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What Kind of Grass Is Deep-Root Strong?

Nature and nurture are both involved in developing deeply rooted, strong grasses whether for turf, landscaping or pastures. Aside from considering root depth, landowners need to make choices based on species that fit their needs and grow well in their region. They need to know how often and how long to water to encourage deep root growth. Grasses with extremely deep roots usually are more appropriate for grazing or ornamentation than for mowing.

  1. Prairie Grasses

    • Tall prairie grasses have extremely deep, strong roots. These include big blue stem (Andropogon gerardii), little blue stem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), which all have roots extending 8 to 15 feet deep. All grow 3 to 5 feet tall, except for little blue stem, which is 2 1/2 to 3 feet tall. Their thick, fibrous roots help prevent soil erosion and discourage weeds and underground pests, such as gophers. Deer enjoy eating the blades of all four species at various times in the grasses' growth cycles. Wild birds love their seeds, particularly those of switchgrass, which is related to corn and sorghum. Unlike the other three species, switchgrass isn't a good source of nesting cover, because it is too thick.

    Ornamentals

    • Prairie grasses are often used as ornamentals. The "Midwest Living" magazine includes little blue stem and switchgrass among its favorites for this purpose. Little blue stem has grey-green foliage that turns bright shades of purple and orange in the autumn. Its tiny spikes of tan flowers turn silvery white as they age. The plumelike seed heads of switchgrass are airy and lacy-looking. Other deep-rooted prairie ornamentals include fountain grass, which also makes the magazine's list due to its mounding form and tiny, feathery plumes.

    Lawn Grasses

    • The definition of deep, strong roots is relative. Lawn grasses that are described as having hardy, deep roots often grow to a much shallower level than most prairie grasses. However, the University of California Extension Service identifies Bermuda, zoysia and tall fescue grasses as being among the deepest-rooted turfs. Bermuda is a warm-season grass that grows well in hot, southern areas with climates ranging from moist to dry. Although primarily grown in northern areas, tall fescue is a cool-season grass that grows in some cooler, southern regions. It is known for being transitional, similar to zoysia grass, which is popular in the south but fares well as far north as New York.

    Encouraging Root Growth

    • When grass is first planted -- whether as seed, turf or little tufts called plugs -- it needs daily watering. But once established, most grasses need infrequent, deep watering to grow deep roots. The Garden Counselor website recommends cutting back at first to watering every other day. Then, deep growth can be accomplished by training grass to go several days without watering. The roots will travel farther in search of moisture. But Garden Counselor says to consider heat and drought conditions when limiting irrigation.

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Growing Grass
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  4. What Grass Seed Really Grows?
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