Turf Grasses How do I know which one to use? Objectives Be able to name at least three turf grasses Describe characteristics of each Using a scenario, select species and tell why New Terms Species group of organisms with common characteristics, capable of producing fertile offspring Buffalo Grass Warm season Native to the plains Requires little maintenance Drought resistance Needs open sun Needs well drained soil Does poorly in sand Kentucky Bluegrass Cool season Most widely used turfgrass Needs open sun, can stand some partial shade Medium to high maintenance Fair wear resistance, but good recovery Good drought tolerance Tall Fescue Cool season Low maintenance Tolerates low fertility Fair to good in shade Good wear resistance, but slow recovery Course textured Perennial Ryegrass Cool season Fast germination Susceptible to winter kill Medium to high maintenance Wear tolerance is good Tolerates compacted soils Tolerates close mowing Fine-Leaf Fescue Cool season Excellent shade tolerance Drought tolerant Low maintenance Likes well drained sandy soil Mainly used in mixtures Rough Bluegrass Cool season Long lived Does well in poorly drained soil High shade tolerance Low heat tolerance Mainly used in mixtures Smooth Bromegrass Cool season Low maintenance Used for roadsides, slopes, etc. Long lived Drought and heat resistant Does not tolerate close mowing or heavy traffic Fairway Wheatgrass Cool season Excellent drought resistance Not very heat tolerant Used for low maintenance turf areas Prefers well drained sandy loam to clay soil Fairly rapid establishment So Now What? Temperature zone + Soil type + Use + Desired effect Equals * * Cultivar variety of plant within a species with different characteristics, capable of passing on to offspring Blend two or more cultivars of the same species Mixture two or more species together Warm season grows best when temps are 80-95 degrees F Cool season grows best when temps are 60-75 degrees F Turfgrass which fits your lifestyle, adds beauty and value, and is adapted to the environment. Species: group of organisms with common characteristics, capable of producing fertile offspring Cultivar: variety of plant within a species with different characteristic, capable of passing on to offspring Blend: two or more cultivars of the same species together Mixture: two or more species together Warm season: grows best when temps are 80-95 degrees F Cool season: grows best when temps are 60-75 degrees F * * Species: group of organisms with common characteristics, capable of producing fertile offspring Cultivar: variety of plant within a species with different characteristic, capable of passing on to offspring Blend: two or more cultivars of the same species together Mixture: two or more species together Warm season: grows best when temps are 80-95 degrees F Cool season: grows best when temps are 60-75 degrees F *