Your Kentucky Bluegrass Lawn

One species of grass that is native to Northern Asia,the grass crowns alive so that when it rains, the grass
the mountains of Algeria and Morocco, and most ofwill liven up quicker.
Europe is Kentucky bluegrass. This kind of grass hasAnother thing that you need to know about Kentucky
become more popular and common in some areas ofbluegrass is that it requires a large amount of Nitrogen.
the United States that are humid and cool. KentuckyDuring the first year of the trees life, it will need five or
bluegrass was transplanted to the United States bysix pounds for the tree to grow strong and tall. You
the European colonists, who brought along mixtures ofcan probably cut back the amount of Nitrogen needed
grass seed. This type of grass flourished in the areaby half after the first year. It is best to use some kind
of New England where it was introduced and nowof slow release nitrogen source so that you do not
you can find it in the other areas of the United States.burn the tree and so it is more convenient for you. You
In the United States, Kentucky bluegrass is verywill find that it can be applied very liberally in this way
recognizable due to its boat shaped blade tips. Theand not as frequently, which can save you time and
normal growth of Kentucky blue grass is one andeffort.
one-half to two feet high, but it varies with the season.One of the down sides of Kentucky bluegrass is that it
The growth of this type of grass is triggered by howis very susceptible to pests, both crawling and growing.
long the days are, rather than the temperature.You may also encounter a large weed problem with
Before you begin planting Kentucky bluegrass, youthis type of grass, too. The weeds most common to
need to know that it will take about two to threeKentucky bluegrass include crabgrass, clover, and
pounds of seed for each 1,000 square feet of land.dandelions. These weeds are usually easily controlled
You can sow this seed any time during the year, but itwith herbicides that work before the weeds appear.
will grow better if it is planted in the fall or spring. AfterThere are also several insects who love to nibble on
you plant the seeds, you need to water it a least twiceKentucky bluegrass. These include white grubs, billbugs,
daily for the first two weeks and if it is extremelyand sod webworms. You need to watch for the
warm, then you may need to water it three times ainsects becoming a problem and apply pesticides
day until it takes root. Once you begin seeing sprouts,when needed. You may also find that the Bluegrass is
you can cut back on the watering regimen.susceptible to disease. You can prevent disease by
When you compare Kentucky blue grass to otheradding a strain of Bluegrass that has resistance to
types of grass, you will learn that Kentucky bluegrassdisease. If you have alkaline soil, then you can find that
needs as much as two inches of water each week toyour Kentucky bluegrass develops iron chlorosis, which
stay healthy. By watering the Kentucky bluegrassis seen by yellowing in the veins of the grass.
abundantly, you will find that the grass will stay brightYou will find that Kentucky bluegrass is one of the
and green even during the summer. It is important,most popular and common types of grass in the
however, to water the grass no less than an inch towhole United States. It is easily recognizable and, if a
help make the roots grow deeper and stronger. If youfew simple rules are followed, it is easy to plant and
are having a drought, and your grass does dormant,maintain. If you follow the tips above, you will be
then it will only need about an inch of water every twoenjoying your beautiful Kentucky bluegrass in no time.
weeks or so. This amount of watering will help keep