You can plant Kentucky bluegrass on its own or combine several varieties for a diverse blend. Ditto for a lawn in which weeds are already thriving and you add KBG seeds to start a lawn. Depending on where you grow it and who you ask, KBG is a medium to high maintenance grass. It's not uncommon to find heavily irrigated Kentucky bluegrass growing in the sun-baked lawns of the West and Southwest. So a good time to mow lawns is when the grass is about 3 2/3 inches high. However, it comes with high costs and high maintenance. Finally, follow it all up with some much-needed fertilizer. Like many common U.S. turf grasses, this versatile, widely used grass is native to Europe and northern Asia.1 Its first use in the U.S. came as a pasture grass in states like Kentucky, where it still covers the state's gently rolling hills. It can make a great companion grass if you're thinking of seeding with multiple varieties. turf horse tracks). Ryegrass, for example, germinates in just five to 10 days, and fescue . Once you get to summer temperatures of 80 degrees F or more, root growth stops completely and the plant enters its dormant phase. If irrigation is required, the turf should be watered in small amounts daily instead of once per week in large amounts. #514-1231 Pacific Blvd For example, you will likely have to test your soil and amend it accordingly. Both these varieties can be used to produce a beautiful lawn, but there are some advantages and disadvantages to each. This is also a smart way to crowd out weeds naturally. Examine the grass color. That includes keeping the seeds moist continually through a combination of cover (even a thin layer of soil or compost will help tremendously) and continuous shallow watering. Kentucky bluegrass, for example, works best when mowed to a height of one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half inches. In case you experience a hot or dry summer, this will also help retain moisture. In addition, their robust root system knots the soil together, allowing it to stay strong against flood damage or heavy winds and rains. . Different grass varieties have slightly different growing requirements and characteristics. Always read product labels thoroughly and follow instructions. Aesthetically pleasing and durable, this grass performs beautifully on its own and works well with other cold season grasses, making up for their deficits with its winter-hardiness. The bermuda grass pictured will become dense by establishing many small plants as the runners go out. By following a watering and fertilizer . Poa trivialis dying out in warm weather looks like a fungal disease. The state of Kentucky lays claim to the nickname "Bluegrass State," but Kentucky bluegrass didn't originate there. That may seem high if you are not used to it, but the grass quickly adjusts. Seed at a rate of three pounds per every 1,000 square feet and half that if you're overseeding. Kentucky bluegrass lawns typically require more fertilizer than tall fescue grasses. Avoid treating newly seeded areas until new grass establishes and you mow it at least three times. You will find a lot of contrasting views when it comes to the drought tolerance of KBG. Set your first few mowings at a lower setting with a sharpened blade. KBG has the greatest cold hardiness of all the common cool-season U.S. lawn grasses.2 It's used most extensively in northern climates where moderately warm summers and cold winters align with its natural preferences and growth cycle. Both types of grasses are generally easy to care for and fast-growing. It even does well in extremely cold places. However, even though this species is not native to the United States, it is grown all over the East Coast, and can also be grown in the west with irrigation. September is generally a great time to plant Kentucky bluegrass from seed in the North. So, if you already have a gorgeous green swath of KBG growing outside of your home or intend to work with the widely used grass for your lawn goals, here is everything that you need to know to keep your Kentucky bluegrass lawn looking its best.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'greenthumbplanet_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',141,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Kentucky Bluegrass is one of the most popular and widely used cool-season grasses, not only is it known for its striking deep green color but also its superlative winter-hardiness. Tall Fescue. If you choose Kentucky Bluegrass over Tall Fescue, youll need to care for your lawn as this grass requires mowing, aerating, and watering. Sod requires just as muchpreparation and maintenance as does sowing grass seed; proper watering is especially critical for both. If the grass grows taller than the required height, mow down to the appropriate length over subsequent sessions instead of taking off the entire height at one go. Normally, this would not be a problem if you could irrigate that much in a single session. Mowing "shocks" the grass into thinking it is under attack. Check with your local county extension agentabout typical frost dates for your area if you're unsure. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'greenthumbplanet_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_16',159,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Although 2 inches is the ideal mowing height for Kentucky bluegrass, cultivars such as Touchdown, Ram1 and Flyking can be mowed down to 1 inch. In a study conducted in Utah, KBG lived for an impressive 120 days in drought conditions, easily outperforming other cool-season grasses as well as some warm-season grasses. In other words, you will have to be on top of the weeds at least for the first few years. Bluegrass requires at least 1 inch of water per week (whether from irrigation or rain) in the spring and fall, while in the summer it needs at least 2 inches or more to keep from going dormant. Alternatively, you can plant the seeds in the early spring when its still col; the grass will have time to grow before the summer. Because this is a cool season grass, it requires at least 2 inches (5 cm.) Kentucky bluegrass is often mixed with tall fescue in sun/shade situa-tions and where a mix of heat toler-ance and quick recovery is needed (i.e. These ridges are the beginnings of the new leaves. Also, be sure to remove lawn furniture and debris from your lawn, as well as any spare logs from next to the fire pit. The slow vigor of the KBG seeds and seedlings means that they will be no match to the aggressive weeds. 2. You can encourage Kentucky bluegrass to germinate faster by creating ideal germination conditions. This helps prepare KBG for fast spring repairs. When a swath of KBG is seen from afar, as it flowers, it appears to be covered by a haze of blue and that is how the grass earned its moniker. This slows down to 22 days between appearances as temperatures rise, eventually leading to dormancy in summer. Apply fertiliser in both spring and early autumn (but not in summer when it is under high temperature stress). Winter's arrival and departure shift from year to year, so let your lawn be your guide. Kentucky bluegrass ( Poa pratensis) grows 18 to 24 inches tall and is readily identified by its boat-shaped leaf tip. Historically, this restricted the widespread use of KBG south of the challenging transition zone where higher heat and humidity favor warm-season grasses, such as Zoysia grass. Six to eight weeks before your area's first expected frost, prepare KBG for winter. . Pennington Smart Seed Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed and Fertilizer Mix's fertilizer-enhanced seed coat technology speeds establishment and promotes greener grass. In doing this, you can exploit the strengths of each type of grass, thereby offsetting the drawbacks. It has a deep, green color and excellent texture. This height increases to 3 to 4 inches in summer to help it survive the summer heat. Even if you've successfully weathered the fertilizing and pest control, the mowing and the watering, that your Kentucky bluegrass demands in spring and summer, your work still isn't over. May 23, 2020. By September, the soil has had all summer to warm up to these levels. The shallow root system also means that not just the young seedlings but also mature plants get pulled out easily if you are not careful. If the thatch is thick and matted, you may need to rent a dethatcher. Its one of the most widespread grasses in cool-season climates. Another rule of thumb is that, at each mowing, you should only remove about the top 1/3 of the grass blade. In the fall, gradually reduce the watering to every two weeks. This will increase the germination rates. Taking some time and effort to improve your soil before seeding a bluegrass lawn will reduce water usage and save you money in the future. For regular mowing: To achieve a mowing height of 2 inches, make sure that you take off the length before it reaches 3 inches. In addition to the ones that I have already mentioned above, varieties such as Apollo, Showcase, Unique and Brilliant also exhibit impressive drought resistance. Well-maintained Kentucky bluegrass develops into a thick, lush lawn. Zoysia is pleasant on the eyes and feet. This aggressive growth habit gives KBG the capacity to recuperate quickly from damage. If you have clay or loam soil, water deeply less frequently (4 inches every 14 days, for example). (Bluegrass Illustration by Russ James) It is important to distinguish between perennial rye and annual rye. Begin by aerating your lawn. Once established, it spreads readily via underground stems known as rhizomes to form a dense, thick turf. Premium, water-conserving seed products such as Pennington Smart Seed Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed and Fertilizer Mixcan add to your lawn's resilience. This plant disease appears as white patches on grass blades, significantly diminishing the lawn's visual appeal. It is a popular grass for lawns, parks and even field turf all across the Plain states. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'greenthumbplanet_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_3',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');In fact, even without actually plucking out a blade to examine its physical characteristics, youd still be able to spot KBG by the way it stands out from the lighter green of other grasses. Just like other bentgrasses, it is commonly used in golf courses. What Is Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis)? On the other hand, Tall Fescue isnt able to spread sideways, so you can grow it up against the edge of flower beds and paths without worrying. Fertilize your summer lawn with Pennington UltraGreen Lawn Fertilizer 30-0-4. Will Kentucky bluegrass choke out other grass? Well over 100 Kentucky bluegrass cultivars have been introduced in the market over the last two decades. The rhizome is a stem and not a root. For instance, even when the weather is normal, you would still need twice as much water for KBG as you would for other cool-season grasses. (This makes it easier to spread.) Step 1. "But steps on a brittle lawn can leave an unsightly look.". Tall Fescue does need to be cut regularly, and if its damaged, youll need to overseed patchy areas. Tall Fescue grows in small clumps, and blades of grass grow vertically. Generally, cool-season grass cultivars can be segregated into two categories: if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'greenthumbplanet_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_18',150,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-narrow-sky-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'greenthumbplanet_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_19',150,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-narrow-sky-2-0_1');.narrow-sky-2-multi-150{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:55px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:45px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:600px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}The problem is that you wont find these at the local garden store. KBG requires well-drained soil and consistent moisture for optimal health and beauty (3). What your lawn craves most at this time is nitrogen, and, if you read the label on commercial products such as Scotts Turf Builder, you will see from the NPK ratio that nitrogen is the dominant element. Root systems. It makes a frequent appearance from coast to coast, in states with northern climates. Annual Bluegrass can be distinguished by its brighter and more vivid coloring. Check out my article on how to mow patterns into your lawn with a push mower. So, here is what the mowing requirements look like: Normal weather mowing: A warm-season grass like Bermuda grass will thrive even when mowed to 1 inch. If the leaves are not too thick or wet, mulch the leaves with your mower into dime-sized pieces to recycle the nutrients back into your lawn. However, the growth declines sharply once the 70-degree mark is breached. Kentucky bluegrass spreads via rhizomes to form a uniform sod. Look for a mix that contains about 80% Kentucky Bluegrass, with the remaining 20% (or less) Perennial Ryegrass. When allowed to flower, Kentucky bluegrass has a panicle-like seed head. Chinch bugs prefer spring-fertilized lawns. In contrast, you wont have such a big problem with weeds if you keep the mowing length above 1-1.5 inches. The added iron helps maintain KBG's beautiful emerald color. It grows well from seed, and is a popular choice for sod farms in the North. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is a cool-season lawn grass with many usesit's a fast grower, a good companion for other grasses and seed blends, and it's low maintenance with many built-in resistances to pests and diseases.It has a few downsides, like patchy growth or difficulty handling shade or higher temperatures, but its pluses outweigh its minuses. Go for 3-4 inches to give those fine blades of Kentucky bluegrass better heat and drought tolerance in summer and in low rainfall/dry conditions.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'greenthumbplanet_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_17',158,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-narrow-sky-1-0'); For initial mowing: With young seedlings, wait till the blades reach a height of 2.5 inches to start mowing. In fact, the creeping growth habit is what gives this grass its ability to stage a rapid recovery from damage. Actually, apart from its greater need for water, this grass has pretty standard maintenance requirements. Apply this preemergent before crabgrass starts germinating that happens as soil temperatures hit 55 degrees Fahrenheit. It germinates best between soil temperatures of 50F to 65F, or air temperatures of 60F to 75F. Both Tall fescues and Kentucky Bluegrass should be planted during the cooler seasons. Kentucky bluegrass grows well as a pasture grass on the limestone soils of the region. Once seeds germinate, Kentucky bluegrass will establish quickly. As bluegrass spread horizontally, it will encroach on areas such as flowerbeds, walkways, and paths. The farther north you live, the earlier fall tasks begin. But how would they go about selecting one type of cool-season grass over another? At maturity, Kentucky bluegrass is about 20-24 inches (51-61 cm.) Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Follow along to keep your yard up to date! This means it's best to control Chamberbitter in the early summer before it has begun to seed. Here are facts and control options for annual and rough bluegrass. McKay's Kentucky Bluegrass is an extremely hardy, good-looking lawn with excellent repair capabilities. Now, you know why KBG is called a high maintenance grass. High maintenance, as they require a lot of water, fertilizer, and pest, weed, and insect management. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Bluegrass has pretty low resistance to insects and disease. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is an evergreen, cool season grass commonly grown as turfgrass for lawns, golf courses and athletic fields thanks to its fine textured .

Laurent Solly Parents, River Hills Country Club Membership Cost, Articles W