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What Kind of Grass Grows the Fullest?

Three different factors contribute to full looking turf: turf density, leaf texture and growing characteristic. Turf density refers to the number of leaves per an area. Leaf texture is a measurement of the width of the grass blade. The growing characteristic refers to how a grass spreads across the lawn.
  1. Turf Density

    • The more leaves or shoots growing per an area of the ground the denser the grass. Low density grasses such as fescue must be reseeded to look full. The best type of grass is one that has a high density and fine texture, according to Clemson University. Fine-textured grasses produce high quality yards from an aesthetic point of view. Dense grass types include zoysia and hybrid bermuda varieties. Bahia and tall fescue grass types produce low density turfs.

    Leaf Texture

    • Leaf texture plays a role in full looking grass growth. A wide grass blade or coarse-textured grass makes the lawn look full; however, this full appearance is at the expense of the overall attractiveness of the yard. Grass types that have a coarse texture include St. Augustine, centipede, fescue, ryegrass, bluegrass, centipede and bahia, according to Clemson University. Gardeners wanting a fine-textured lawn should choose between zoysia or bermuda grass types.

    Growing Characteristics

    • Grass types are characterized by the way it grows. There are two main types of grass: Bunch and spreading. Bunch type grasses such as hard fescue, annual ryegrass, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue grow in clumps. These grasses spread slowly across the lawn and may need period reseeding to achieve a full looking lawn. Spreading types of grasses such as bluegrass, St. Augustine, bahia, centipede and bermuda produce root systems that spread horizontally across the lawn, which gives the turf a full appearance.

    Considerations

    • Gardeners must consider their climate when choosing a full looking grass type. Planting a grass that cannot grow in your region will not achieve a full looking lawn. Plant cool season grasses such as fescues, bluegrasses and ryegrasses in areas that receive temperature summers. Cool season grass types thin or die out in hot temperatures. Warm season grass types like bahia, bermuda, centipede and St. Augustine are typically grown in the southern United States or areas that experience hot summer temperatures.