Turf Grasses in the Knoxville Area

Most of the turf grasses today have their roots elsewhere. They were brought to this country and then adapted through selective breeding and cross-breeding to provide us with the grasses that we are most familiar with today.

Identifying cool season grasses:

Textures

Look at the grass' texture to tell it from other types. Coarse tall fescue's big blades and bunching characteristics look rougher than bluegrass and rye's narrow, fine leaves. If your grass has thin, needlelike leaves it is probably a fine fescue.

Colors

Kentucky bluegrass is true green like fine fescue, but turns brown easily during hot weather. Look for new cultivars of tall fescues noted for their reliable dark green even in summer, and perennial ryes that sprout bright green, then darken. See an old lawn with dead patches? Think bent grass, now popular only on golf courses because of its high maintenance requirements

Keys to consider when deciding which grass is best for you:

  • Maintenance required: Some grass species require more care than other, high maintenance grasses.

  • Climate conditions: Most grasses have a preference for specific climates such as humid, coastal, dry, cool.

  • Temperature tolerance: Each grass performs better or worse depending on the average temperature range during the growing season.

  • Drought resistance: Some grass species are better suited quickly recover after going dormant during extended drought conditions.

  • Shade adaptation: Grass species are classified by how much or how little sunlight they need to maintain their health and vigor.

  • Wear resistance: This is a measurement of how well a grass species can recover from foot traffic.