Choosing the right grass variety is the secret sauce to a gorgeous, well-manicured lawn. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping ornamental look or a tough turf for the kids to play on, here’s a breakdown of some top varieties and how to pick the perfect one for your backyard.
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++Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera)
Looking for that “golf course” look for your front yard? Creeping Bentgrass is a fantastic choice for a high-end ornamental lawn. While it can grow anywhere from two to fifteen inches tall if left alone, it really shines when kept neatly mowed. With the right care, this variety produces a dense, lush green carpet that will definitely make the neighbors a little jealous.
++Slender Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca trichophylla)
If your yard doesn’t get a ton of direct sunlight, Slender Creeping Red Fescue is about to be your new best friend. It’s a popular choice for ornamental lawns, but its real superpower is its shade tolerance. Even without a lot of light, this grass stays thick and vibrant, ensuring you have full coverage and no awkward bare spots under your trees.
++Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
Got kids who love to run around or play soccer? You’re going to need something that can handle some serious foot traffic. Perennial Ryegrass is incredibly hardy—in fact, it’s often used on professional soccer fields! It’s the perfect foundation for a backyard playground or any area where life happens at full speed.
++Chewings Fescue (Festuca nigrescens)
Chewings Fescue is a favorite among landscaping pros when it comes to creating beautiful ornamental spaces. It has a great reputation worldwide for its fine texture and bunch-forming growth habit. While it’s often used to create eye-catching tufts in landscape design, you can also keep it mowed short for a sophisticated, velvety lawn.
++Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis)
Similar to Perennial Ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass is a heavy-duty variety that can take a beating. It’s a classic choice for family gardens because it stands up well to sports and play. As long as you keep it watered and mowed regularly, it stays strong and healthy for years, giving the kids a safe, soft place to burn off some energy.
++Perennial Ryegrass “Vesuvius” (Lolium perenne Vesuvius)
This specific type of Ryegrass is a real winner for versatility. It handles shade quite well, but the key is keeping it hydrated during those scorching summer months. If you stay on top of the watering, it’ll keep its deep green color even during dry spells. It’s a long-lasting variety, so you won’t have to worry about reseeding every other year.
++Supina Bluegrass (Poa Supina)
Supina Bluegrass is the “MVP” for shady yards that still see a lot of action. It creates a beautiful green carpet even in low light and is surprisingly resistant to trampling. If you love hosting summer BBQs or garden parties, this is a great pick—it can handle the guests and the shade without breaking a sweat.