What Type of Grass Do I Have?

Posted July 12, 2017 by Jacks Small Engines

Wait I thought grass is just grass? There’s a lot more than you might think!

Establishing a healthy lawn takes proper care, but knowing what type of grass you do have can have a profound impact on your approach towards your lawn. Different types of grasses appear all throughout the United States, lets take a look.

Northeast Region

Kentucky bluegrass flourishes throughout the Northeast and the entire northern tier of states. This cool-season, perennial grass delivers finely textured, deep-emerald green blades. Spreads aggressively and has the hardiness needed for cold northern winters.

 

Midwestern U.S.

Ryegrass is abundant in this area, practically flourishes in the Midwestern sun. Valued for versatility, fast germination, and easy establishment Ryegrass forms a lush, deep-green lawn. Resists insects and disease while offering a drought tolerance during the summer.

Sweet Southeast

Bermudagrass is the leading lawn grass in the Southeast and across the U.S. southern tier. Its tolerance for salt, heat, and droughts make it tough during challenging conditions. Bermudagrass turns brown during winter, in which owners in this area overseed with ryegrass for winter color.

Deep South & Gulf Coast

Bahiagrass provides homeowners with low-maintenance, all purpose lawns. Bahiagrass has good disease and pest-resistant qualities, offering outstanding drought and heat tolerance. Centipide grass also occupies this area, it rids away weeds and tolerates nutrient-poor soil. Less mowing and fertilizer needed.

 

Steaming Southwest

Resilient Bermudagrass is widely used in this region, but sufficient watering is essential. This warm season grass can require up to 40% less water compared to other tall fescue lawns. Overseeding with ryegrass during colder months will provide a winter color.

Pacific Northwest

Bluegrasses and tall fescues are preferred in this area. Cool temperatures and humidity create conditions similar to the Northeast, grasses in this area need to be resistant to lawn diseases in which the conditions encourage.

Transition Region

Covering the central tier states from the Atlantic Coast west through Kansas. Different climatic zones of cool, warm, humid, and arid collide in this area. Tall fescue predominately is used in this region, being low-maintenance, heat-tolerant, with a fine medium blade texture. Its deep roots deliver drought protection.

 

Yes all grasses aren’t created equal, but knowing what type of grass you have in your region can help you a long way.