Types of Lawn Grasses in The USA
There are many different types of grass that are native to or commonly grown in various regions of the world, and each type is adapted to specific climate and soil conditions. Some grasses are better suited to cooler climates with moderate temperatures, while others are adapted to warmer, more tropical environments. Some grasses are more drought-tolerant and can survive in dry, barren regions, while others require regular watering and thrive in humid climates. Choosing the right type of grass for your specific location and climate can help to ensure that your lawn or landscape looks healthy and attractive.
Most turfgrasses found in America were introduced from other countries and then modified through selective breeding and cross-breeding to create the grasses we are familiar with today. Buffalo grass is one of the few native turfgrasses that has been adapted for use on a lawn. There are a multitude of grass varieties but there are basically only 2 grass types: Cool Season type grasses and Warm Season type grasses. There is also a narrow band that crosses the country called the Transitional Zone where some grass types for either the Cool Season or Warm Season can be grown, but that doesn't mean all of them will grow in this narrow zone.
Here's a brief overview of the different types of grasses that are commonly used for lawns in the United States;
Cool Season Grasses
Kentucky Bluegrass (Cool Season Grass)
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Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is a perennial, cool-season grass native to Europe and northern Asia. It is commonly grown in the northern United States and is known for its ability to form a dense, attractive lawn with a dark green colour. Kentucky bluegrass is widely used in residential and commercial landscapes, as well as on golf courses and other sports fields. It has the greatest cold hardiness of all the common cool-season grasses, making it well-suited to cooler climates with moderate summers and cold winters. However, traditional varieties of Kentucky bluegrass have relatively shallow roots and may not tolerate heat and drought as well as some other grasses.
Some of the key characteristics of Kentucky bluegrass include:
- Kentucky bluegrass has excellent winter hardiness and is able to tolerate cold temperatures well.
- However, some varieties of Kentucky bluegrass may be susceptible to heat and drought stress, which can limit their use in warmer regions.
- Kentucky bluegrass also has limited shade tolerance and may not perform well in areas with partial or full shade.
- On the other hand, Kentucky bluegrass has excellent capacity for self-repair and is able to recover quickly from damage.
- Some varieties of Kentucky bluegrass may be vulnerable to stress damage and may require additional maintenance to maintain a healthy, attractive lawn.
Fescue (Cool Season Grass)
Fescue grass (Festuca spp.) is a type of cool-season grass that is commonly grown in the transition zone of the United States. It is known for its ability to tolerate shade and drought, and it is often used in lawns, pastures, and on golf courses. There are several different types of fescue grass, including tall fescue, fine fescue, and turf-type fescue.
Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is a popular variety of fescue grass that is known for its ability to tolerate heat and drought, as well as its resistance to wear and tear. It is often used for lawns, as well as on athletic fields and other high-traffic areas.
Fine fescue (Festuca spp.) is a group of grasses that includes species such as creeping red fescue, chewings fescue, and hard fescue. These grasses are known for their fine-textured foliage and ability to tolerate shade and drought. They are often used in lawns and landscaping in cooler, temperate climates.
Turf-type fescue is a newer type of fescue grass that is bred for use in lawns and other landscaping applications. It is known for its fine-textured foliage, disease resistance, and ability to tolerate shade and drought.
Overall, fescue grass is a versatile and low-maintenance choice for lawns and other landscaping applications in a variety of climates and conditions.
GCI TURF- Fescue Grass
Perennial Ryegrass (Cool Season Grass)
Perennial ryegrass is a popular grass in the United States, and it is used in different ways depending on the region. This grass is known for its fast germination rate and ability to quickly establish itself. It is commonly used in permanent lawns in the north and as a temporary grass in the south for winter colour. Whether you live in the north or south, perennial ryegrass may be a good choice for your lawn, depending on your specific needs and goals. It has a fine-textured, dark green foliage and forms a dense, uniform turf.
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Fast germination rate: Perennial ryegrass is known for its ability to germinate quickly, making it a good choice for quick establishment of a lawn or for overseeding existing turf.
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High wear tolerance: Perennial ryegrass is resistant to foot traffic and is often used for sports fields and other high-traffic areas.
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Drought tolerance: Perennial ryegrass has good drought tolerance, but it still requires regular watering to maintain its health and vigour.
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Cold tolerance: Perennial ryegrass is relatively cold tolerant, but it may go dormant during prolonged periods of cold weather.
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Shade tolerance: Perennial ryegrass grows best in full sun, but it can tolerate some shade.
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Fertilisation requirements: Perennial ryegrass requires regular fertilisation to maintain its health and vigour. It is important to follow a fertilisation schedule and use the appropriate type and amount of fertiliser for your grass.
Creeping Bentgrass (Cool Season)
Creeping bentgrass is a type of cool-season grass that is commonly used for lawns, golf courses, and sports fields in the United States. It is known for its fine-textured, dense turf and its ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. Creeping bentgrass grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, and it can be established from seed or sod. It requires regular watering and fertilization to maintain its health and vigor, and it should be mowed regularly to keep it looking neat and tidy. Creeping bentgrass is known to be somewhat sensitive to pests and diseases, such as brown patch and dollar spot, and it may require additional care to prevent these problems. Proper care and maintenance of your creeping bentgrass will help it stay healthy and thrive in your landscape.
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Fine-textured foliage: Creeping bentgrass has thin, delicate blades that give it a fine, uniform appearance.
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Low-growing habit: Creeping bentgrass has a creeping, low-growing habit and forms a dense, compact turf.
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High wear tolerance: Creeping bentgrass is resistant to foot traffic and is often used for golf courses and sports fields.
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Drought tolerance: Creeping bentgrass has good drought tolerance, but it still requires regular watering to maintain its health and vigor.
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Cold tolerance: Creeping bentgrass is somewhat cold tolerant, but it may go dormant during prolonged periods of cold weather.
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Shade tolerance: Creeping bentgrass grows best in full sun, but it can tolerate some shade.
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Fertilisation requirements: Creeping bentgrass requires regular fertilisation to maintain its health and vigor. It is important to follow a fertilisation schedule and use the appropriate type and amount of fertiliser for your grass.
Annual Ryegrass (Cool Season)
Annual ryegrass is well-suited to cool, temperate climates and is often used in areas with mild winters. It grows quickly and can produce a dense, attractive lawn. However, it is not as durable as other grasses and may need to be replaced more frequently.Annual ryegrass is coarser in texture and lighter in color than perennial ryegrass.
In addition to its use as a lawn grass, annual ryegrass is also used as a cover crop to improve soil quality, reduce erosion, and suppress weeds. It is often planted in the fall and then tilled under in the spring to enrich the soil.
Annual ryegrass is relatively easy to grow and maintain. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. It requires regular watering and fertilisation to maintain a healthy appearance.
Characteristics
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Dense, attractive growth: Annual ryegrass produces a dense, attractive turf that is often used for lawns, sports fields, and other recreational areas.
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Rapid establishment: Annual ryegrass is a fast-growing grass that can establish quickly from seed, making it a good choice for areas that need to be covered quickly.
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Tolerance to wear: Annual ryegrass has good tolerance to wear and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it a good choice for recreational areas.
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Erosion control: Annual ryegrass has a strong root system and is effective at preventing erosion on slopes and other areas prone to erosion.
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Easy to maintain: Annual ryegrass is relatively easy to grow and maintain, requiring regular watering and fertilisation to maintain a healthy appearance.
Warm Season Grasses
Zoysia grass (Warm Season Grass)
Zoysia grass is a warm-season grass that is popular for its ability to tolerate heat and drought, as well as for its fine-textured, dense turf. It is commonly used for lawns, golf courses, and sports fields in the United States. Zoysia grass grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, and it can be established from seed, sprigs, or sod. It requires regular watering and fertilisation to maintain its health and vigor, and it should be mowed regularly to keep it looking neat and tidy. Zoysia grass is known to be somewhat resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by chinch bugs and brown patch, among other problems. It is important to properly care for your zoysia grass to ensure that it stays healthy and thrives in your landscape.
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Drought tolerance: Zoysia grass has good drought tolerance and can survive long periods without irrigation.
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Heat tolerance: Zoysia grass is adapted to hot, humid climates and can withstand high temperatures.
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Slow growth rate: Zoysia grass has a slow growth rate, which means it requires less mowing and maintenance than other grasses.
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Good wear tolerance: Zoysia grass is known for its good wear tolerance and can withstand heavy foot traffic.
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Attractive appearance: Zoysia grass has a dense, attractive growth habit and is often used for lawns and other recreational areas.
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Slow to establish: Zoysia grass can be slow to establish from seed and is often established by planting plugs or sod.
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Salt tolerance: Zoysia grass is tolerant of salt, making it a good choice for coastal areas.
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Shade tolerance: Zoysia grass can tolerate partial shade, but it grows best in full sun.
Buffalo grass (Warm Season Grass)
Buffalo grass is a type of warm-season grass that is native to the Great Plains region of the United States. It was given the name “Buffalo Grass” because it grew under the feet of millions of American bison, often referred to as Buffalo.
It is known for its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, including drought, heat, and cold. Buffalo grass is a low-growing grass that forms a dense, fine-textured turf. It is commonly used for lawns, parks, and golf courses in the United States. Buffalo grass grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, and it can be established from seed or sod. It requires minimal watering and fertilisation, making it a low-maintenance grass option for dry, arid climates. Buffalo grass is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by chinch bugs and brown patch, among other problems. Proper care and maintenance of your buffalo grass will help it stay healthy and thrive in your landscape.
Below are a few considerations when choosing Buffalo grass:
- Grass seed and sod is quite expensive compared to most other grass types
- Buffalo grass strongly prefers drier climates.
- Short growing season in the northern ranges.
- Older varieties are less dense with numerous seed heads that are unattractive to some people.
- Buffalo grass is well-known for its low nitrogen requirement.
Bermuda grass (Warm Season Grass)
Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a perennial warm-season grass native to tropical and subtropical countries worldwide. It was already established in the southern United States in 1807 and is widely grown in the region today. Bermuda grass is known for its ability to thrive in hot temperatures, salt and humidity, and it is highly drought-tolerant. It is also resistant to wear and tear, making it a popular choice for lawns, sports fields, and other high-traffic areas. However, it is not well-suited to cold climates and is typically only grown in the southern and transitional regions of the United States. Bermuda grass requires full sun and well-drained soil to grow well, and it has a deep root system that helps it withstand environmental stresses. It requires regular watering, mowing, and fertilisation to maintain a healthy, attractive lawn.
St Augustine Grass (Warm Season Grass)
St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum): This is a warm-season grass that is known for its good shade tolerance and good resistance to pests and diseases. It is often used for lawns in the southern United States. St. Augustine grass has a dense, carpet-like growth habit and forms a thick, attractive turf. It is well-suited to warm, humid climates and is often used for lawns, golf courses, and other recreational areas. St. Augustine grass is relatively easy to grow and maintain. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. It requires regular watering and fertilization to maintain a healthy appearance.
St. Augustine grass is propagated by planting plugs or sod, as it is difficult to establish from seed. It has a moderate growth rate and may take longer to establish than some other grasses. Once established, it is easy to maintain with regular mowing and watering. St. Augustine grass is known for its good resistance to pests and diseases, but it can be prone to certain problems, such as chinch bugs and brown patch disease. Proper cultural practices, such as proper watering and fertilisation, can help prevent these problems.
Centipede Grass (Warm Season Grass)
Centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) is native to Asia and was introduced to the United States in 1916. It is a warm-season grass, meaning it grows most actively during the warm months of spring and summer. Centipede grass is more sensitive to cold temperatures than some other warm-season grasses and may not survive in areas with cold winters. It is well-suited to the sandy, acidic soils of the Southeast United States, where it can thrive in the mild climate and high annual rainfall. Centipede grass has good heat tolerance but is not as drought-tolerant as some other warm-season grasses and may require extra watering during periods of low rainfall. It has a shallow root system and is adapted to a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. It is often used for lawns, golf courses, and other recreational areas. Centipede grass does not go into a state of winter dormancy like some other warm-season grasses, such as Zoysia and Bermudagrass. In mild climates, it may remain green throughout the winter. However, this lack of dormancy makes it more susceptible to damage from cold temperatures. If it is exposed to repeated cold spells, it can suffer damage or even die. Centipede grass does not require dethatching or aeration as often as some other grasses and is not suitable for over-seeding for winter colour, as this can weaken its root system. It has a slow growth rate and spreads through above-ground stems called stolons to form a dense lawn. However, it is not as durable as some other grasses and may not withstand heavy traffic well. It is more shade-tolerant than Bermudagrass, but less tolerant of salt.
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