Canada. Its a turf grass thats often used in playing fields and soccer pitches. This helps prepare KBG for fast spring repairs. Characteristics. Weather conditions are often predictable in the northern regions where KGB thrives. Mulch or rake leaves so your KBG is free from leaf cover. Because of the finer and thinner blades, KBG works well for manicured lawns as well as for more natural rolling meadows.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'greenthumbplanet_com-leader-1','ezslot_4',145,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-leader-1-0'); There arent actual streaks of blue in the distinctive green of KBG. If allowed to develop properly, it can withstand low grazing. However, they have slightly different care requirements. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When a swath of KBG is seen from afar, as it flowers, it appears to be covered by a haze of blue and that is how the grass earned its moniker. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. This aggressive growth habit gives KBG the capacity to recuperate quickly from damage. Like many common U.S. turf grasses, this versatile, widely used grass is native to Europe and northern Asia.1 Its first use in the U.S. came as a pasture grass in states like Kentucky, where it still covers the state's gently rolling hills. However, it recovers quickly with irrigation and a return to normal conditions. Buffalo grass will take about 14-30 days to grow fully. It's not uncommon to find heavily irrigated Kentucky bluegrass growing in the sun-baked lawns of the West and Southwest. When soil temperatures are 50-65 degrees, the best time to plant Kentucky Bluegrass Seed (a cool season grass) is from September 15 to November 1. Kentucky Bluegrass is another attractive variety of grass that thrives in cooler climates. If thatch builds up more than a 1/2 inch, then youll need to dethatch. However, it comes with high costs and high maintenance. Your local agent may recommend you get your soil analyzed first. . Lets look at the differences and similarities of these two popular types of cool-season grasses. Start mowing your KBG lawn as soon as it starts growing. In other words, you will have to be on top of the weeds at least for the first few years. Once ground temps exceed 70-80 degrees, germination drops off significantly, if not completely. It has a deep, green color and excellent texture. Rough bluegrass will usually only start to grow between days 7 and 10. It spreads by rhizomes and tillers and forms a dense sod. Ryegrass germination time is about a week, while the Bluegrass portion will take at least two weeks to sprout. As previously mentioned, the species, like all familiar . The highest quality turf grass for sunny areas is Kentucky Bluegrass (at least 6 hours of direct sun). Zoysia is an extremely aggressive spreading grass that can literally choke out weeds. This may not seem much when you consider a single plant but thats wont be the case in your yard even if you are sowing 1.5 lbs/1000sq ft. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'greenthumbplanet_com-sky-4','ezslot_27',149,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-sky-4-0');So, you can expect your lawn to fill out within one season. . Does Kentucky bluegrass like sun or shade? Keep your KBG lawn free of winter debris, such as sticks and rocks. Generally, Kentucky bluegrass grows better than tall fescue in moderate shade. As your lawn thaws, flush areas prone to pet urine or de-icing salt damage with water. During the active growth period, Kentucky bluegrass will thrive with fertilizer that has anywhere from four to six pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. As bluegrass spread horizontally, it will encroach on areas such as flowerbeds, walkways, and paths. Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. Tall Fescue. The top 1-2 inches of soil needs to be tilled, and the yard needs to be thoroughly watered first. Usually, weekly mowing will be enough to achieve this result. I have enjoyed gardening ever since i was a little kid 20+ years ago so i decided to make this blog out of my hobby, please have a browse and enjoy my work. An established KBG lawn will be dense enough to choke out weeds. Follow along to keep your yard up to date! Hi! Check out my article on natural ways to make your grass greener. Kentucky bluegrass tolerates being mowed as short as 2 to 2.5 inches, although it still benefits from being kept longer (3 inches in spring and fall, 4 inches in summer). For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Once blades of grass appear and begin growing in the spring, you want to water one to two-and-a-half inches weekly. In the spring, you can start mowing as soon as the grass grows again. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'greenthumbplanet_com-leader-3','ezslot_12',185,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-leader-3-0'); When you are watering or mowing your KBG lawn, the one thing to remember is that all maintenance efforts are influenced by the shallow root system of this grass. So, heres what tests have revealed over the years: Plus, there is a significant difference in the drought tolerance of various cultivars. During periods of high heat and lower rainfall, increase KBG mowing heights to 3 to 4 inches. You may also be interested inPerennial Ryegrass vs. As its rhizomatous, it can self-repair, filling in any gaps, and becoming a thick carpet that can withstand high foot traffic. or an organic matter-based, slow-release fertilizer. KBG has the greatest cold hardiness of all the common cool-season U.S. lawn grasses.2 It's used most extensively in northern climates where moderately warm summers and cold winters align with its natural preferences and growth cycle. In fact, the creeping growth habit is what gives this grass its ability to stage a rapid recovery from damage. You will seldom need to overseed a Kentucky bluegrass lawn unless it encounters heavy traffic and wear. High maintenance, as they require a lot of water, fertilizer, and pest, weed, and insect management. They are usually only sold by specialty establishments that serve the turf and landscaping industries. Kentucky bluegrass lawns are more resistant to wear than most cool-season grasses, but thin out when poorly grown or too closely cut. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'greenthumbplanet_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_3',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');In fact, even without actually plucking out a blade to examine its physical characteristics, youd still be able to spot KBG by the way it stands out from the lighter green of other grasses. Plus, this cool-season grass has the advantage of a creeping growth habit, which is similar to that of weeds such as crabgrass and even annual bluegrass.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'greenthumbplanet_com-netboard-1','ezslot_20',160,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-netboard-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'greenthumbplanet_com-netboard-1','ezslot_21',160,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-netboard-1-0_1');.netboard-1-multi-160{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Germination for Kentucky bluegrass generally takes two to five weeks, depending on many factors. It is one of the most common types of grass grown in lawns in North America. Kentucky bluegrass will do much better when nitrogen is applied. Before planting your Kentucky bluegrass seed, rototill the top six inches of your existing soil. If you use compost, apply compost in the fall so it breaks down in time for early spring growth. How can I make Kentucky bluegrass germinate faster? Legend has it that when early settlers looked out on the fields of Poa pratensis in Central Kentucky, the seed heads took on a purplish hue. Kentucky bluegrass blades have distinctive, boat-like tips. The tip of bluegrass looks like a boat and will split when you run your fingers up the blade. Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most popular grass types in American yards. Its rhizomes allow it to spread and create new grass plants. Simply put, KBG feels both the heat and the thirst more intensely than other cool-season and of course warm-season grasses. Whereas the tufts of the latter give a lawn a patchwork look, a lawn composed of Kentucky bluegrass forms a consistent, level surface. But once it germinates, it establishes itself quickly. Originally Published: September 30, 2021. The main difference between Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass is the root systems and the way the grasses grow. Spot-treat lawn weedsinstead. However, it may take Kentucky bluegrass 14 to 30 days to . Patton, A. and Boyd J., "Choosing a Grass for Arkansas Lawns," University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension. With Kentucky bluegrass, you would have to supply 1.5 to 2 inches of water even in normal weather conditions. Bag the season's first lawn clippings to discourage winter-related lawn disease. Homeowners who live in cooler areas should plant cool-season grasses such as Tall Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass. Sevin is a registered trademark of Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. 1. Examine the grass color. As a cool-season grass, it grows most vigorously during the spring and fall seasons. The optimal soil pH for KBG lawns is near 5.8 to 7.0.3. But, thats not how KBG got its name! However, in the cold zone, new leaf growth slows down considerably in winter. Find out if this grass will be right for your lawn and all youll need to do make it thrive. Fertilize your summer lawn with Pennington UltraGreen Lawn Fertilizer 30-0-4. Whether you live in the north of the country, or one of the Southern transition states, Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most common turfgrass for lawns. If you have a problem with crabgrass, look for a product that includes a crabgrass pre-emergent herbicide. Raking is better for leaf removal than using a leaf blower: It allows you to dethatch your lawn at the same time. My name is Jamie, The Backyard Pros is a website where I piece together articles about all my awesome yard ideas. Seed and overseed. Excess thatch amplifies drought stress and increases risks of brown patchand other lawn diseases. Look for a mix that contains about 80% Kentucky Bluegrass, with the remaining 20% (or less) Perennial Ryegrass. 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. It may also be mixed with tall fescue sod, as the rhizomes are able to hold the sod together without the use of netting. On the other hand, Tall Fescue isnt able to spread sideways, so you can grow it up against the edge of flower beds and paths without worrying. In our proverbial neck-of-the-woods, Kentucky Bluegrass only goes to seed . Ryegrass is a cool-season grass found across the northeast and the midwestern United States. Normally, this would not be a problem if you could irrigate that much in a single session. It should be mowed before it ever reaches 3 inches (7.5 cm.). Seed new lawns or overseedexisting KBG lawns with Pennington Smart Seed Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed and Fertilizer Mix about 45 days before your typical first fall frost date. 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. Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass for climates with mild summers and cold winters. When allowed to flower, Kentucky bluegrass has a panicle-like seed head. Kentucky bluegrass spreads via rhizomes to form a uniform sod. And now, lets look at the similarities between Fescue vs. bluegrass. And thats the requirement for non-summer months! Seed at a rate of three pounds per every 1,000 square feet and half that if you're overseeding. Picking a seed mix with the hardier perennial ryegrass and fescue seed will also help. Add its medium to fine texture, and a KBG lawn is both beautiful to look at and comfortable for bare feet. Sow at least 6 weeks before the first frost date of the year. Spring provides the optimal temperature for leaf growth, with a spacing of just 10 days between the appearances of new leaves. It is a true grass, being a member of the Poaceae family. Zoysia is grayish-green. If your schedule doesn't give you the flexibility to be available for lawn care every day over such an extended period, this could influence your decision whether or not to start Kentucky bluegrass from seed. Tall Fescue seeds tend to germinate quickly and are relatively fast at establishing themselves. Tall Fescue grass, on the other hand, is more tolerant to the heat and drought and only needs minimal watering. Sprinkle the seed on top of the sand (or compost) and let it dry for 30- 60 minutes. Treat actively growing broadleaf weeds in your established KBG lawn with Pennington UltraGreen Weed & Feed 30-0-4in late-spring. Bluegrass likes well-drained soil, so if you notice your bluegrass struggling, check for compaction. Annual ryegrass, like the name sounds, is an annual plant - meaning its life cycle will be complete in one year's growing season. Ditto for a lawn in which weeds are already thriving and you add KBG seeds to start a lawn. In fact, KBG seeds take almost thrice as long to germinate as compared to the quick-growing perennial ryegrass. If you're comparing two lawns side-by-side, it's useful to know that zoysia goes dormant later in the . When weeds do sneak through, hand pull weeds. Similar results were observed in an early British study conducted in 1943. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'greenthumbplanet_com-sky-3','ezslot_26',148,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-sky-3-0');KBG seeds are lighter so, you will need only half of what youd go for with the fescues or the ryegrass. Often, homeowners choose to install a lawn using a grass seed mix rather than sticking with one particular type of grass. Professional Grass Advice for the Perfect Lawn, All You Need to Know About Kentucky Bluegrass, Additional KBG Characteristics to Consider, Pennington Smart Seed Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed and Fertilizer Mix, Pennington UltraGreen Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer III 30-0-4, Pennington UltraGreen Lawn Fertilizer 30-0-4, Pennington UltraGreen Winterizer Plus Weed & Feed Fertilizer 22-0-14. It is one of the most common types of grass grown in lawns in North America. Never remove more than one-third of the blade in a single mowing. Core aerate before overseeding to relieve compaction. 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. Late seedings are more vulnerable to winter damage. In case you experience a hot or dry summer, this will also help retain moisture. 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Seed, rototill the top six inches of soil needs to be on top of the blade a... Patchand other lawn diseases one particular type of grass appear and begin growing the... Is a website where I piece together articles about all my awesome yard ideas half that if you irrigate! Be right for your lawn and all youll need to dethatch your lawn thaws flush. Better than tall Fescue or Kentucky bluegrass 14 to 30 days to grow between days 7 and.! In a single session I earn from qualifying purchases fertilize your summer lawn with Pennington lawn... Amplifies drought stress and increases risks of brown patchand other lawn diseases Boyd J., `` Choosing a grass Arkansas., depending on many factors bluegrass growing in the northern regions where KGB thrives be a problem crabgrass... Never remove more than a 1/2 inch, then youll need to overseed a Kentucky bluegrass ( least. It 's not uncommon to find heavily irrigated Kentucky bluegrass lawns are more resistant to wear most! With Kentucky bluegrass lawn unless what does kentucky bluegrass look like when it sprouts encounters heavy traffic and wear thatch amplifies drought and. With Kentucky bluegrass, you can count on better research, better seed better. The highest quality turf grass thats often used in playing fields and pitches.
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