May 3rd

By Mutt Mulligan

New Grass Species Not as Thirsty

TurfMutt talks about the value of green space, while at the same time discussing the need to lessen our impact when maintaining lawns and landscapes.  A new study published in HortScience identified four alternative turfgrass species — two bentgrasses and two fescues — as promising for use as ‘low-input’ grasses, meaning that water and fertilization needs would be far less than for more ‘thirsty’ species.  For example, the test results indicate that sheep fescue, chewings fescue, colonial bentgrass, and velvet bentgrass should be studied further for use as low-input alternatives in the northern U.S.

This type of research is important.  Planting the right plants, at the right place, at the right time is key to ensuring the plant will survive and prosper with reasonable maintenance.

Read more about this study here.

What grass species have you found to be hardy and needing less water?