Among homeowners, Kentucky bluegrass has gotten a bad rap since the drought of 2000-2003. At the time, numerous articles focused on how much water bluegrass turf required, as part of the message for the need for homeowner water conservation. What wasn’t as clear at the time was that all varieties of turf may need more water than many evergreens and xeric herbaceous and woody plants. Lost in the conversation was that the choice of turf, of any variety, should be made after carefully considering the specific needs of the landscape, rather than assuming every inch should be planted solely with turf.

The decision to install or retain existing turf is specific to the planned use for the yard. For some homeowners, a grassy area for children to play is a must. For others who spend minimal time in a grassy yard or don’t enjoy mowing, watering, and maintaining a lawn, perhaps little or no turf is the right choice. Each homeowner can assess these issues and make a decision specific to their individual needs and wishes.

But for those who choose turf, Kentucky bluegrass, like any other turf, has its pros and cons. When deciding which variety of turf to select, it is important to consider a number of factors. First, how you plan to use the lawn: Will it be used for heavy or frequent traffic or play, or will you primarily be admiring it from your deck? Are you interested in regularly maintaining it or will you provide minimal water, fertilizer and pest control? Do you require a high level of visual quality to the turf? Is the area sunny or shady? Is there a ready supply of water? Is the soil sandy or mostly clay? Are you willing to use pesticides to maintain the quality of the turf? These are just some of the questions to consider before selecting a turf variety. Based on the answers, Kentucky bluegrass may or may not be the best choice for your situation.

Some of the best qualities of bluegrass include its ability to withstand and recuperate from high levels of traffic and activity. Numerous cultivars have been developed to be extremely drought resistant, having the ability to go dormant during long periods without water and subsequently recover. Bluegrass also has excellent heat and cold tolerance, is readily and economically available as sod, and is generally perceived to have a high visual quality (both density and color). Finally, Kentucky bluegrass also has one of the lowest evapotranspiration (a measurement of lost water from the plant and soil) rates of all turf varieties. However, some of the disadvantages of bluegrass are that it tolerates shade poorly, is more prone to disease and insect problems, and can become thatchy if not properly maintained.

Other turf varieties to consider include tall fescue, buffalograss, and fine fescues. As with bluegrass, each has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, buffalograss is native to Colorado, can tolerate extremes of heat and cold, and requires little mowing and minimal water. Weeds are a common problem in buffalograss lawns and can be difficult to control. Sod is expensive and is not readily available in northern Colorado. It also has a short “green” season, only from May to September, and lags far behind bluegrass in spring green-up. Tall fescue, like bluegrass, has a long green season from March to December and excellent traffic tolerance, but is quite slow to recover from injury that may leave bare areas in the lawn.

The decision to install or retain turf areas is just that – a decision based on individual needs and preferences. While broadcast irrigation of turf areas may use more water than directed watering of well-mulched xeric plantings, Kentucky bluegrass is not the “water hog” it has been portrayed as. Ultimately, the planned use and site conditions of any potential turf area will determine what variety of turf is best for you.

Visit the Colorado State University Turf website at http://csuturf.colostate.edu/Pages/homelawncare.htm for further details and information on turf selection, as well as general lawn care tips, from local experts at CSU. Other information on lawn care can be found on CSU Extension Fact Sheets #7.199 -“Watering Established Lawns” and 7.202 -“Lawn Care.”

The authors have received training through Colorado State University Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.

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This page updated:  August 5, 2008