Turf grass comparison: There is a lot to consider when deciding what type of turf grass should be planted in a new landscape in Colorado Springs. Because of the elevation, temperatures, and climate, there are many types of plants and turf grasses that do not grow well in the area, especially on larger landscapes.
At Timberline Landscaping, we recommend cool-season grasses – either Kentucky bluegrass or Tall Fescue, for a Colorado Springs lawn. These two kinds of grass are two of the most popular grasses in the Springs, and for good reason. Both are extremely durable, recover nicely from foot traffic, but also stay green and lush for long periods of time.
While both perform somewhat similarly, there are some differences that could impact the decision-making process. We have compared the two to help you make a decision.
Kentucky Bluegrass
Kentucky bluegrass is one of the predominant grasses in the Colorado Springs area, and one of the most durable. If pets or children will be running on the lawn, this grass will recover nicely from any type of foot traffic.
Kentucky bluegrass is a deep green grass with a soft texture. It flourishes in full sun, with the occasional shade. It should be mowed to two and a half to three inches at least once a week. Kentucky bluegrass needs to be watered often – from one and a fourth to one and a half inches each week, especially in hot weather.
Pros:
- Lush, green grass
- Durable
- Can survive drought
- Inexpensive sod available
Cons:
- Must be regularly watered and fertilized
- Can infiltrate gardens
Tall Fescue
This cool-season bunch grass has more recently become a popular grass type in Colorado Springs. Tall Fescue has a deeper root system than most grasses, so it has the potential to save water over time. It is also more insect-resistant than most grasses.
Tall Fescue is a dark green bunch grass with a coarse texture. This grass flourishes in full sun and can handle occasional to moderate shade. It is a taller-growing grass, but should be mowed down to about three inches. Tall Fescue only needs to be watered three-fourths of an inch to one inch per week, especially in dry weather. However, planting fescue in thicker soil, like clay, makes it harder for its roots to grow deeper, which will require more watering.
Pros:
- Grows well in shade
- Very few insect problems
- Does not infiltrate gardens
- Low-maintenance
Cons:
- Grows in patches, so you will need to reseed some areas
- Mower blades must be sharpened, dull blades shred the grass blades
Selecting the right type of grass for your new landscape can be a difficult process, and there are still many choices to make before your dream landscape can be completed. For more information about common Colorado Springs turf grasses, native grasses, and overall landscape design, contact us today.
