Print Article for : Best Type Of Grass

Your Online Guide » Gardening Guide » Do It Yourself Landscaping

[B584]Best Type Of Grass

by Andrew Caxton, And

Like plants and shrubs there are different types of grasses with different needs and are best suited for different types of climate. Some grasses grow well in moist climate and some in dry. Below are the three different that grow well in Southerly climate.

Bermuda grass

Bermuda grass has the ability to grow at a very fast rate and if not controlled can multiply at an unbelievable speed and invade your flowerbed with in no time. It is very tough, hardy and can stand to real wear tear and also requires very little care and maintenance and can survive in any condition. Thus one has to be careful while choosing Bermuda grass for their lawn. Although, this can prove to be a boon if you do not have the time nor the inclination to nurture your lawns. Bermuda grass is a good option as winter grass rather than the perennial ryegrass and is usually seen on the roadsides down south.

Basically, Bermuda grass needs very little water and grows well in warm climate. Although, it is very tough, it cannot survive under shady places, as it needs good sunlight to survive. Comma Bermuda grass variety is quite cheap and hence best suited for lawns with direct sunlight.

2. Centipede

Centipede is also a low maintenance grass and hence does not need frequent mowing or fertilization. Although, unlike Bermuda grass, Centipede does not grow quickly nor can it withstand heavy traffic.

Centipede is a tough grass and is best suited for places with acidic soil, like the soil found in the lower South. Basically it grows best in direct sunlight but can also survive with little sunlight. Centipede grass has proved that it can survive where no other variety of grass can.

Centipede grass should be fertilized in the spring with low-nitrogen fertilizer, which does not contain phosphorus. The ideal mix is 15-10-15. Four and a half and five and a half is the right pH level for centipede grass.

The Zoysia is the ultimate type of grass for the southern climate as its tolerance to cold is great. The ideal pH level for zoysia is between 6 and 7.

Zoysia grass is available in seed form as well as rolls of sod. Usually it takes a very long time to take root if seeds are sown. So it's best to opt for rolls of sod if you want quick results.

The primary variety of zoysia grass thrives best where sunlight is available in direct view. Others such as Emerald also grow in the shade. Though Zoysia can sustain without water for short periods, you need to arrange to water them if the drought lasts over a week. For best results it should be fertilized twice in a year, in spring and fall.

Zoysia grass is the most attractive of the warm season grasses, which requires a great deal of care and upkeep to give its dark green luxurious look. Hence this type of grass should not be considered if you do not have the time and patience to devote and its best to choose any other variety grass suited for the warm climate.

For the southern climate, there are some other warm climates grasses like the tall fescue variety that are resistant to droughts.

Grass companies have spent a great deal of money and time to find out the best mix for your areas, so that you don't have to waste your time and money to figure the same. One can easily find these ready mixes at the local nursery or garden center.

The Roots Of Kentucky Blue Grass

The type of grass known as Kentucky Bluegrass is not native to North America but originates from Europe, the mountains of North Africa and Northern Asia. It was brought in as seed mixtures by early emigrants and took particularly well to the cool, humid areas of the US. It can now be found in most regions of the country.

It is one of the most familiar grasses in the US: the blades tips are boat shape and grow from half a foot to about two feet high. Its growth rate evolves throughout the year, depending on the amount of daylight it receives.

Should you want to sow Kentucky bluegrass you need to allow about 2 to 3 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet. Though it will grow best if planted in the spring or fall you can sow at any time you want. You should water the newly sowed lawn 2 to 3 times a day in the first fortnight, depending on the weather, then reduce the frequency once you are able to see the grass shoots.

Compared to many other grasses, and specifically warm season grasses, Kentucky bluegrass requires a lot of water. To stay healthy it will need as much as two inches of water every week. That should keep the grass green and bright throughout the summer. In order to help the roots to grow deeper and hardier, water no less than an inch on any single day of watering. If your Kentucky bluegrass happens to go dormant during a drought, it will need only about an inch of water every two or three weeks. That will keep the crowns of the grass alive so that when rainfall does come the grass will recover fast.

Throughout most of its life Kentucky Bluegrass will need regular Nitrogen feeds to thrive, in big quantities. We're talking about 5 or 6 pounds worth in its first year, then about half this amount. A slow release nitrogen source is an option worth considering, especially if you are new at this, as it will prevent burning and allow less frequent applications.

Weeds such as dandelions, clover, crabgrass etc can usually be controlled with specialist weed killing products. Like other pure breed grasses Kentucky Bluegrass can be very attractive to insects that will need to be controlled with pesticides before any infestation gets out of hand. The effect of disease can be reduced by sowing a mixture of disease-resistant strains of bluegrass with your lawn. If your soil was acidic before sowing and did not get treated you Kentucky Bluegrass may also display yellowing between the veins that is typical of iron chlorosis.

This popular strain of grass is not as difficult as its reputation would suggest. With the proper planting, watering and maintenance regime you too should be obtain a stunning lawn with this distinctive, bright colored US native species. In cool and humid weather, seeding at the right density and time of year will give you a lawn to be proud of.

Article Source : Pg. 5

About Author

Both Andrew Caxton & Mr.andrew Caxton are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Andrew Caxton has sinced written about articles on various topics from Landscaping, Affiliate Programs and Coffee Advantages. Andrew Caxton is the author of many articles on subjects like lawn care and published at . A focused we. Andrew Caxton's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.

Mr.andrew Caxton has sinced written about articles on various topics from mountain bike, Japan Car and Gardening. Andrew Caxton is the editor of http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com . For additional information on John Deere tractors or. Mr.andrew Caxton's top article generates over 823000 views. to your Favourites.