Why Is Turfgrass So Important?

Plants are a very important part of life. Not only do they provide food and shelter, they provide the oxygen that we need to breathe. One important kind of plant is grass. There are thousands of different species of grass (http://www.kew.org). Grasses growing in lawns or football fields are different than grass that grows wild. Turfgrass is the kind of grass you commonly see in lawns or football fields, it can be cut short and stepped on without taking a large amount of damage. There are a few common kinds of grasses that are used as turfgrass. Bermudagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Fine Fescue are three of the most common turfgrasses.
Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass, which means it grows best when temperatures are around 75°F to 80°F. However, it can withstand temperatures up to 110°F. It grows best in very sunny areas, so it should not be used in areas that are heavily shaded. It has an excellent resistance to drought as well, although since it is a plant it will definitely benefit if it is watered consistently. Bermudagrass grows thick and short for the most part, the blades being a deep green color and having a fine to medium texture. It grows fast and strong, it can handle being stepped on and when it is damaged it can heal quickly. Because of this, it is usually planted in places with a
moderate to high amount of traffic, such as parks, sport fields, and around the homes of people who have children or pets. It needs to be mowed often for it to look neat. It is an aggressive plant and will overcome most weeds that try to grow amongst it so heavy pesticides are not needed (www.turfgrasssod.org).
Kentucky Bluegrass is a cool-season grass, which means it grows best in temperatures from 60°F to 75°F, but can begin growth when temperatures are from 40°F to 45°F (www.forages.oregonstate.edu). It can handle extremely cold weather but only does well in hot weather with constant watering. It grows best in sunny areas, but some kinds can grow in partial shade. It is somewhat tolerant to droughts but not as well as Bermudagrass. The blades of Kentucky Bluegrass are consistent in size and shape, they have a medium texture and, contrary to its name, is a dark green color. It is a quick growing grass and can deal with being stepped on an average amount. Therefore, it is popularly used in the same areas as Bermudagrass, as well as in places such as cemeteries and on roadsides. It needs to be mowed as well. It is more delicate than Bermudagrass, but has adapted somewhat to be resistant to several diseases. During the summer months though, it is more vulnerable to diseases because it is more stressed than in cooler months (www.ipm.ucanr.edu).
Fine Fescue is also a cool-season grass, but can handle both cold and hot temperatures well. It is commonly grown in places where the temperature varies greatly. It grows best in areas that are very shady, although some sunlight is still needed for it to thrive. It has a very good drought tolerance, but like Bermudagrass and Kentucky Bluegrass, it will do best when watered frequently. Fine Fescue lives up to its name, its blades are long and of a very fine texture, and has a varying dark to light green color. It is a tough grass but prefers light to moderate traffic, since it can be easily harmed and will not grow back fast. It is more delicate than Bermudagrass and Kentucky Bluegrass, and is more of an ornamental grass. It is commonly mixed with other types of grasses due to its ability to blend, especially since it will continue to live through the winter months (www.fescue.com). Mowing is not required with Fine Fescue, if left uncut it can have a “meadowy” appearance. It is resistant to many turfgrass diseases and rarely needs any chemical pesticides (www.turfgrasssod.org). Grass is a very important plant.
Not only does it provide oxygen, but it provides for an aesthetically pleasing look for both commercial and residential outdoor spaces. Among the thousands of different kinds of grasses, there are a few types labeled turfgrasses that are the most common types of grass used for display in places such as parks or lawns. Even though it may not seem important to know the different kinds of turfgrasses, it can come in handy one day. If you know the basics about turfgrass, you can make any outside area look good. Turfgrasses such as Bermudagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Fine Fescue are some of the most common and attractive turfgrasses
used.