Sow your seed lawn mixture or seed an existing sod lawn to make it more suitable for the site conditions. In this grass image: Zoysia japonica ‘Compadre’. They are chewings fescue, hard fescue and creeping red fescue. It is named Kentucky grass because it was a popular perennial lawn and pasture grass in the state. Pick the species of grass seed that matches your climate and your yard’s sun exposure. Most lawns are a mixture of different grass types. Different Types of Grass Until you own your own home and have to grow your own lawn, you probably aren’t aware of just how many different types of grass there are. Some grow above-ground stems, below-ground stems or both. Growing in sunny locations, this fast-growing lawn grass quickly forms a dense mat of green. Tall fescue grass is a cool-season perennial lawn grass that grows in a wide range of conditions. In some lawns, patches of tall fescue may stick out and appear as a grassy weed. The turf-type fescue family has several members such as fine fescue, Chewings fescue, creeping red fescue, hard fescue and tall fescue grasses (including Kentucky 31 tall fescue). The result is a dense turfgrass that resists a lot of foot traffic. It can also be found in the North, but will turn brown once the weather turns cold. Color/Texture: Prickly, stiff, carpet-like, Popularity: Mid U.S., East to the Carolinas. My Lawn App by Scotts helps simplify your lawn care. Bahiagrass is a lawn grass grown in warm areas and is low maintenance type of grass. Grasses are classified into two types: cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses. Another identifying feature of perennial lawn grass is that it grows in clumps or bunches. Centipede grass spreads above the ground through stolons and forms a dense turf. There are a multitude of grass varieties, brands but there are basically only 2 grass types: Cool Season type grasses and Warm Season type grasses. Zoysia grass (zones 5-10)—A popular type of warm-season lawn grass with good cold tolerance. However, it does not grow well in deep shade. Bahiagrass is a low-growing grass that spreads via creeping stolons. Different Types of Lawn Grasses The key to having a lush, green lawn is in choosing the right type of lawn grass for your unique climate and lifestyle. This slow-growing, low-maintenance grass grows well in sandy coastal regions such as the Texas Gulf Coast. Because tall fescue grass tolerates heat, cold, drought, and shade, it is suitable for most yards. The difference between tall fescue grass and fine fescue is the type of blades. These quick projects can make the difference between so-so and spectacular when it comes to fall grass — and next spring's lawn. There are about a dozen different grasses, and most lawns contain a mixture of them. Bahiagrass—also called common Bahia—is a warm-season perennial grass that grows in subtropical climates. Usually, though, lawns fall into one of these two types: It’s important to know your grass type so you can take the best possible care of your lawn. The leaves spread opposite of each other along creeping stems. Bentgrass (zones 4-6)—This is a finely-textured type cold season grass that is popular for lush lawns and golf courses. The grass blades have a fine texture and deep green color. Each grass type is suited primarily for one or the other seasons. Compared to other species of grasses such as tall fescue, KBG is a slow-growing grass. You need to plant Bermuda grass in areas with bright light and little shade. Grass blades are hairless and measure up to 0.23” (6 mm) wide. Even in low moisture areas or in drought, the turfgrass retains its blue-green color. If you need to improve the look of your garden landscape and lawn, grass identification is essential to reseed the sod with a similar type of grass. Generally, the hardiest grasses for cold climates stay green even through harsh winters. Bent  |  Bermuda  |  Dichondra  |  Fine Fescue  |  Kentucky Bluegrass  | Ryegrass  |  St. Augustine/Floratam  |  Tall Fescue  |  Zoysia  | Centipede | Bluegrass/Rye/Fescue. The hardiness of this sod grass comes from the fact it has a large root system—deeper than any of the other cold season grasses on this list. In southern states, ryegrass is the seed of choice to grow together with Bermuda grass for all year long, lush lawns. Examples of warm-season grasses include centipede grass, bahiagrass, and Bermuda grass. It is not at all tolerant of cold temperatures, and requires plenty of moisture for survival. The turfgrass is drought-resistant and also holds up well under foot traffic. Occasionally, it will be found in areas of California. Color/Texture: Dark green, coarse, spongy. Ryegrass is easy to spot in a lawn due to its shine. It is resistant to deer and wet conditions and it has shiny yellow blades and fine green edges that elegantly reach towards the ground. So, this is often the species of grass used in tennis courts and golf course greens. When mowed, Ryegrass’ health depends on the sharpness of the blade used on the mower. It’s also the best time to seed and feed your lawn. It spreads by both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), which helps it to form a thick, dense turf. There are about a dozen different grasses, and most lawns contain a mixture of them. When grown as a lawn grass, buffalo grass cultivars form a fine turf. Different grass types have different advantages. Warm-season grasses are characterized by being drought- and heat-resistant and they grow well in full sun. In some cases, like dichondra, your lawns may not be a grass at all. Bentgrass can be found on most golf courses in the Northern U.S. Typically a cool-season type, tall fescue can also be found in hotter regions due to its ability to tolerate heat. In fact, Bermuda Grass grows solely in full sun, and becomes a very tough-type of grass. Fine fescue is actually a grouping of various fescue species of grasses such as chewings fescue, hard fescue, red fescue, and sheep fescue. Different types of grass are suitable for various climates—warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses. It also needs frequent watering - almost daily. Scroll through these types of lawns to find yours. Compared to other types of grasses for warm regions such as Zoysia grass or centipede grass, this grass variety is hardier than other types of grass for heat and drought. In North America, fescue is one of the most widespread pasture grasses for high-quality animal feed. The unique feature of fescue grasses that makes them so hardy is their clumping growth nature. Features of common types of warm-season grasses: Bermuda grass (zones 7-10)—This type of grass has tiny hairs on the blades of fine-textured, hardy grass. Similar to most warm-season grasses such as Bermuda and Zoysia grasses, this grass type is only green during the growing season. It is deer- and drought-resistant and tolerates almost any soil type. This makes it a wise choice for homeowners seeking to fill bare patches in their yards. Its maintenance requirements (fertilizing, watering, mowing) are high. Buffalo is a hardy grass that grows well in the sun and shade, whereas LM Berea is well suited for shady areas. The ideal temperature range for cold season grasses is between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 26°C). Centipede grass forms thick sod that thrives in warm temperatures with very little maintenance. If you are looking for a good type of grass for a beautiful lawn, then fine fescue is a great choice. What grass type is in my lawn? During the growing season, you’ll need to mow the lawn frequently. Although the grass may be greener on your side of the fence (if not, here’s help with that), turfgrasses are not all alike. Ryegrass can tolerate heavy foot traffic, but does not tolerate extreme cold or drought conditions. The broad blades measure between 0.16” and 0.4” (4 – 10mm) wide. Bahiagrass (zones 9, 10)—Medium to broad blades with pointed tips help identify this lawn grass. Being a low-maintenance lawn grass, it is the choice of sod for many homeowners. The best type of climate for perennial ryegrass is one with mild summers and cold winters. This versatile lawn grass creates a beautiful turfgrass in warm regions and also the transition zone. The most common types of cool-season grasses are Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescue, and tall fescue. Mainly found in California and Arizona, dichondra is often used for home lawns since it can be mowed like grass, and it forms a pleasing, dense turf. It has a deep, green color and excellent texture. High rainfall tends to cause weeds to sprout quickly. Because it grows horizontally, it requires less mowing and is easy to edge around garden beds and sidewalks. Also, the turf doesn’t grow well if there is heavy foot traffic, or it’s planted in shaded areas. Thanks to its thick growth, it forms a dense mat of lush turfgrass. that do best with extreme temperature fluctuations, such as those found in the North, Northeast, and Pacific Northwest. Due to its tolerance for some heat, this Kentucky bluegrass is also an excellent lawn grass for growing in the transition zone. The truth is that, to the untrained eye, most green lawns all look alike. Buffalo grass is a popular type of sod in warm areas and identified by its short blades. Grasses suitable for cold regions are species of grass that grow exceptionally well in colder northern states. To help keep a lawn looking lush and green throughout the year, you could plant it with cool-season ryegrass. Another way to identify this warm grass type is by the blade shape that tapers to rounded tips. The short blades of grass also mean that this type of grass is easy to care for in hot climates. St. Augustine grass (zones 8-10)—This heat-tolerant grass has blades of a bluish-green color and coarse texture. Also, it leaves a "whitish" cast when mowed. The thin grass blades grow well in full sun and are also tolerant of medium shade. The best climate to plant buffalo grass in a yard is in high sun, low rainfall areas. It is very slow-growing—it can take more than a year to establish a lawn of zoysia grass. It’s one of the most versatile types of lawn grasses to grow in your yard. Bermuda grass makes for a nice home lawn because it can tolerate a very low mowing height, which is also a reason it is widely used on golf courses in the South. Perennial ryegrass (zones 3-6)—Look for thin shiny green leaves on this low-maintenance lawn grass. The costs to maintain a home lawn of bentgrass can be very costly due to the fungicides, insecticides, fertilizer, and expensive mowing equipment it requires. Bermuda grass is a fast-growing type of grass. Find yours. The survival of these grasses depends on how they can tolerate winters’ harsh conditions and hot summers. Regular mowing and watering will help to keep the grass healthy. Soft-Leaf Buffalo have a broader leaf blade, are highly durable, easy to maintain and new varieties are soft to touch in comparison to older scratchy varieties. Features of common types of cold season grasses: Fescue grass (zones 4-7)—Types of fescue grass that grow in cold regions include tall fescue, fine fescue, creeping fescue, and hard fescue. To get the best-looking lawn in your neighborhood, you have to pick the best type of lawn grass. All three of these grasses are tolerant of extreme cold. Some homeowners lay straw or hay on top of new seeds to keep them in place, but you can also try coconut fiber, which holds moisture in place to nourish seeds. Whether you are just starting out, maintaining or troubleshooting, you'll find advice and answers here for all your lawn care needs. The different types of lawn that belong to the cool season are the following: the Bluegrass, the Bentgrass, the Creeping fescue, the Annual ryegrass and the … Kentucky bluegrass is common sod grass in colder and transitional areas. One of the best examples of different grass types can be found on a golf course or playing field. However, this grass may be more difficult to mow. Even when mowed very low, it forms a dense turf with a very fine-textured feel. Like the name implies, they are very fine textured with needle-like blades. However, St. Augustine grass is more durable than bahiagrass. You'll often find the seeds of these grass types mixed together for different needs and uses, such as high traffic, sunny, or dense shade conditions. Ryegrass is particularly versatile when it comes to types of grass because it can survive in almost any climate and is one of the only grass types that is recommended in all USDA zones. Buy It: Dwarf Pampas Grass, ($18, Greenwood Nursery) If you live near coastal areas, it is better to plant St. Augustine or Bermuda grass because those grass species are more resistant to salt. Using seed species ensures you get better establishment and a healthier looking lawn. Centipede grass is a low maintenance type of grass that grown well in warm zones. It grows in bunches, and is therefore not used very often in seed mixes. The majority of Northern lawns are a combination of Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and fescues. Poaceae (/ p oʊ ˈ eɪ s i aɪ /) or Gramineae is a large and nearly ubiquitous family of monocotyledonous flowering plants known as grasses.It includes the cereal grasses, bamboos and the grasses of natural grassland and species cultivated in lawns and pasture. Warm-season grasses species are suited to Southern states in the US. However, due to its short growth, Buffalo grass tends to get weeds such as crabgrass and broadleaf weeds. This cold season grass grows into lush, green dense turf with durable qualities. The sod also grows in a wide range of soil types, making it suitable for warm-season lawn grass in many tropical areas. How do I identify the different grass varieties? There are two main types of grass: cool season grass and warm season grass. Blade: Pointed, visible veins, 3/16” wide. It requires a constant supply of fertilizer, and is often attacked by insects and diseases. Looking up close at the leaves, you’ll notice that they curl at the tips. Read on to find out the botanical names of grasses, see pictures, and read descriptions of the most popular types of grass. Some turfgrasses are drought-tolerant grasses, while other types of grasses may be salt-tolerant or resistant to pests and weeds. St. Augustine grass is a popular dense turfgrass in Florida and hot coastal regions because of its lush appearance. However, it requires less fertilizer than other warm-season types. The grass grows thick and green and keeps its color for most of the year. These hardy grasses have broad blades and grow well in the sun or shade. You may need a grass that resists drought. This picture shows the tufted nature of sheep fescue grass, which is a species of fine fescue grass. It is primarily found in cool-season areas of the North, but may not survive as far north as Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Canada. Blades are flat and gently taper to a point. This resilient grass type needs to grow in soil with good drainage. Individual types of grass have different growing needs. When cutting Ryegrass with a sharp blade, a white color is left on top of each blade of grass. The fine texture of this luscious lawn grass means it’s suitable for turf where sports are played. There are about a dozen different grasses, and most lawns contain a mixture of them. There are around 12,000 different types of grass in the botanical family Poaceae. Looking at images of the grass blades, you will notice fine ribs running the length of them. Name: Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil. Bermuda grass sod is a hardy type of lawn grass suitable for warm regions. Growth: Grows low, almost horizontal to the ground, Water: Less than average; will go dormant quickly during a drought. Excellent for sod or turfgrass in areas with sandy, acidic soils. 26 Different Types of Ornamental Grass with Pictures and Basic Care Information Whether you have a large yard, a small patch of land to call a garden, or just a balcony to hang some container plants, you can find more than one ornamental grass variety to suit your needs. You can also tell species of grass apart by their growth habit as some grass types grow in clumps. Perennial ryegrass is a cool season grass that will withstand some colder temperatures more than the grass types that have been mentioned above. Centipede grass is a medium to light green color. A consistently popular grass with a number of popular sub-types (Queensland Blue, Santa Ana etc. This grass is ideal for growing in many different types of climates. The Best Plants for Hedges: 23 Types of Hedges (With Pictures), Types of Mondo Grass: Dwarf, Black, Green - With Care Guide and Pictures, Types of Ginger Root and Ornamental Ginger Plants (Including Pictures), Types of Yucca Plants (With Pictures) - Identification Guide, Different Types of Lawn Grass: Identification Guide to Many Types of Sod (With Pictures), Great Mulch Alternatives (Also Cheap or Free). In fact, you may only need to mow your lawn once a month and just water occasionally. Cool season grasses grow well in cooler temperatures, and usually the ideal temperature is between … Bermuda Grass is drought resistant, which makes it a perfect type of grass for those long Texas summers. And hot coastal regions such as the easiest type of blades the examples. Is found throughout the summer hot summers yellow blades and will produce numerous heads! Are suitable for various climates—warm-season grasses and stay green year-round in temperate climates Texas, and a... 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