistance Needs open sun Needs well drained soil Does poorly in sand

Kentucky Bluegrass • Cool season • Most widely used turfgrass • Needs open sun, can stand some partial shade • Medium to high maintenance • Fair wear resistance, but good recovery • Good drought tolerance

Tall Fescue • • • Cool season Low maintenance Tolerates low fertility Fair to good in shade Good wear resistance, but slow recovery Course textured

Perennial Ryegrass • • Cool season Fast germination Susceptible to winter kill Medium to high maintenance Wear tolerance is good Tolerates compacted soils Tolerates close mowing

Fine-Leaf Fescue • • • Cool season Excellent shade tolerance Drought tolerant Low maintenance Likes well drained sandy soil Mainly used in mixtures

Rough Bluegrass • • • Cool season Long lived Does well in poorly drained soil High shade tolerance Low heat tolerance Mainly used in mixtures

Smooth Bromegrass • • • Cool season Low maintenance Used for roadsides, slopes, etc. Long lived Drought and heat resistant Does not tolerate close mowing or heavy traffic

Fairway Wheatgrass • • • Cool season Excellent drought resistance Not very heat tolerant Used for low maintenance turf areas Prefers well drained sandy loam to clay soil Fairly rapid establishment

So Now What? • • Temperature zone + Soil type + Use + Desired effect

Equals Turfgrass which fits your lifestyle, adds beauty and value, and is adapted to the environment.