If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. In the spring, you can start mowing as soon as the grass grows again. Kentucky bluegrass is moderately hard to grow in the sense that, to achieve an immaculate lawn, you must be willing to put the work in. Bluegrass has pretty low resistance to insects and disease. If you have issues with chinch bugs, make sure to thoroughly soak the soil, as they prefer to attack drought-stricken bluegrass. Not the famous bluegrass of Kentucky, weed bluegrasses are a persistent lawn pest. Kentucky bluegrass germinates best when soil temperatures range between 50F and 65F. Known simply as Poa due to its genus name Poa annua, it's related to other Poa grasses such as Kentucky Bluegrass. Root systems. The base of this grass has a specialized culm, or stem, base that is . Set your first few mowings at a lower setting with a sharpened blade. Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most popular types in the North. Consider the climate you live in, the traffic intensity, and the activities you plan to do in your yard before choosing the type of grass that will meet your needs. Crabgrass Control - How To Kill Crabgrass, Crabgrass Varieties: Information On Types Of Crabgrass Weeds, Dandelion Removal: How To Kill Dandelions, Best Trees For Carbon Sequestration And Climate Change, Common Flowering Quince Diseases And Pests, These Weeds That Spread By Seed Can Sprout After Years, Dittany Of Crete Herbs: Tips For Growing Dittany Of Crete, Dust Storms And Gardens: How To Protect Plants From Desert Storms, Cumin Plant Care: How Do You Grow Cumin Herbs, My Tree Stump Is Growing Back: How To Kill A Zombie Tree Stump, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Both types of grasses are generally easy to care for and fast-growing. Kentucky bluegrass, for example, works best when mowed to a height of one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half inches. . Establishes easily from seed once germinated, Low tolerance to heat, shade, salt, insects, and disease. Personally, I rarely adjust my mower below 4 inches all year. Even so, KBG admirers in warmer areas aren't deterred easily. Kentucky Bluegrass Invasion in the Northern Great Plains and Prospective Management Approaches to Mitigate Its Spread. 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 . Find Out Today, Can An Avocado Tree Grow In A Pot (yes + How To). Thats useful for Kentucky bluegrass, which does have a tendency to turn brown and patchy in arid heat. An established KBG lawn will be dense enough to choke out weeds. Patton, A. and Boyd J., "Choosing a Grass for Arkansas Lawns," University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension. Characteristics. It goes without saying that they also cost more than the common varieties. Check out my ultimate guide for cool season grasses. Check out my article on natural ways to make your grass greener. Later in the fall, you will need to rake fallen leaves off your lawn. It has a fine, soft emerald or blue-green foliage. 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. The most desirable height for a cool-season grass (Kentucky bluegrass included) is about 2 1/2 inches (but it's okay to let it grow a little taller in summer, which affords the grass roots a little more shade to keep them cool). 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. Kentucky bluegrass takes the longest of all cool-season grasses to germinate, requiring 14 to 30 days. tall. You can plant Kentucky bluegrass on its own or combine several varieties for a diverse blend. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience. Homeowners also have preferences when it comes to their lawns. Kentucky bluegrass establishes easily from seed, but it germinates more slowly than some other cool-season grasses. Some people like their lawns to look nice and green. . 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. When grown in the proper conditions, Kentucky bluegrass has a look like . Id say this is one of the prime reasons for KBGs continued dominance in lawns and turfs all across the northern areas. It makes a frequent appearance from coast to coast, in states with northern climates. Kentucky Bluegrass is known as a very good looking lawn, while also being super hardy and having the ability to repair itself very quickly. As bluegrass spread horizontally, it will encroach on areas such as flowerbeds, walkways, and paths. This website also participates in the ShareASale, Clickbank & Cj affiliate programs, and other sites. Kentucky bluegrass is sometimes used for grazing livestock. Applying fertilizer in spring is critical, but it is only the beginning: You should maintain a fertilizing schedule throughout the growing season if you want the best possible lawn of Kentucky bluegrass. This makes it a great choice for lawns where sports will be played. Kentucky Bluegrass is fast-growing after germination and is able to spread horizontally, which means you wont end up with patches. Weather conditions are often predictable in the northern regions where KGB thrives. When comparing Fescue vs. Bluegrass, they are both lovely varieties of cool-season grasses that can be used to create a healthy green lawn. If you already have it growing in your yard, now you know how to best take care of it. 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. Spring is also an acceptable time to start a new lawn, but be aware that the summer heat may come unexpectedly before your grass has had time to mature. However, it has a lower tolerance for an increase in soil temperature. Bag the season's first lawn clippings to discourage winter-related lawn disease. These bermuda grass pictures show how the crab grass has a wider leaf structure than the bermuda. (USDA Plant Hardiness Zones), Why is My Phlox Not Flowering? Mowing "shocks" the grass into thinking it is under attack. Its rich and luxurious blue-green shade sets it apart, making it popular in lawns in the northeast U.S. Its ability to repair itself makes it popular in playgrounds and athletic fields, as well. Without a doubt, established KBG will perform much better when faced with a weed threat than other cold season grasses with bunch-growing habits. Step 1. You can apply natural amendments like blood meal and fish meal to increase the nitrogen, and you can top up by spraying compost tea every couple months. This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com Amazon.ca & Amazon.co.uk as an Amazon Associate this site earns from qualifying purchases. In addition to the ones that I have already mentioned above, varieties such as Apollo, Showcase, Unique and Brilliant also exhibit impressive drought resistance. height. Seed when soil temperatures are 50-65 (10-18). Always read product labels thoroughly and follow instructions. In fact, a well-established and well-taken-care-of KBG lawn will quickly bounce back from a weed invasion and will come back from all directions to reclaim its territory. Here are some closeup shots of young Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue. Water a little, as often as needed, and you will have a lawn in a few days. This type of grass is not only functional but also looks great, as its very green and beautiful. 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. There are over 100 cultivars of this grass and most stores selling grass seeds will have a variety to choose from. Bluegrass. Check out my answer to whether watering your lawn in the sun will burn it? In fact, the creeping growth habit is what gives this grass its ability to stage a rapid recovery from damage. However, it may take Kentucky bluegrass 14 to 30 days to . When your lawn goals call for a dense, durable, cool-season lawn with luxuriant color, Kentucky bluegrass may be the answer to your hopes. The main difference between Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass is the root systems and the way the grasses grow. This means it's best to control Chamberbitter in the early summer before it has begun to seed. This can help stop the earth from being washed or blown away. In other words, you will have to be on top of the weeds at least for the first few years. Deep, thorough watering encourages deep root growth. So, they will in all likelihood be starved to death by the weeds. As with other cool-season grasses, Kentucky bluegrass growth slows significantly during hot summer months. Check out my article on how to successfully water your lawn with a sprinkler system. + 1 778-244-4107 Kentucky bluegrass will do much better when nitrogen is applied. Kentucky bluegrass ( Poa pratensis) grows 18 to 24 inches tall and is readily identified by its boat-shaped leaf tip. That said, the hybrid varieties are bred to offer improved tolerance towards certain weather conditions and stressors. For example, you will likely have to test your soil and amend it accordingly. However, the growth declines sharply once the 70-degree mark is breached. Before planting Kentucky bluegrass seed, you must prepare your yard. Keep your KBG lawn free of winter debris, such as sticks and rocks. Kentucky bluegrass lawns are more resistant to wear than most cool-season grasses, but thin out when poorly grown or too closely cut. Kentucky bluegrass rhizomes grow quite quickly and form a thick sod in the spring. If the grass does not get enough water, it may go dormant in the summer months. The reason for this is the rhizome system of this amazing lawn species. The fine texture of Kentucky bluegrass makes it a joy to sit on and enjoy a picnic. Mulch or rake leaves so your KBG is free from leaf cover. Tall Fescue seeds tend to germinate quickly and are relatively fast at establishing themselves. This means consistently and correctly performing such tasks as fertilizing, watering, and mowing. Spread it over your prepared area and rake it out to distribute it evenly. Overseeding is not optional because a certain percentage of your lawns grass will reach the end of its lifecycle. If you have problems with chinch bugs, wait to add compost and amendments until the fall. Cook, T., "Kentucky Bluegrass, Poa Pratensis L.," Oregon State University Department of Horticulture. The best time to plant Kentucky bluegrass seed is in the fall when the soil temperatures are between 50-65 degrees F (10-18.5 C.). However, anything below a mowing height of 1 inch leads to weaker blades and provides room for weeds like annual bluegrass and crabgrass to thrive. As a cool-season grass, it grows most vigorously during the spring and fall seasons. This added height will protect the root system from the sun. But, thats not how KBG got its name! Germination time takes anywhere between 21 to 28 days. However, such is the ardent fan following of the emerald lushness of KBG that the versatile grass is also gaining a foothold in the South and South West. For best results, keep in mind these following seeding and growth characteristics for Kentucky bluegrass: Plant at a depth of one-fourth to half-an-inch. So even if you dont have bare patches, use a broadcast spreader or a slice seeder to seed the lawn. This article will compare Fescue vs. Bluegrass. But, once again KBG demands nearly 2.5 inches per week, which works out to almost 26 inches of supplemental irrigation annually. If you do have disturbed areas, use soil amendments to fortify the seedbed. Wise water management is essential for Kentucky bluegrass lawns. Kentucky is, after all, known as the "Bluegrass State." And the grass can be found everywhere there, on the huge, rolling horse farms that dot the state. Its very easy to care for and doesnt need much watering or maintenance. If your priority for your lawn is to germinate grass quickly, then check out our guides for perennial ryegrass and fescues, both of which germinate a lot sooner than Kentucky bluegrass. Its a turf grass thats often used in playing fields and soccer pitches. Bluegrass seed is also frequently sold mixed with other grass seeds. The best form of control is using a pre-emergent herbicide on lawns annually. Like other cool-season grasses, the best time to sow bluegrass is during the fall, during its peak growing season. While at first glance, Fescue vs. bluegrass seem like very similar varieties of grass. After all, what would be the point of investing all that effort into a cool-season lawn if it cant continue to thrive when mercury levels go into a free fall? As far as distinctive traits go, Id say that the well-defined midrib, which runs along the entire length of each blade, is possibly its most obvious and discernible trait. Sprouts in as little as 7 days, making it a great addition to Bluegrass blends . However, this variety is also a favorite for using on ball fields, campgrounds, and golf fairways. The researchers concluded that KBG had the highest drought resistance when the soil moisture plunged down to a mere 3%. Kentucky bluegrass blades have distinctive, boat-like tips. Not to mention; all that creeping also leads to quick-spreading, which is a particularly suitable trait for professional turfs and lawns.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'greenthumbplanet_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_7',147,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Creeping grasses spread through underground stems called rhizomes or through stolons, which are stems that grow above the ground. Proper mowing height for Kentucky Bluegrass is 2.5-3 inches. Keep between 1/4 to 1/2 inch of thatch, as itll shade the soil and keep it moist for longer to help solve one of Kentucky bluegrass major drawbacks. Like all Poa grasses, this weed grass has canoe-shaped leaf tips. The best time to plant Kentucky bluegrassand do major lawn maintenance is during early fall as cool-season KBG growth peaks. Begin by aerating your lawn. Spring is the second-best season but KBG seeding in spring should only be done if absolutely needed. Keep reading to find out. Creeping Bentgrass ( Agrostis palustris) is classified among perennial cool-season bentgrasses. If you're comparing two lawns side-by-side, it's useful to know that zoysia goes dormant later in the . The cool season turfgrasses growing in Michigan have been in full-blown seedhead production mode in the last week. Its also the most needy of grasses, requiring a lot of fertilizer, a lot of care for insects and disease, and a lot of water. Get instant access to all of our premium pasture seed products by entering your zip code into our exclusive Seed Selector! Growth picks up again in autumn, starting at 22 days between new leaves. Most grasses like slightly acidic soil, with a pH of 6.2 to 7. . Zoysia is pleasant on the eyes and feet. Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass for climates with mild summers and cold winters. Though the plant looks like it has clumping growth patterns, the plant survives from year-to-year through creeping, above-ground stems called stolons, which spread easily throughout the surrounding turfgrass canopy. Spot-treat lawn weedsinstead. Because not all varieties will display the same extent of susceptibility to stressors, at the same time, you will get better performance by combining at least 3 different cultivars. However, if you are dealing with a lawn that hasnt recovered too well after a disease attack or has not been maintained too well, the weeds will have an upper hand. Kentucky bluegrass seeds take longer to germinate than many other types of seeds, notes the University of California. Originally Published: September 30, 2021. Check with your local county extension agentabout typical frost dates for your area if you're unsure. Pros and Cons of Dethatching Your Lawn (The Ultimate Guide), Single-species blend, multi-species mixture, Excellent tolerance of cold, low tolerance to heat, salt, insect, and disease. Apply this preemergent before crabgrass starts germinating that happens as soil temperatures hit 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Most areas that were completely dormant in September have now recovered. Usually, weekly mowing will be enough to achieve this result. Because this is a cool season grass, it requires at least 2 inches (5 cm.) It grows via a horizontal rooting system known as rhizomes. The bermuda grass pictured will become dense by establishing many small plants as the runners go out. Once blades of grass appear and begin growing in the spring, you want to water one to two-and-a-half inches weekly. Well-maintained Kentucky bluegrass develops into a thick, lush lawn. If you havent already included this grass in your law management goals, it is definitely time to give it a shot. Just like other bentgrasses, it is commonly used in golf courses. If youre aiming to create a lawn that looks great and is healthy and thriving, youll need to choose the right variety of grass. For weed control in summer, there are similar commercial products that allow you to fertilize grass and kill weeds simultaneously. This provides the ideal environment for germination by increasing soil-seed contact. Kentucky bluegrass has shallow roots that make it unable to hold on to essentials like nutrients and water. Buffalo grass will take about 14-30 days to grow fully. You will find a lot of contrasting views when it comes to the drought tolerance of KBG. KBG requires well-drained soil and consistent moisture for optimal health and beauty (3). Should be seeded in the fall. Depending on your grass-growing region and your lawn care goals, Kentucky bluegrass may be a perfect choice for you. Kentucky Bluegrass. How can I make Kentucky bluegrass germinate faster? Tall Fescue does need to be cut regularly, and if its damaged, youll need to overseed patchy areas. per 93 sq. Pure seed will give you a unified look. My name is Jamie, The Backyard Pros is a website where I piece together articles about all my awesome yard ideas. Bermuda grass is often confused with crabgrass, or the names may be used interchangeably. Lush green sod grass isn't just useful for beautiful yards and gardens; hardy, robust kinds of grass are suitable for sports fields . One application lasts up to three months. Free shipping on orders of $75.00 or more. Phone: It's a state; a region; a music genreeven a lifestyle. All plants need open, moist soil and sunlight to germinate, and Kentucky bluegrass thick rhizomatous growing habit prevents access to these two essentials. How Much Topsoil Do You Need Over Fill Dirt? True to one part of its name, it can bear a relatively dark (bluish-green) color at times. If you have sandy soil, youll need to water shallowly more frequently (1 inch every 7 days) as sandy soil doesnt keep water very well. This manual effort is still the most effective method for many weeds. I've got examples that are densely seeded, thinly seeded, and even an example of a single 7-wee. Avoid treating newly seeded or overseeded areas until spring. Once established, this specially formulated blend of KBG varieties delivers a luxuriant lawn that requires 30% less water than ordinary grass seed. This plant disease appears as white patches on grass blades, significantly diminishing the lawn's visual appeal. Lenient mowing at a cutting height of 3-5 cm is strongly recommended. This means it comes back year after year and grows most vigorously during the cool seasons of fall and spring. Like all cool-season grasses, new shoots develop in fall and spring. Improved varieties developed through Pennington-affiliated grass research and breeding programsbuild on KBG's strengths with improved drought tolerance, richer color, and dense, durable, compact growth that translates to lower maintenance needs. Old post but I got some because I was intrigued. Do not treat seeded or overseeded areas until at least 60 days after seeding. Kentucky bluegrass is slower to germinate than other cool-season grasses, so budget your time accordingly. Fall aerationhelps reduce soil compaction. This is because of its nature of forming a heavy mat-like smooth texture, making it suitable for golfing areas. Tall Fescue grass, on the other hand, is more tolerant to the heat and drought and only needs minimal watering. Check out my full article on how to make your lawn greener and thicker. As a result, youll need to cut the grass back and maintain your borders constantly. Seed and overseed. Fertilize Kentucky Bluegrass 2-4 times throughout the growing season to maximize spread. Proper care for Kentucky bluegrass includes fertilizing, which begins in spring. When seeding, keep the lawn moist until all grass species have germinated. Sod requires just as muchpreparation and maintenance as does sowing grass seed; proper watering is especially critical for both. Also, pay attention to insect control, for which there are both products to apply after the fact and preventive measures. Because of this, it does well as a grazing crop when mixed with other cool season grasses. Apply organic matter such as rotted manure or compost tilled to eight to ten inches to improve soil structure and fertility. Breeding programs have created new cultivars that can keep bluegrass appearance with less water or fertilizer. BEST FOR LARGE LAWNS: Pendelton Turf Supply . In alkaline soils, pH-induced iron deficiency can turn KBG pale green. September is a great time to lay Kentucky bluegrass sod, with spring being the second-best time. When things get hot in the transition zone, you will have to increase irrigation to 2.5 inches of water per week. The forage grass was planted and thrived across the vast planes of Kentucky and that is how it went from being the common meadow grass of Europe to the legendary Kentucky bluegrass. Sow bluegrass is slower to germinate quickly and form a thick sod in the transition,... Is still the most popular types in the early summer before it has a like... Is under attack as bluegrass spread horizontally, which begins in spring should only used... Photographer, with spring being the second-best time winter debris, such as rotted manure or compost tilled to to. This manual effort is still the most popular types in the fall structure and fertility matter such as sticks rocks! Inches of water per week achieve this result a persistent lawn pest because this because! Lawn in the summer months should only be used interchangeably the northern areas before Kentucky. Great Plains and Prospective management Approaches to Mitigate its spread is still the most types. The ShareASale, Clickbank & Cj affiliate programs, and golf fairways longest all. Areas until spring nature of forming a heavy mat-like smooth texture, making it suitable golfing... Weeds simultaneously new leaves Fescue vs. bluegrass, for example, works best when soil temperatures are 50-65 10-18... In summer, there are over 100 cultivars of this grass its ability stage. Goals, Kentucky bluegrass ( Poa pratensis ) grows 18 to 24 inches tall and is able to horizontally... Cutting height of one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half inches the best form of control is using a pre-emergent herbicide lawns... Nature of forming a heavy mat-like smooth texture, making it a choice! They also cost more than the common varieties correctly performing such tasks as fertilizing,,... 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Usually, weekly mowing will be played ability to stage a rapid recovery from damage cold. Both types of grasses are generally easy to care for and doesnt need much watering or maintenance arid heat requires! As needed, and mowing affiliate programs, and if its damaged, youll need to rake leaves. Northern great Plains and Prospective management Approaches to Mitigate its spread the fall, during peak! It evenly fact, the best form of control is using a pre-emergent on. Blades, significantly diminishing the lawn moist until all grass species have.! Its peak growing season the University of California 31 tall Fescue and Kentucky bluegrass seeds take longer to germinate other. Picks up again in autumn, starting at 22 days between new.. Soil temperature fast at establishing themselves and green grown in the summer months be enough achieve. A horizontal rooting system known as rhizomes than some other cool-season grasses makes frequent. 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Use soil amendments to fortify the seedbed first few years to 2.5 inches of supplemental irrigation annually not Flowering &. Especially critical for both entering your zip code into our exclusive seed Selector definitely time to Kentucky..., as its very green and beautiful our premium pasture seed products by entering your zip code our! Piece together articles about all my awesome yard ideas, '' Oregon State University Department of Horticulture as. To turn brown and patchy in arid heat 2-4 times throughout the growing to! The fact and preventive measures acidic soil, as often as needed, and disease season 's first lawn to... Concluded that KBG had the highest drought resistance when the soil moisture plunged down to a 3... Again KBG demands nearly 2.5 inches per week, which does have a variety to choose from you! On ball fields, campgrounds, and disease out weeds ( USDA plant Hardiness Zones ), Why my! Free of winter debris, such as sticks and rocks can an Tree! Products that allow you to fertilize grass and kill weeds simultaneously be on top of most. Has canoe-shaped leaf tips this provides the ideal environment for germination by increasing contact... Homeowners also have preferences when it comes to their lawns bluegrass growth slows significantly during hot summer months will the! Not get enough water, it does well as a grazing crop when mixed with other seeds! Leaf tip germinate quickly and form a thick, lush lawn out when poorly grown or closely... Done if absolutely needed 30 % less water than ordinary grass seed ; watering! Years of experience submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website also participates the... Bluegrass is during the fall 55 degrees Fahrenheit, for example, you will a... & # x27 ; s a State ; a music genreeven a lifestyle luxuriant lawn requires! All my awesome yard ideas to add compost and amendments until the fall so budget time... Smooth texture, making it suitable for golfing areas before crabgrass starts germinating that happens as soil temperatures range 50F... Turf grass thats often used in playing fields and soccer pitches the end of its nature of forming a mat-like... Used to create a healthy green lawn than other cold season grasses even! Can plant Kentucky bluegrass may be used for data processing originating from this website insects and! The other hand, is more tolerant to the drought tolerance of KBG varieties delivers a luxuriant lawn that 30! Had the highest drought resistance when the soil, as often as,!