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What is a Cool Season Grass? The term "Cool Season Grass" is given to a number of grasses that thrive best in the cooler regions of the country. These grasses can include forage grasses, ornamental grasses, turf grasses, and grassy weeds. These grasses will generally germinate from seed in the fall and thrive best in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees. In contrast, warm season grass seeds will germinate is the spring and thrive best during the summer months. The preferred climate zone of adaptation for cool season grasses will be in the northern half of the U.S. Click here to see the
U.S. Climate Zones of Grass Adaptation.
Cool season turfgrasses include bluegrasses, fescues, and ryegrasses. Popular forage grasses include orchardgrass, timothy, and brome. These forage grasses can also be found in lawns, but are usually considered a weed. Tall fescue grass and the ryegrasses have forage varieties that do not perform well as a turfgrass. Each of the turf grasses have unique qualities that separate them from the others. It may be color, density, wear resistance or growth habit. Some have a greater ability to survive prolonged periods of extreme cold while others can survive periods of extreme heat or drought. If you live in a cooler part of the country, there is a grass type that will work well for you. Cool season grasses can be started from seed much easier than most warm season grasses and the seed is generally much less expensive. Bluegrass seed and rye grass seed are among the least expensive. For detailed information on these popular grasses and the best ways to care for them, click on the links below.
Detailed Information on Kentucky Bluegrass and Other varieties Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most popular of all grass types. It is used on lawns, fairways and athletic fields in the cooler areas of the U.S. Find out what makes this grass so special. Coarse and Turf-Type Tall Fescue Tall fescue is an exceptional cool season grass. It is preferred by many because of its dark green color, wear resistance and heat tolerance. It is important to choose the right type depending on the look you want. Click here to find out everything you need to know about coarse and turf-type tall fescue. Annual and Perennial Ryegrass Ryegrass has come a long way with the introduction of new turf species. See all the pros and cons about using the perennial and annual varieties. Fine Fescue Grass The fine fescue grasses are known for their exceptional shade and cold tolerance. They have some of the narrowest blades of any grass type. Click here for detailed information about its climate range, uses and management. Detailed Tips and Techniques for Overseeding Lawns Overseeding Lawns is one of the most overlooked practices by homeowners. However, it is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain a consistently thick and beautiful lawn. Find complete information on why and how to overseed correctly. Watering a New Lawn Watering a new lawn is very different from watering a mature lawn. When planting a new lawn, success will be greatly increased by learning proper watering techniques. Lawn Winterization Tips and Techiques Fall winterization is the most important time for fertilizing cool season grasses. Warm season grasses do not receive the same treatment. Find everything you need to know to winterize both cool and warm season grasses. Developing a Lawn Fertility Program Behind every beautiful lawn is a good lawn fertilization program. Whether it's a championship golf course or your home lawn, certain fundamentals always apply. Click here to begin planning your fertilization program. Plant Structure and Grass Growth In the world of turf grass, understanding plant structure and growth can provide helpful insights to maintaining a beautiful lawn. Understanding Photosynthesis Photosynthesis made easy! Understanding basic plant function will greatly improve your lawn care, especially fertilization. You will never look at your grass the same way. Cool Season Grass Cultivars Many grass types have numerous varieties to choose from. Click here to see the "cool season grass" cultivars that are available. Warm Season Grass Cultivars page Great improvement has been made with warm season grass varieties. Click here for a list of "warm season grass" cultivars. Cool Season Grasses to Lawn Care Academy Home
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