INDIVIDUAL TURF GRASS ITEMS
Prefers rich fertile soil, well drained with lots of sun. The underground roots spread to fill in thin areas to a thick lawn. Kentucky Bluegrass can go dormant in hot, dry weather if it lacks moisture, but it will recover when rain and cooler temperatures return. It can take up to 28 days for Kentucky Bluegrass to germinate under ideal conditions. This is the type of turf normally found in sod and sodded lawns. It is a dark green colour.
Creeping Red Fescue:
A fine leafed grass that is drought tolerant, low maintenance, and withstands the shade. Extremely winter hardy. Under ideal conditions it can take 20 days to germinate.
A fine leafed fescue that likes shady areas and low fertility soils, chewing fescue is aggressive and resistant to many diseases.
Tall fescue has a slightly wider blade than many other fescues. Tall Fescue tolerates heat and drought exceptionally well because of its deep root system. Some people do not like Tall fescues because its wider blades may not blend as well (visually) with the other grasses in a lawn. This grasses is recommended for sports fields and cottage type lawns.
A fine leafed grass that likes damp soils and withstands shade. Used mostly in shade mixtures.
Turf Type Perennial Ryegrass:
A fine leafed companion grass in any mixture or great for overseeding because of its quick germination. Many varieties are endophyte enhanced that show some resistance to leaf feeding insects such as chinch bugs. The ryegrass endophyte is a naturally occurring fungus whose entire lifecycle occurs within the perennial ryegrass. The endophyte lives in a symbiotic relationship with the host, obtaining nutrients from it in and in return providing protection from insects. Perennial ryegrasses are also useful for lawns that are infected with Necrotic ring spot as it is more resistant to this disease.
An exceptionally quick germinating grass, used as a companion in some mixtures. As its name indicates Annual ryegrass live only for one year. It is sometimes used in mixtures to act as a “nurse” crop. It will germinate quickly and provide shelter for the slower germinating grasses such as Kentucky bluegrasses.
Most often used on golf courses due to its ability to tolerate being mowed very short and often. It requires a high level of maintenance to keep it looking good. It has shallow roots which make it more susceptible to droughts. It is very vigorous and spreads easily. This is a disadvantage where its presence is not appreciated. Its growth habit and susceptibility to droughts make it less than desirable for home lawns.