Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) This is the lawn grass of choice in most of the Northern states. It is a luxuriant grass that is easily cared for and one which does well in moderate to rich soil. It cuts evenly and is resistant to most diseases. Recommended varieties: 'Baron', 'Enmundi', 'Glade', 'Plush' and 'Adelphi'. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) This is similar in many respects to the bluegrasses although it does not cut quite so well and it suffers in extremes of temp- arature. Its greatest advantage is that it spreads extremely fast and will provide a good looking lawn quicker than most other domestic grasses. Recommended varieties: Citation, Omega, Fescues (Festuca rubra) Compared to the bluegrasses, the fescues are much hardier and tougher. They take well to drought conditions and are freque- ntly added to lawns in the more southerly states to provide green through the winter months. Recommended varieties: Highlight, Jamestown, Koket.(Kentucky 31 for backyard) Bent Grass (Agrostis species) If you are prepared for extra mowing in return for a truly luxurious lawn, you should certainly try the Bent grasses. These grasses are a little exacting in their requirements. They like a higher humidity and more frequent feeding. Recommended varieties: Emerald (Creeping) and Highland. Zoysia (Z.matrella) This grass will grow as well in shade as it does in sun. Slow growing but will give you a beautiful lawn when established. Zoysia does not grow true from seed so it has to be planted. Prefers to grow in warmer climates. Try: 'Emerald' or 'Meyer' (Meyer for colder zones). Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) This is probably one of the most aggre- ssive of grasses. It spreads by means of runners and needs mowing frequently. It also needs plenty of sun. Certain hybrids do not grow from seed and can only be grown from plantings. These include, 'Tiffine','Tifway','Tifgreen','Tifdwarf'. 'Santa Ana' is special for California. Centipede (Eremochloa ophiuroides) This is a grass that needs very little maintenance. It grows well from seed or plantings and prefers a soil that is acid. Centipede spreads by stolons and does well in the southeastern coastal areas. Recommended varieties: 'Oaklawn', and 'Tennessee'. St.Augustine (Stenotaphrum secundatum) A tough, coarse grass that spreads by stolens. It is used extensively in Florida and the Gulf Coast. It is easy to grow and will succeed in shade. It is subject to insect and disease problems but 'Floratum' is resistant to the SAD virus, a problem in Texas. Bahia grass (paspalum notatum) Not quite as attractive as the Zoysia or Bermuda grass, but is popular in the southern states where other grasses are not quite as successful. The Argentine strain is a popular grass across the states where its velvety look provides an attrac- tive lawn. Easy to grow from seed and needs little maintenance.
