When Does Kentucky Bluegrass Start to Go Dormant?

Location

• Kentucky bluegrass is a turfgrass that's widely used in temperate areas throughout the United States. It is aggressive, relatively adaptable and long-living. Kentucky bluegrass should not be used in dry climates. Areas with less than 16 inches of annual precipitation can't support healthy Kentucky bluegrass.

Dormancy

• Dormancy in Kentucky bluegrass is caused by hot, dry conditions. This grass will survive drought, but will not spread or thrive in the absence of adequate water. In most climates, Kentucky bluegrass is dormant during the middle of the summer. To prevent dormancy, water the grass regularly during hot, dry weather. About 1 to 2 inches of water spread out among three weekly waterings is typically sufficient. Soil should be wet to a depth of 6 inches.

Maintenance

• Once Kentucky bluegrass has been established in a lawn, it can be maintained with moderate watering and regular fertilization. Well-drained soil is best for this type of grass. Kentucky bluegrass should be fertilized with a slow-release fertilizer which provides about 2 lbs. of nitrogen for every 1,000 square feet. Provide the first application in spring and a second in the fall. Grass should be mowed regularly to a height of about 2 1/2 inches. Mulch the clippings back into the lawn to return nutrients to the existing grass.

Seeding

• For the best results, seed Kentucky bluegrass between late summer and early fall. This reduces the chances of dormancy early in the growing process. Bluegrass seeded in the spring or summer months may encounter the hot, dry conditions that cause the grass to go dormant and halt the growth and establishment of the lawn. Kentucky bluegrass should be seeded at a rate of about 1 1/2 lbs. of seed for every 1,000 square feet.