Perennial Grass Mixtures in Lawns

Lawns are often comprised of different kinds of turfgrasses. A mixture of grasses is common for a seeded lawn, since they are blended so that one type will thrive and adapt in a section of the lawn where another type may not.

When these different types of grasses (Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, for example) blend together in appearance and compatibility, the results is a very attractive lawn. However, when small clumps, patches or areas of different kinds of lawn grasses become evident, they may be unsightly.
A different type of lawn grass may become unsightly because of different characteristics in color, leaf blade width, and growth rate. Also, each responds differently to mowing height, watering practices, drought stress, and insects. When a type of grass such as tall fescue becomes evident in a Kentucky bluegrass lawn, it is regarded as a weed, even though it may be a lawn grass in another situation. These different kinds of grasses may be introduced
1) through poor-quality seed supply
2) by natural weed seed occurrence
3) through a weakened or thinned turf
or 4) by plugging the grass into a lawn, such as zoysiagrass.


Potential Perennial Weedy Grasses:
Bentgrass - This is a most attractive turfgrass when it is carefully manicured and receives a high level of maintenance. It is commonly used for golf, bowling and tennis greens. Bentgrass is also used in many areas for lawns. However, it disrupts uniformity when it occurs as patches within other kinds of lawns.

Tall fescue - Many new tall fescue varieties have been introduced which form an excellent lawn when planted solely without any other types of grasses. However, in well established Kentucky bluegrass lawns. tall fescue forms clumps of unsightly, coarse grass and is often mistaken for crabgrass.

Zoysiagrass - Often, Zoysiagrass plugs are purchased and planted into the lawn, where they spread aggressively. This grass forms a dense turf which is very drought-tolerant, yet will be dormant from the first frost of fall until late spring. This extended dormancy and difference in color may cause zoysiagrass to be undesirable.

The Pro-Care staff is always ready to assist you with your lawn. Please call if we may provide any information to enhance your lawn's health or appearance.