Most people are unaware of the type of grass they have on their property. However, a critical part of good lawn and garden maintenance is being able to identify grass, so you may meet its unique needs and grow a beautiful lawn effectively. Learn more about the different lawn grass types available in the UK and how to identify them below.
Perennial ryegrass
With a coarse profile and thick growth, perennial ryegrass is widely grown in the UK. This lawn grass grows well in cold weather, though it does need regular mowing. It is well suited for heavy foot traffic due to its overall toughness. An excellent example of this grass species is dwarf ryegrass, which is incredibly fast-growing compared to others.
Fescue grass
The other popular grass variant on British lawns is the delicate and thin-looking fescue species. In contrast to ryegrass, fescue grows relatively slowly and features fine blades. However, it offers excellent coverage when maintained well due to its rich green colour. It is typically found on golf courses due to the need for smooth turf.
Creeping bentgrass
Creeping bentgrass is relatively fine like its fescue counterpart, and it’s commonly found in backyards and golf courses. This variant is highly disease resistant and thrives on all soil types due to its horizontally growing root system. It is the preferred lawn grass on bowling greens and golf courses because it tolerates short mowing without any problems.
Annual meadowgrass
This last lawn grass type looks almost like a weed since it produces flowers that may look unappealing on formal property lawns. It is typically found in unkempt areas, like meadows. In addition, it is not recommended to use annual meadowgrass on new lawns due to its flowering ability and sparse coverage.
How to determine lawn grass type
Once you understand the common lawn grasses, it is time to learn how to determine which type is growing in your front or back garden. Here are a few lawn grass identification tips:
A dark green lawn is likely a fescue type, while the opposite light green shade might be the annual meadowgrass variety.
A smooth and fine turf could be fescue grass species or creeping bentgrass, particularly if it exhibits fast growth after mowing.
A rough and rugged-looking lawn most likely contains meadowgrass or ryegrass, while neat lawns typically feature more fescue species.
A lawn that seems to have flowers despite the small grass size is likely creeping bent or meadowgrass.
A lawn with fine blades and even coverage is fescue species, while annual meadowgrass can appear unappealing due to its inferior lawn coverage.
A lawn grass that tolerates heavy foot traffic without losing any grass patches could likely be dwarf ryegrass.
Conclusion
Regardless of the lawn grass type you choose, regular maintenance is vital to keep it looking healthy and vibrant. Contact Redblade Mowers today in West Lancashire, Southport, Formby, Ormskirk, Hesketh Bank, Tarleton, Rufford, Burscough and surrounding areas to discuss the best garden machinery to maintain your lawn. Whether you need riding lawnmowers or Solis tractors, we are happy to offer you the most efficient solution for your needs, along with after-sales and repair services.
