It is estimated that grasslands covers almost 20% of the vegetation of the earth. There are about 600 genera and at least 10,000 species of grasses. Generally, grasses are classified into two groups: cool season grasses and warm season grasses. 1. Cool Season Grasses - Bent Grass Bent grass is a native of Europe and parts of Asia which later one introduced in America. This grass can withstand cool temperature, has a fine texture, deep green color, thick density and said to be a resilient type of a grass. It forms a dense mat by creeping stolons and has a shallow root system with slender leaves. They are considered the most beautiful and luxury grasses of the cool season grasses. Other types of Bent grasses: Colonial this variety is the tallest of the bents with very fine texture and the density associated with bent grasses. It is the strongest of the bents in resistance to wear and climates that extend into the transitional area. Creeping it is used most commonly on golf putting greens because of the thickness and mowing qualities. This type of bent grass is used extensively in golf courses, lawns, athletic fields for their creeping, beautiful tinge, dense growth and short mowing capabilities. Velvet velvet bent grass is one of the oldest types of grass used for lawns and golf courses in Europe. It has the finest texture of all the bents although it does not grow best in transition area and is used mainly in areas with cool temperatures, moist and fertile soils. It grows similarly like that of the colonial version only shorter. Its coloration is rather lighter than the colonial and creeping varieties. - Ryegrass This is primarily used during the winter cover on farmlands and gardens to facilitate nitrogen and minimize erosion. - Bluegrass This type of grass has rich looking lawns and is by far the most popular for its fine texture. - Fescue Other types of fescue grass include Fine Fescue, Red Fescue and Tall Fescue. This grass type grows best in shady areas and sometimes they can also be used in warm season areas. 2. Warm Season Grasses - Bermuda Grass This grass type is one of the most sun loving warm season lawn and pasture grasses. It is considered the South Grass; they grow in tropical, sub-tropical and the transition zones. Bermuda grasses can be easily planted from grass seed and gives a good medium plus turf grass lawn in Southern areas. Bermuda grasses adapt well to low mowing heights and is wearable. It is used for fairways, tees, and greens. Bermuda requires a moderate amount of lawn grass care, mowing and maintenance. - Buffalo Grass Buffalo grass is considered the lowest maintenance type of grass and one of the few grasses that stops to grow after reaching a low height of around 6 inches. This type of grass is suited for conditions of drought, strong heat, high winds, and cool winters. It can grow well in loam and clay soil but not much in sandy soils. One of its characteristics is a broad area adaptation which allows buffalo grass to excel in turf grass quality aver a wide range of climates and locations. - Zoysia Grass It is also called Japanese lawn grass (Zoysia japonica) or Korean lawn grass. It is extremely drought tolerant that has the capacity to respond to frequent irrigation or rainfall. - Bahia Grass Bahia grasses are resistant to drought, insect attacks and disease. Its a medium maintenance grass. A Bahia grass has a coarse blade which grows well in lawns and along highways. - Centipede This grass type grows well in full sunlight but is moderately shade tolerant. They thrive more on moderately acid soils (pH 5 to 6). Centipede grass is ideal for those homeowners who want an attractive lawn that requires little care. Homes are made to cradle comfort and calmness; it is the green pastures that create the fresh look. Grasses are ground covers that make a dull land area fairly attractive. Depending on the grass that is used, it can affect a game of golf. Grasses can help with erosion and provide an attractive turf at the same time. |
