- Correct Growing Climates. Kentucky bluegrass grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 1 through 9. Tall fescue grows in USDA zones 3 through 8.
- Growth and Maintenance. Kentucky bluegrass seeds are slower to germinate than fescue seeds. Kentucky bluegrass spreads by underground stems called rhizomes, forming a tough, dense sod.
- Grass Wearing Differences. Rich, thick Kentucky bluegrass tolerates foot traffic and heavy use better than either hard or red fescue.
- Ideal Growing Environment. While Kentucky bluegrass prefers full sun, it will tolerate shade. ...
Is Kentucky bluegrass darker in color than fescue?
Kentucky bluegrass has a dark green color and is softer to the touch than tall fescue, making it a popular choice for home lawns. The name "bluegrass" comes from the color of the seedhead. A distinct boat-shaped leaf tip and a very short membrane on the ligule are common to all blue - grasses. (Not seeing the ligule can be considered its identification feature.) Kentucky bluegrass is often mixed
Can you mix Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue?
It is okay to combine bluegrass seed with turf-type tall fescue seed. In respect to this, can you mix Kentucky bluegrass and fescue? Seed mixes consisting of 80 to 90 percent (by weight) tall fescue and 10 to 20 percent Kentucky bluegrass seem to work well. Use Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass in areas that receive irrigation.
Does Kentucky really have Blue Grass?
Kentucky is the Bluegrass State. Kentucky is known as the Bluegrass State but the grass isn’t blue, it’s green. Furthermore, it isn’t even native to Kentucky. So why is it called Bluegrass? The grass is native to Europe, Asia and Northern Africa. Most likely European settlers brought it with them when they settled in North America.
What is the best grass seed for Kentucky?
- Coverage area: 7 pounds of seed for 2,800 square feet (for adding to existing lawn), 930 square feet (for new lawn coverage)
- Grass types: Fescue, perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass mix
- Conditions: Sun and shade, medium to high drought resistance
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What is the difference between fescue and bluegrass?
Fescue grass grows with its roots in bunches, while bluegrass sends out horizontal roots known as rhizomes. While this may seem like a trivial distinction, rhizomatic grasses like bluegrass are much better suited for areas where erosion is likely to occur.
How do I know if my grass is Kentucky bluegrass?
Kentucky bluegrass has a dark-green color and a spreading growth habit. The most obvious identifying characteristic is the kneeled canoe-shaped leaf tip. It also has a prominent midrib (vein) running up the middle of the leaf blade.
How do I know if I have fescue grass?
2:594:25Tall Fescue Identification - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLooking for any league you'll of course this is a cool season grass. So there are no hairs on coolMoreLooking for any league you'll of course this is a cool season grass. So there are no hairs on cool season grasses. And you can see there's really nothing to speak of there in terms of alig you either.
Is Kentucky bluegrass a fescue?
Unlike bunch-forming grasses, such as tall fescue and ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass is a self-spreading, sod-forming grass. Once established, it spreads readily via underground stems known as rhizomes to form a dense, thick turf. This aggressive growth habit gives KBG the capacity to recuperate quickly from damage.
How does fescue grass look like?
Tall fescue is medium- to dark-green in color and coarse textured. It is a bunch-type grass and forms a coarse, clumpy appearance when used alone. The new, improved turf-type varieties have finer leaf texture, denser growth habit, and possess weak rhizomes (Photos 1 & 2).
How do I tell what type of grass I have?
Grass types vary in the width of their blades and whether blade tips are sharp-pointed, rounded or boat-shaped. The arrangement of grass leaves in new shoots, called vernation, may be V-shaped and folded or circular and rolled. Your grass's growth habit also provides grass I.D. clues.
What does fine fescue look like?
The leaves are medium green to blue green with a fine texture. Many growers have trouble determining if they have fine fescue vs. tall fescue. The delicate leaves are an indicator as is the superior performance in shade locations.
Does fescue look like crabgrass?
Here is the biggest difference between fescue and crabgrass: check the color and size. Tall fescue grass is mostly very thick and grows very fast in big bunches in the yard. Crabgrass is usually light green and can be found on the edges of the lawn or in very thin parts of the lawn.
What does tall fescue you look like?
2:534:19Identifying and Maintaining Tall Fescue Grass l Expert Lawn Care ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut they're very prominent veins on this they stand out but the best way or easiest way to tellMoreBut they're very prominent veins on this they stand out but the best way or easiest way to tell whether you have tall fescue is just to run your finger down along the edge. And you'll feel serrated.
Can you mix Kentucky bluegrass and fescue?
By mixing Kentucky Bluegrass with Tall Fescue, you get the benefits of both and reduce the negatives of each. Your lawn will thrive with moderate maintenance and watering, repair itself quickly, and remain attractive through summer heat and brisk fall temperatures.
Can I seed fescue over bluegrass?
3:556:19Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue Together - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDoesn't have the ability to knit in like Bermuda grass when it is injured. So we'd have to cast seedMoreDoesn't have the ability to knit in like Bermuda grass when it is injured. So we'd have to cast seed over the area. And get it to germinate to fill in these types of damaged areas.
Is Kentucky 31 same as fescue?
Tall fescues generally have greater heat tolerance than other cool-season grasses, but KY-31 offers better heat and drought tolerance than many tall fescue varieties. Its cold tolerance, which is greater than that of perennial ryegrass, also provides an advantage over warm-season transition zone grasses.
How does Kentucky bluegrass spread?
Kentucky bluegrass spreads by underground stems called rhizomes, forming a tough, dense sod. When foot traffic or wear causes bare spots, the rhizomes move back in to restore the sod. Fescues grow in bunches that don't form as dense a sod or spread as well as Kentucky bluegrass rhizomes.
What is the best temperature for fescue grass?
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and fescues (Festuca spp.) are cool season grasses, meaning they grow best in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and are best suited to central and northern parts of the United States. Fescues used for turf include tall ...
How much water does fescue need?
Tall fescue does not require mowing less than 3 inches high, and uses about half as much water as Kentucky bluegrass. Less watering means less mowing. Hard fescue and red fescue require little or no mowing. Advertisement.
Does Kentucky bluegrass grow in shade?
Growing Environment. While Kentucky bluegrass prefers full sun, it will tolerate shade. It can live through cold winters, but is susceptible to weed invasion and diseases in climates with hot summers; it may go dormant and turn brown. Tall fescue will tolerate both drought and summer heat and resists disease and weeds.
Is fescue tolerant of foot traffic?
However, coarse-bladed tall fescue is more tolerant of foot traffic than Kentucky bluegrass and can withstand the wear of people getting in and out of vehicles. Grayish to dark green, fine-bladed hard fescue fares best in parks, media strips and slopes that are not mowed.
Is Kentucky bluegrass good for the north?
Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-weather grass that does best in the north. Its ability to withstand cold weather makes it a favorite of northern homeowners. Some varieties do better with heat and drought than others. Kentucky bluegrass enjoys sunshine and doesn’t always thrive in the shade.
Does Kentucky bluegrass turn brown in winter?
Does Kentucky bluegrass turn brown in winter? After the first frost, Kentucky bluegrass will start to turn a uniform shade of brown across the whole yard. This isn’t cause for alarm!
Root Structure
One main difference between fescue and bluegrass is the type of root structure they form. Fescue grass grows with its roots in bunches, while bluegrass sends out horizontal roots known as rhizomes. While this may seem like a trivial distinction, rhizomatic grasses like bluegrass are much better suited for areas where erosion is likely to occur.
Shade
Fescue grasses are better for shaded areas than bluegrass. While fescue still performs its best in open sun, it’s the most highly recommended grass type for shaded areas. Many times, homeowners with partly shaded lawns combine fescue with another type of grass to provide good coverage in all levels of shade.
Weeds
A second disadvantage to bluegrass is its tendency toward weeds. Crabgrass, dandelions, and clover all thrive in bluegrass. However, these can be prevented by treating the lawn for weeds on a regular basis.
Maintenance
Bluegrass has the obvious advantage when it comes to lawn maintenance. Because bluegrass grows slowly and tends to be more spreading than the upright-growing fescue, it can be mowed less frequently. Bluegrass is also less sensitive to soil acidity, making it require all-around less work than fescue.
Wear
While fescue and bluegrass are both fairly tolerant of wear and tear, bluegrass is usually the first choice for sports fields and other places with heavy-traffic. Its slow growth and rich, green color make it a perfect choice for areas like these.
Similarities
Both fescue and bluegrass provide a rich, green color at least eight to nine months of the year. While both survive the cold quite well, bluegrass especially thrives in harsh winter weather.
What is the difference between bluegrass and fescue?
The 2 biggest differences that you can see: 1) Bluegrass has a smooth boat shaped tip on the grass blade and Fescue has rough pointed tip on the grass blade. 2) If you pull the leaf off the stem of the grass you will see one of 2 shapes a triangular or round shape on the leaf. The picture shows what that would look like.
Why do we use fescue in Aspen?
Here at Aspen we only seed with a tri-blend Fescue unless the customer wants another blend. The reason we use Fescue is because of its hardiness. It is very tolerant against, drought, disease and it is a lower maintenance grass to keep it green and healthy during the year.
Why is bluegrass good for you?
The big benefit to Bluegrass is its ability to branch out and grow since it has Rhizomes which allows it to spread and fill in areas. Unlike Fescue which doesn't spread it is bunching grass. In the picture to the side it shows what the grass looks like and how to figure out what grass type you have.
Is bluegrass grass good for fungus?
Bluegrass likes to stay wet so lots and lots of water to keep it green. It does not do very well when it comes to fungus it is very susceptible compared to Fescue.
What is the difference between tall fescue and bluegrass?
Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are grown both for their grazing qualities and for their usefulness as turf. When most people say “bluegrass,” they usually mean Kentucky bluegrass ...
Why is fescue grass overseeded?
Tall fescue lawns are overseeded in the fall to prevent them from developing thin, unsightly clumps in hot, dry summer weather. Roots of Kentucky bluegrass develop from the nodes of its underground rhizomes and from shoots that grow from the crown of the grass, that point where the stalk meets the ground. These tillers or shoots grow together ...
What is bluegrass poa?
Bulbose bluegrass Poa (bulbosus) is another bluegrass that grows as a weed in lawns, golf courses and turf. After a three year study, researchers at Purdue University concluded that both calves and cows gained one-half pound more per day grazing on orchardgrass than grazing on tall fescue. Bulbose bluegrass Poa (bulbosus) is another bluegrass ...
What is orchard grass?
Orcdhardgrass. Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) is a tall, cool-season perennial grass that is used for pasture, fodder and silage. Orchard grass begins growing in bunches early in the spring, developing and flowering quickly. Unlike many pasture grasses including Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass does not spread by above-ground stolons ...
Where is Kentucky bluegrass native to?
Kentucky Bluegrass. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), native to Europe and parts of Asia and the mountains of Northwest Africa, has spread over most cool, humid areas of the U.S., especially the mid-South. It is grown for pastures and is popular for lawns, golf courses and playing fields. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is a cool season ...
Is orchard grass tolerant of heat?
It grows well in full sunlight and is more tolerant of heat, drought and shade than is Kentucky bluegrass. Orchardgrass is largely grown for pastures and to produce hay and fodder for cattle. It grows well in full sunlight and is more tolerant of heat, drought and shade than is Kentucky bluegrass.
Is Tall Fescue a weed?
When most people say “bluegrass,” they usually mean Kentucky bluegrass that is good for both pastures and popular for lawns, playing fields and golf courses.There are other varieties of bluegrass that are considered invasive weeds on turf.
What is the characteristic of Kentucky bluegrass?
The most obvious identifying characteristic is the kneeled canoe-shaped leaf tip. It also has a prominent midrib (vein) running up the middle of the leaf blade. If left unmowed, Kentucky bluegrass will produce an open, branching panicle-style seed head.
How to identify tall fescue?
Tall fescue can be identified by its wide leaf blades that have equal-sized veins. It has no prominent midrib. When left unmowed it forms a panicle style seed head containing six to eight seeds. Tall fescue should not be blended with any other grass species.
What is fine fescue grass?
Fine Fescue Grass Identification. Fine fescue includes many species of fescues which all have similar appearances and growth habits. These grasses are most commonly used in cooler climates. They are the most shade-tolerant lawn grasses and fairly easy to differentiate from all other grasses.
What is tall fescue?
Turf-type tall fescue is one of the most flexible, durable grasses available. It handles heat and drought better than other cool-season grasses and is considered traffic tolerant. It’s found in almost every state and is the best choice for transitional zones. Tall fescue can be identified by its wide leaf blades that have equal-sized veins. It has no prominent midrib. When left unmowed it forms a panicle style seed head containing six to eight seeds. Tall fescue should not be blended with any other grass species.
What is the best grass for lawns in Kentucky?
Kentucky Bluegrass Identification. Kentucky bluegrass is the most popular grass used for lawn in the United States, and for good reason. It creates one of the most high-quality lawns possible. Its soft velvety texture, deep green color and tolerance to heavy traffic make it one of the best choices for yards, sports fields and campuses.
How to tell if ryegrass is perennial?
You can also pull some grass out of the soil and look at the base of the stems. If the stem base is a reddish purple, it’s perennial ryegrass.
What is perennial ryegrass?
Perennial ryegrass is a popular choice for cool coastal regions of the United States. Its quick germination rate and traffic tolerance make it appealing where a fast, durable groundcover is needed. Perennial ryegrass is mostly used as an additive to Kentucky bluegrass seed mixes and for overseeding southern lawns in the wintertime. It’s very similar in appearance to Kentucky bluegrass and most people have a difficult time telling it apart. One of the key identifying characteristics of perennial ryegrass is the back of the leaf blade which is very shiny. You can also pull some grass out of the soil and look at the base of the stems. If the stem base is a reddish purple, it’s perennial ryegrass. When left unmowed it forms a compact spike-like seed head, much different than the Kentucky bluegrass seed head.
How tall should fescue be?
Fine fescue species such as hard fescue ( Festuca longifolia) and red fescue ( Festuca rubra ), in fact, do well if they're left unmowed, and if they are mowed, they should be kept at a height between 1.5 and 2.5 inches. Advertisement. references.
What is ryegrass used for?
Annual ryegrass ( Lolium multiflorum) is commonly used to overseed warm-season turf grasses in warm climates. The ryegrass remains green through the winter while the warm-season grass is dormant and yellow, and then the ryegrass dies in the spring as the warm-season grasses come out of dormancy.
Is tall fescue grass good for cold?
Tall fescue is a sturdy grass, with a high tolerance for drought, heat and wear. It doesn't handle cold as well, however, and in very cold climates, it may be prone to thinning. It may grow thin in shady areas, and mowing it to a height of less than 1.5 inches can also lead to thinning. Advertisement.
Do fescues need to be mowed?
Fine fescues are notable for their low maintenance requirements. Their need for fertilization and watering is modest, and they do not require frequent mowing.
Is rye grass winter hardy?
It is winter hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 to 7, so it may be used as a permanent turf grass in those zones ; in warmer climates, it will likely die as the weather warms in the spring. Perennial ryegrass has a medium texture and a bright green color.
Is fescue grass hardy?
Tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea ), like ryegrass, has a coarse texture, but its color is typically darker than that of ryegrass. Tall fescue is hardy in USDA zones 2 to 7, and it is a common choice for general purpose lawn turf in those zones.