Caring for Your Kentucky Bluegrass

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A happy, healthy lawn can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal. If mowing and occasional watering are not giving you that lush, green oasis you want, perhaps you need to understand your grass type better.

Today we’ll be learning about Kentucky bluegrass and what lawn care steps you can take for healthy turf that the whole neighborhood will envy.

With liquid fertilization, aeration, and proper lawn watering, you can achieve luscious, green grass! Let’s learn how you can care for your Kentucky bluegrass.

 

Kentucky Bluegrass 101

The first step to excellent lawn care is understanding your grass type to better care for it. You don’t have to live in Kentucky to have this cool-season grass - Kentucky bluegrass is a thicker, boat-shaped grass. This grass is native to Europe and the northern regions of Asia, Africa, and the US.

The name comes from its color being so dark green that it almost appears blue. If the blades' physical appearance doesn’t give it away, here are some other ways to tell if you have Kentucky bluegrass:

•     Spreading growth habit 
•     Folded new and young leaves
•     Presence of rhizomes, or underground shoots
•     Heavy thatch producer
•     Prominent in areas with a summer climate commonly in the mid-70s

 

Kentucky bluegrass is unique to other cool-season grasses because it grows best with full, direct sunlight and has thick, durable grass blades. This grass is dense and has a stiff appearance, though it is considered a medium-textured turf.

The sharper blades of Kentucky bluegrass allow it to be more resistant to damage and is even self-healing, making it highly desirable for residential and commercial lawns.

 

Liquid Fertilizer for Lush Grass

Kentucky bluegrass flourishes in a fertile landscape. Try going liquid for easy application and quick results. This grass should undergo fertilization twice a year: in the spring and the fall. This grass is tough, but not invincible. You may need to apply liquid fertilizer more often if you notice thinning grass, brown spots, patchy areas, or weeds.

We want you to get to know your grass at a deeper level and start your care there. With liquid fertilizer, you distribute nutrients to the root of grass blades, allowing penetration through the soil. Soil health will directly impact the state of your grass blades.

We recommend liquid fertilizer because it is well-mixed and has a lower salt content compared to granular fertilizer. Forget about spreading equipment - you can apply liquid fertilizer to your lawn in a uniform application. With a quick attachment to your garden hose, you can start using liquid fertilizer today!

 

All About Aerators

Kentucky bluegrass grows best in a fertile, well-drained environment. Lawn aeration is the process of poking small holes in your grass that allows water, sunlight, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the grassroots and soil. Most greens, including Kentucky bluegrass, can benefit from annual aeration.

Before you apply your liquid fertilizer, consider the benefits of first aerating your lawn:

•     Move nutrients more efficiently
•     Reduce soil compaction
•     Prevents crusting
•     Increased moisture
•     Promotes drainage

Let your lawn breathe and try our favorite aerator product, Liquid Aerating Soil Loosener. With no tools required, this product makes aerating your yard comfortable and straightforward.

Learn more about why lawn aeration is an essential step for any lawn care routine.

 

What About Watering Grass?

Along with liquid fertilizer and aeration, proper lawn watering will give you happy and healthy Kentucky bluegrass. This grass has a shallow root system and requires plenty of water in the summertime to avoid drought.

When watering your lawn, you want to consider the amount of water your grass is receiving. It’s also crucial to take into account the time of day you are watering your yard. Watering should occur in the morning when the air is cooler or at least before the sun is at its hottest to avoid burning the grass.

Although it is drought tolerant and can quickly bounce back, Kentucky bluegrass does require plenty of water. Depending on the season, you should be watering your Kentucky bluegrass 1-2 inches per week with more water needed in the hotter months.

These grass care techniques, along with full sunlight and open shade, will result in prospering Kentucky bluegrass.

 

Other Cool Season Grasses

Kentucky bluegrass stands out against traditional cool-season grasses. Cool-season grasses grow at a higher rate in a climate that is between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit but also do well in mixed climates.

They are characterized by a slower growth rate during the summer months and can withstand harsh winters.

Some other types of cool-season grasses include Ryegrass, Bentgrass, and Tall or Fine Fescue grass. You can learn more about cool-season grasses as well as warm-season grasses here.

Whether you’re looking to nurture your Kentucky bluegrass or care for another grass type, we are here to help you make the most out of your lawn care routine.

 

Kentucky Bluegrass Fast Facts

We’ve talked about the pros of Kentucky bluegrass, now let’s learn some fun facts about this type of grass species:

•     Kentucky bluegrass is an excellent grazing grass and is common in pastures.
•     Elk and deer find it highly palatable.
•     There are over 200 varieties of Kentucky bluegrass found all over the world.
•     Its dense texture makes it great for erosion control.
•     Grass grows on sandy soil.

If you’re thinking of seeding or sodding Kentucky bluegrass at your home, we hope these fun facts help you.

 

Lawn Care for All

You don’t need to be a lawn care expert to achieve green grass - let us guide you when it comes to liquid fertilizer, lawn aeration, and everything in between. 

We know lawn care is a labor of love, but we promise it’s all worth it when you can look back on your yard with pride. With the right products and proper lawn care techniques, you can have the greenest lawn on the block!

Regardless of your grass type, Simple Lawn Solutions is here to help you give the best lawn care advice.

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