New tough-turf grass varieties

Want to water less? Want to mow less? Then here are some newer options of turf grass for you to try. 

Just how much water does buffalo grass need to survive? How much water does Kentucky Blue grass need to survive? These figures might surprise you. Buffalo grass needs from 0-20 inches a year and if you want it to stay a nice green, water weekly during the season. Kentucky Blue grass needs 16-30 inches and can still be watered every few days. If you apply more than that in a season, you are overwatering your turf.

Not everyone can have Buffalo grass because it does not hold up well to heavy foot traffic. But for those who have turf areas that do not get a lot of traffic, then Prestige is recommended. Prestige is more winter hardy. Sundancer is the newest variety that has early spring green-up and fall color retention. It is shorter in height and has a fine leaf texture. It has adapted to a variety of diverse environments.

There are still other varieties such as SPF-30. It is a cross between Kentucky bluegrass and Texas bluegrass, and it is well suited for bluegrass turf applications for improved heat and drought tolerance. SPF-30 will increase density, provide brown patch performance and aid in drought stress recovery. It does well with a lot of foot traffic. Chewing Fescue is also a good variety to consider because it has good shade tolerance. This fescue has a fine blade. It can be watered well every two weeks. Just remember that when the grass is out of water, this fescue does not go dormant, it just dies. 

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