What Grasses Do You Have?

Here are some hints to help you determine which grasses may exist in your lawn:

1. If your lawn is 30-35 years old (or older), chances are it consists mostly of bentgrass varieties (which prefer sunny areas) and some fine-leaved fescues (especially in shadier areas).
2. If your lawn was seeded or over-seeded with mixtures made for general-purpose lawns, it probably has Kentucky bluegrasses, fine-leaved fescues, and, perhaps, perennial ryegrasses.
3. If your lawn was seeded or over-seeded with mixtures for premium or elite lawns, it probably contains a blend of several improved Kentucky bluegrass varieties and some perennial ryegrasses. These grasses usually require more maintenance and do not adapt well to low maintenance programs. To convert this lawn to the YardScaping program, you will have to add some low maintenance varieties.
4. If your lawn was established by sodding, most of the grass varieties are probably improved Kentucky bluegrasses. However, recent sod blends often consist of both high and low maintenance varieties, making them more adaptable to YardScaping. But it is recommended that you over-seed this sod with even lower maintenance varieties.

To help you determine which category best describes your lawn, see Levels of Home Lawn Care for a description of lawn care levels, a review of grass species, and varieties best adapted to different care levels.