When purchasing a lawn, there are a seemingly endless variety of options to consider. While some may be more familiar than others, these two types of grass represent two of the most common options available to homeowners. With so many species and strains available, learning about the differences between tall fescue vs Kentucky bluegrass can be challenging.
When making such an important decision regarding your yard, it’s essential to understand the upsides and downsides of each type so you can make an educated choice. On this helpful blog post we’ll explore what exactly makes these two types of turf grass so different from one another. It is important to note that neither option is necessarily better than the other, but different in their own ways and appropriate for certain circumstances. Let’s inspect these popular varieties of grass and discover which one is right for you!
Tall Fescue vs Kentucky Bluegrass: What’s The Difference?
Let’s start with this….
What is Kentucky bluegrass?
Kentucky bluegrass is a very common type of species of cool-season turf grass that is native to the northeastern U.S. and Southeastern Canada. It is a type of perennial grass that is known for its dense growth pattern, deep root system, and lush green color. I also known it for its ease of establishment, excellent disease resistance, and tolerance for a wide range of soil types. Bluegrass is often used for commercial, athletic, and residential lawns, as well as sports fields and golf course roughs. Bluegrass grows best in warm temperatures and is often found in shady areas like forests. Bluegrass is also known to be very sensitive to low soil pH levels and prefers soils that are slightly on the alkaline side. Bluegrass is a very dense type of grass that can grow up to 12 inches in height when fully grown. It also grows very quickly during the spring and fall months, but experiences a slow growth rate during the summer months when days are hotter and soil and water conditions are drier.
What Is Tall Fescue Grass?
Tall fescue is a type of perennial grass that is native to the North American plains and the Great Lakes region. It is a semi-dwarf grass that grows very densely and is often used for athletic fields, golf course roughs, and residential lawns. Fescue is a cool-season grass known for its drought tolerance and deep root system. It is also known for its ease of establishment and disease resistance, as well as its ability to grow in a wide range of soil types. Fescue is often used for athletic fields and residential lawns due to its dense growth pattern, durability, and deep root system. It is often found growing naturally in shaded areas such as forests. Fescue is also known to be very sensitive to low soil pH levels and prefers soils that are slightly on the alkaline side. Fescue is a very dense type of grass that can grow up to 18 inches in height when fully grown. It also grows very quickly during the spring and fall months, but experiences a slow growth rate during the summer months when days are hotter and soil and water conditions are drier.
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What’s The Difference Between Kentucky Bluegrass And Tall Fescue?
Bluegrass and fescue are two very different types of grass, each of which has its own unique set of characteristics. Bluegrass cultivars are often described as being more “dressed up” and used for aesthetic purposes like in a lawn or golf course. Bluegrass does not tolerate shade very well, so it is not a great option for low-sun areas. In contrast, fescue is denser and grows like a lawn that you mow. Fescue grows in almost any soil type and is not as sensitive to low pH levels as bluegrass. Fescue also has a deeper root system (compared to bluegrass), so it can grow in areas where there is moisture but not a lot of sunlight. So even though these two types of grass look different, they can be used in similar situations.
Water requirements
There are several key factors to consider when determining the amount of water required to keep your lawn healthy and well-watered. These include the type of grass, soil type, climate, sunlight, and irrigation system used in your landscaping. Bluegrass is a warm-season grass, meaning it thrives in warm conditions. It is very sensitive to low temperatures, so watering during the winter months will help keep it alive during colder temperatures. Bluegrass can withstand drier conditions than fescue and is often found growing naturally in shaded areas such as forests. Bluegrass requires a moderate level of water, but may need to be watered more frequently during the summer months when soil conditions are drier. Bluegrass is also very sensitive to soil pH levels and prefers soils that are slightly alkaline.
Fertilizer requirements
Fertilizer is a key factor to consider when maintaining a healthy lawn. Bluegrass and fescue differ in their fertilizer requirements and should be applied at different times in the year. Bluegrass prefers a slightly alkaline soil environment and will thrive if fertilizer is applied early in the year. Fertilizer applied during the fall and winter months can disrupt soil pH levels and harm the bluegrass. Fescue prefers a more acidic soil environment, so fertilizer should be applied early in the year and closer to the time of planting. Bluegrass and fescue prefer different types of fertilizer, so it is essential to apply the appropriate fertilizer for the species of grass you are growing.
Shade tolerance
Shade tolerance is a key factor to consider when determining the type of grass you should use in your yard. A desirable type of grass will grow well in shade, but it may also thrive in sunlight. Bluegrass prefers to be grown in full sunlight and will not thrive in shaded areas. In contrast, fescue is tolerant of low-sunlight conditions and is often found growing naturally in shaded areas.
Benefits of Tall Fescue Grass
- Sustainable: Fescue is a very sustainable species of grass, which means it can thrive in a variety of conditions and be grown sustainably. –
- Drought tolerant: Fescue is a warm-season species of grass that is very drought tolerant, meaning it can grow in areas where there is not enough water for other grasses to survive.
- Resistant to pests: Fescue is resistant to pests such as ticks and pests, making it a great choice for residential lawns.
- Resistant to drought: Fescue does not require a lot of water, making it a great choice for areas of low rainfall.
- Resistant to heat and cold: Fescue is resistant to extreme heat and cold temperatures.
Benefits of Kentucky Bluegrass
- Versatile: Bluegrass is versatile and can be used in a variety of landscaping settings, including commercial, athletic, and residential lawns.
- Resistant to pests: Bluegrass is resistant to pests such as ticks and pests, making it a great choice for athletic fields.
- Easy to maintain: Bluegrass is easy to maintain, making it ideal for residential lawns. It is also known for its ability to grow quickly, which means it can fill in areas where other grasses have been killed due to pests or drought.
- Resistant to drought: Bluegrass is resistant to extreme heat and cold temperatures, making it a great option for areas of low rainfall.
Conclusion
Bluegrass and fescue are two very different types of grass, each of which has its own unique set of characteristics. Bluegrass is more of a “dressed up” type of grass that is often used for aesthetic purposes, such as on a lawn or golf course. Fescue is a more casual type of grass that is typically used in athletic fields, residential lawns, and in the lawn around a home. When purchasing a lawn, it is important to consider the amount of water required and the amount of fertilizer needed. It is also essential to
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