Specifications for Turfgrass

Identification

• Turfgrass should not be mistaken with either a sedge or a rush. There are two main characteristics of grass that are not found on a sedge or a rush: a ligule is usually present on the stalk, and they usually sprout two leaves that are arranged in a rank. Rushes and sedges do not form a thick and fine turf or carpet and are often considered weeds by landscapers.

Vernation

• Vernation is the orientation and form of a new leaf that emerges from the grass. This is a crucial specification for a turfgrass since it determines the grass's "springiness" or soft carpet-like effect. There are two types of vernation on a turfgrass: rolled or folded. If the grass has a vernation that's either rolled or folded, then it is an ideal species of turfgrass.

Weather Specifications

• In the U.S., turfgrass species can be divided into two major types based on the weather condition they can survive on. There are the cool season grasses and the warm season grasses. Cool season grasses are able to withstand the winter and the hot summer days. Places where rain occurs during summer are the best places to plant these types. Some of the cool season turfgrass species include bentgrass, red fescue, annual ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass.

  Warm season grasses are ideal for the Southern U.S. These turfgrass variants are usually planted as sods rather from seed, as they proliferate better through this process. They also get a brownish color when the cool months arrive. Some gardeners counter this by overseeding their lawns with ryegrass before winter comes. Warm season grasses include Bermuda grass, carpet grass, centipede, buffalo grass and bahia.

Turf Quality and Grade

• Turf quality can be modified by combining several turfgrass species on a single lawn or space. They can be divided into three specifications; fine turf, medium fine turf and heavy duty. Fine turfs are commonly used on golf courses, bowling greens and smooth lawns. It is designed to be more attractive and even but it requires more attention and maintenance. An example of a fine turf combination includes species of brown top bent, red fescue and Chewing's fescue.

  Medium Fine turfs are usually ideal for places like city squares, football fields, and lawns. It is more resilient than fine turf and requires less maintenance and management. An example of a medium turf combines species of Dwarf Perennial Ryegrass, red fescues, Chewing's fescue and smooth stalked meadow grass.

  Heavy duty turfs are the most resilient and hardy among the three turf grades. It is also resilient to tough weather conditions and it can withstand continuous wear and tear. An example of a heavy duty turf combination includes species of Tall Fescue, Dwarf Perennial Ryegrass, and Crested Hair grass.