Spring is just around the corner, which means it’s time to consider the state of your home’s lawn – and that includes its grass. Simple enough, when you know the type of grass growing on your lawn, you can take better care of it throughout its growing season. Use these eight easy ways to identify the type of grass on your lawn.
Easy Ways To Identify the Type of Grass on Your Lawn
As a homeowner, you’ll need to know the type of grass on your lawn for several reasons. Whether you’re planning to improve your lawn’s overall look and health or introduce a new species to it, understanding what kind of grass currently lives there is essential. Thankfully, there are some ways to identify the type of grass on your lawn without having to spend endless hours looking up identification information.
Note the Physical Appearance of the Grass
One of the most apparent indications of different grass types is their physical appearance. Observing the grass blades’ shape, size, and color can help you identify the grass species present. If you’re friendly with your neighbors and they have the same type of grass in their yards, it might be a good bet to ask them if they know to help you narrow it down even faster. If that’s not possible, you’ll need to dig a little deeper and look for its uniqueness, where it grows best, and if it’s in the sun or shade.
Check the Leaf Shape
Different grass types have distinct leaf shapes. Some are broad and flat, like St. Augustine grasses, while others are narrow and thin, like Bermuda grass. Keep an eye out for rolled grass leaves, as they’re a sign of certain species like Kentucky Bluegrass.
Look for Veins and Ridges
Some grasses, like Zoysia, for example, have visible mid-ribs or veins that run down their length, while others might possess parallel ridges on the surface, such as Fescue grass. Make a note of any veins and ridges as you examine the grass.
Note the Grass Color
Grass color can vary between species—some possess a dark green hue, while others exhibit lighter shades of green. Grass species might also change color based on the season and growing conditions.
Determine the Growth Patterns of the Grass
Understanding the growth patterns of your grass can reveal crucial information about the species living on your lawn. Is there a large patch that’s thriving in the shade but browning in the sun? Make sure you particularly notice this as it will help you narrow down the types you have growing.
Clumping vs. Spreading?
Some types of grass grow in clumps, while others spread out using stolons or rhizomes. Clumping grasses typically need reseeding to fill any gaps, while spreading grasses fill open spaces more quickly.
Seasonality
Different grasses grow at different times of the year. It’s essential to know the difference between warm-season and cool-season grass when trying to identify your lawn grass. Some examples of warm-season grasses include Bermuda grass and Zoysia grass, while cool-season grasses include Kentucky Bluegrass and Fescue grass.
Consult a Local Extension Office or Online Database
Local extension offices possess a wealth of knowledge on plant identification and can help you determine the type of grass on your lawn. They might even offer walk-in consultations or plant identification guides to help you accurately categorize your grass. If a walk-in consultation is offered, make sure you have plenty of clear and close-up photos and videos showcasing all the types of lawn grasses you see in your yard.
In addition to consulting a local extension office, you can refer to online databases specializing in plant identification. By searching for images or descriptions of various grass species, you can easily narrow down the list of potential types your lawn might be growing.
Identifying your lawn grass type requires time and patience to determine what’s growing in your yard. And understanding your grass species can significantly impact your lawn’s overall appearance and health. Follow these eight easy ways to identify the type of grass on your lawn so you can give your home’s exterior the attention it deserves.