About My Lawn Care Blog
My name is Sarah and on this website I share my lawn care knowledge and experience so you can maintain a yard that youll use, enjoy, and be proud of without breaking the bank or constantly feeling behind on lawn projects.
Mowing the lawn, edging, and looking after the garden beds were all part of my weekly chores as a kid. Now, as a homeowner, Ive spent the past decade learning everything I could about modern lawn care best practices.
Im not a professional, but I have a lot of experience caring for my lawn and property. On this site I share what I know.
Theres something for readers of every skill and experience level here:
- Traditional lawn care tips
- Weed identification and eradication plans
- Turfgrass, xeroscape & pollinator-friendly yard tutorials
On this site I present your best options for both organic lawn care and lawn maintenance practices for those who dont mind using some herbicides or pesticides .
What Kind Of Grass Do I Have Plus Lawn Care Tips For Eau Claire Wi & Minneapolis
4 MINUTE READ
Maybe you dont lie awake at night pondering grass. But if youve ever wondered What kind of grass do I have? lets put that nagging question to rest. Dont worry, we wont show up in your front yard with a magnifying glass and test tubes. Were pretty sure we can nail your grass identification from way over here. Wizardry? Sure, lets go with that.
Most Common Grass Types In The Us
Different types of grass are used in landscaping across the different regions of America. Some species have thick blades, shiny texture, and broad leaves while others have thin blades, coarse texture, and narrow leaves. Below are some of the most common species that can be found in abundance across different states.
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Grass Seed For Lawns With Heavy Shade
A lawn that receives less than 3-4 hours of full sun is considered heavy shade. In this situation, you should use a blend of fine fescues. Fine fescues are very fine-textured . They are the best type of grass for shade but, they are weaker than a lot of the lawn grasses that thrive in full sun. Consequently, fine fescues do not hold up very well in heavy-use areas. Three fine fescues that do well in our area are chewings, creeping red and red fescue. Only use fine fescue in shady areas they will not do well in full sun.
What Are The Usda Zones In The Uk
Depending on which source you use, the UKs hardiness zones are defined as between 6 and 9, although The Royal Horticultural Society defines the entire UK as Zone 7.
However, we must remember that were an island and coastal weather is different from inland.
Here, youll see the weather climate zones, from 7 to 9 . Our climate is defined by cool winters and warm summers, with a frost-free season between early spring and late autumn.
Essentially, the lower the zone number, the lower the average temperature. These zones are used to identify how well any plant will withstand the colder temperatures during the winter.
So, take note of your zone as you read on. .
OK, all the geeky weather stuff out of the way onto your existing lawn!
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Ready For Lawn Care Tips That Really Work Trust Rainmaster
OK, so maybe it isnt exactly wizardry that helped us with your grass identification. But choose a lawn care program designed to really meet the needs of your lawn, and magic can happen no matter what type of grass is out there. Then when you ask, What type of grass do I have? youll have the answer: thick, healthy, thriving grass.Want to get to the bottom of your lawn problems and be confident about your choice for lawn care services? Request a quote today! Well review your lawn care options together so you can make a great choice. Then, you can finally enjoy your lawn and stop worrying about it.
What If My Lawn Doesnt Get Any Direct Sun
In this case, you have to decide if you really want grass in that area, or do you plant something else there something that is naturally shade tolerant.
In my case, I have a heavily shaded area where I really want grass. To keep the area looking good, I have it aerated and over-seeded twice a year in the spring and the fall. The only grass seed that I use is a blend of different fine fescues. Bluegrass, Perennial Rye Grass and Tall Fescue would not survive in the heavy shade.
All turf-type grasses prefer at least some direct sun even the best shade tolerant types. Heavy shade will cause a lawn to thin-out due to the lack of sunlight . Adding the new seed is needed to replace the grass that has declined. Maintaining grass in heavy shade takes some extra work but, if it is maintained properly, it can be very nice.
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All You Need To Know About Zoysia Grass
Zoysia grass is known for its ability to stand up to heat, drought, heavy foot traffic and a variety of other challenges. In its optimal growing zones, this tough grass can deliver a beautiful, dense lawn with very little input from you. Whether Zoysia is right for you depends on where you live, your lawn care goals and how you use your lawn. When those elements align with Zoysia’s strengths, this versatile lawn grass may be the ideal choice.
- Warm-season grass with improved cold tolerance.
- Prefers sun, tolerates some light shade.
- Suitable for southern and transition zones.
- Tolerant of heat and drought.
- Low water and maintenance requirements.
- Dense, traffic-tolerant growth.
What Type Of Grass Do I Have A Guide To Types Of Grasses
You may not think its important to know what type of grass you have. But this will help you make decisions about your lawn care, which could save both time and money. For example, if you want a lush green lawn but dont like the look of clover or rye-grass, then knowing that these are the only two types that wont grow thickly is helpful information for you! The four most common types are bluegrass, fescue, rye-grass and clover.
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Are Grass Catchers Universal
The Universal Fit Grass Catcher is intended to attach to non-SCAG commercial mowers for the quick and easy collection of grass and leaves. This lawn mower accessory is perfect for leaf collection and the improved airflow slots allows for a maximum filling capacity, which permits 3 1/2 to 4 bushels of leaf / grass.
Is it better to bag your grass or not?
Its a question we all face when mowing the grass: Should I bag my clippings or leave them on the lawn? In most cases, the answer is easy. Recycle the grass clippings by leaving them on the lawn. Doing so will not only save you time and energy, but will also return valuable nutrients to the lawn.
Why isnt my lawn mower picking up grass?
A grass bag/box that doesnt fill, has a few likely causes. The obvious ones: clogged chute thatched grass bag damaged or worn blade insufficient throttle poor engine performance.
Can you take the bag off a lawn mower?
Just like any other contraption that catches waste, the lawn mower bag must be emptied from time to time. Whether the bag is attached to the back or side of the mower, the same process should be used to remove it. Some bags hold more than others, and this may result in more time spent on yard work.
A History Of Continuing Service
For more than 100 years, extension agents have worked to enrich American lives through sharing practical, research-based knowledge. The informal educational programs, hands-on demonstrations and learning activities that shaped today’s extension programs were born out of agricultural groups of the early 1800s farmers met regularly to share their challenges and secrets to success.
In 1914, the Smith-Lever Act formally recognized the Cooperative Extension System, made its mission official, and tied it to the nation’s land-grant colleges and universities.1 Originally underwritten by grants of state land, these institutions were dedicated to expanding opportunities for higher education in agriculture and in mechanical arts, such as engineering and other applied sciences. The Smith-Lever Act formalized a cooperative effort between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and land-grant institutions to get the fruits of their research programs into the hands of people like you.
Extension’s agricultural roots lay a sound foundation for lawn and garden advice.
Now backed by county, state and federal funding, more than 100 land-grant colleges and universities exist today, and extension remains part of their purpose.1 Through a national network designed to reach directly into local communities, thousands of extension offices and agents are tasked with providing you with top-notch lawn and gardening knowledge, and helping you put that knowledge to work.
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How To Grow Grass
Duration
Over 1 day
Planting grass seed can be a more economical way to start a lawn or restore your existing landscape. Successful results require a little planning and patience, preparation of your soil and good seed thats suitable for your region.
This guide will teach you how to grow grass in your lawn and fill in empty patches for a lush, green landscape in just a few steps.
What Grass Should I Use For My Lawn
Knowing what grass type makes up your lawn can be essential in tailoring your maintenance plan or when creating a new lawn, as different species will have distinct requirements in terms of how much moisture, nutrients and mowing is needed. Most lawns will contain a mixture of species, but if you are considering reseeding or turfing a lawn from scratch, you should make sure you choose the appropriate variety for your garden.
The first thing to do before considering a grass seed or turf variety is to look closely at your individual garden environment and decide what is likely to grow successfully in your location. Three major factors are your soil type, how much sunlight the lawn will get and how well the soil drains. It is also important to choose a variety of grass that will be fit for purpose, depending on the use, wear, and the maintenance regime it is likely to receive.
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What Is The Best Grass Type In Pa
Of the different grass types, Joshua Tree would recommend that final grass type, Turf Type Tall Fescue, as the best choice. When we perform overseeding services, this is the grass type that we are using.
Specifically, we utilize a blend that is much higher quality than anything you would purchase in a big box store. This means were not just planting weeds in your lawn that youll have to deal with later.
Types Of Cool Season Grasses
Common grass types for cool regions include:
- Kentucky bluegrass : A dark green-colored grass that has leaves with boat-shaped tips. Its may also be used in the transition zone.
- Perennial ryegrass : A low-maintenance, thin grass with noticeably shiny leaves.
- Bentgrass : A bright green, fine-textured and high-maintenance grass such as on golf courses.
- Tall fescue : A dark green, coarse grass with unique lines on the upper side of its leaves and pointy leaf tips. Also grows well in Transition zone.
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All You Need To Know About Kentucky Bluegrass
For many lawn owners in the United States, Kentucky bluegrass is synonymous with the ideal lawn. When given its preferred growing conditions and proper care, this grass produces a dense, lush, durable lawn that lives up to its reputation. However, Kentucky bluegrass doesn’t do it on its own. This grass requires a relatively high level of maintenance to look its best, but results can be worth it. Depending on your grass-growing region and your lawn care goals, Kentucky bluegrass may be a perfect choice for you.
- Suitable for northern lawns from coast to coast.
- Excellent winter hardiness.
- Some varieties susceptible to heat and drought.
- Limited shade tolerance.
- Some varieties vulnerable to stress damage.
Kentucky bluegrass gained early U.S. popularity as a pasture grass in Kentucky.
What Does Red Fescue Look Like
Red fescue is characterised by its very fine blades and a deep, attractive emerald green colour. This species spreads quickly via rhizomes which helps the grass recover from damage.
Red fescue can be cut shorter than perennial ryegrass, so it is particularly recommended for ornamental lawns but is commonly found on golf courses and recreation fields.
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How To Attach And Use The Grass Catcher On Your Craftsman Mower
Using the Grass Catcher. Step 1: Grass clippings will be collected in the bag as you utilize the mower. Use the mower until the bag is completely full. Step 2: Stop the engine and make sure the mower and blades have completely stopped moving. Step 3: Lift up the discharge door. Step 4: Pull the grass bag up and away from the mower to remove it.
Considerations For Choosing A Type Of Lawn
Now that you know how to care for different types of grass, youll want to choose one for your lawn. So how do you choose which grass to plant?
Bluegrass and fescue will both work well if you have a small yard since they grow best in moist soil. If the area of your lawn doesnt get any sunlight, then bluegrass or fescue is recommended because these types of grasses prefer shade more than rye-grass or clover.
Rye-grass and clover will both work well if you have a large lawn area since they grow best in thin soil. If the area of your lawn gets lots of sunlight, then rye-grass or clover is recommended because these types of grasses prefer sun more than bluegrass or fescue.
When starting a new lawn from scratch, it is best to use rye-grass or clover. If you need to fill in patches of your existing lawn, then bluegrass or fescue will work as well.
In order to achieve the best results when caring for different types of grasses, its important to take a close look at your lawn and identify what type of grass you have. That way, you can properly care for your lawn and ensure it stays healthy!
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Best Time To Reseed Your Lawn
The type of seed you use dictates when to plant grass because of variations in the growth cycle. When planting a lawn, the more you work with the grass seeds natural cycle, the easier it will be to make your grass grow.
- Warm-season grasses thrive in southern and western areas of the United States. Centipede, Bermudagrass, Zoysia and other warm-season grasses have their strongest growth in late spring and early summer, which is the optimal time to spread grass seed for lawn repair or new lawn growth.
- Overseeding in spring, while common, does not take advantage of the strongest growth cycle and can result in less vigorous development for your lawn.
- Planting grass in fall or late summer is best for cool-season grasses, which experience their most rapid growth during this time period. The level of moisture and warmth in the soil help cool-season seeds germinate successfully, while cooler air temperatures support growth and inhibit warm-season weeds.
- Choosing the right grass is an important part of learning how to plant grass. Select your grass seed carefully, as different types of grass perform better in some parts of the country than others. See our buying guide about types of grass seeds for more details.
There are additional considerations when deciding how to plant grass, including your lifestyle and conditions specific to your lawn. Is your yard partially shaded or will it receive full sun? Will the lawn have considerable traffic from children or be used by pets?
What Does It Look Like
The leaf is described as boat-shaped however, think canoe rather than cross-channel ferry. It just means that the species is broad-leafed.
Kentucky Bluegrass is winter-hardy, but its not a fan of drought, so it will require watering during the summer to maintain its beautiful dark green colour.
So, what type of grass should I choose?
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Nering With Joshua Tree For The Best Results
In the end, having the best lawn comes down to a variety of efforts. You want to choose a lawn care company that can take a few really important steps including the following.
- Being able to identify the types of grass you already have in your lawn and how it is best cared for.
- Being able to address the undesirable grass types of your yard and initiate effective approaches to get rid of them.
- Seeding with the best grass seed so that you fill your lawn with healthy grass that is going to perform optimally here in the Lehigh Valley.
- Utilizes ongoing lawn care methods that will take the best possible care of the existing grass as well as the new grass being established through overseeding.
Theres a lot involved in all of that but with the right lawn care company, youll know that youre covered from the seeding stage all the way through to the ongoing care. Because of that, youll gain the confidence that your lawn is getting what it needs no matter what.
If youd like to find out more about our three lawn care program options so that your lawn can receive the best possible care, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at 610-365-2200 so that we can answer any questions.
