Turfgrasses

Turfgrasses

Turfgrass species can be divided into two major groups: cool season and warm season. Turfgrasses vary depending on their soil temperature growth range.

Cool season turfgrasses are the most widely used in the Norther Great Plains. These include Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, fine fescues, and bentgrass. Cool season grasses grow best when soil temperatures are 60°F – 70°F. They grow most actively in the spring and fall, with growth slowing during summer. Cool season turfgrass species vary in adaptation, texture, color and maintenance requirements. Most cool season grasses are established by seed or sod. Proper species and cultivar selection are keys to improved turf performance.

Warm season turfgrasses are mostly found in the warm humid states of the south and southwest. However, it is not uncommon for these grasses to show up here in Nebraska. These warm season grasses include zoysiagrass, Bermudagrass, and buffalograss, and grow best when soil temperatures are 80°F – 90°F. These grasses are more heat and drought tolerant and more wear resistant than cool season grasses, but are generally less tolerant to low temperatures. Warm season grasses remain dormant late in the spring, grow most actively during the warm summers, and become dormant with the first fall frost. Most warm season turfgrasses are established by sod plugs or sprigs (stolons). Buffalograss and blue grama are exceptions, being established commonly from seed.

Reference

R. E. Gaussoin., J. Kruskoci, and D. Steinegger. (1997). Integrated Turfgrass Management. In F. Baxendale, Ph.D., & R. Gaussoin, Ph.D., Integrated Turfgrass Management for the Northern Great Plains (pp. 2-3). Location: Nebraska