Turfgrass Selection for the Home Landscape

Author(s): Harivandi, M Ali; Gibeault, Victor A; Henry, Michael J; Wu, Lin; Geisel, Pamela M; Unruh, Carolyn L | Abstract: Turfgrass species and varieties rated from best to worst for 14 different criteria involving climate, disease resistance, and intended use of the lawn.

The lists below rank common turfgrasses according to important characteristics and cultural requirements.Within a category, a given grass may differ little from the one listed immediately above or below it; it may, however, differ greatly from one further up or down on the list.The position of a particular turfgrass in a list may change slightly as more is learned about it.Some characteristics of an improved variety may be substantially different than the original species.Its position is also affected by the climate and microclimate at the intended location of establishment.The general ranking (high, low, or intermediate) of turf varieties can be very useful in the selection process.
The warm-season turfgrasses usually lose their green color and are dormant in winter if the average air temperature drops below 50°to 60°F.Some may die if exposed to subfreezing temperatures for extended periods.
The cool-season turfgrasses do not ordinarily lose their green color unless the average air temperature drops below 32°F for an extended period.They turn green again as soon as temperatures rise above freezing and are not usually damaged by subfreezing temperatures.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N
You'll find detailed information on many aspects of turfgrass management in these titles and in other publications, slide sets, and videos from UC ANR:

Common name (Grasses listed in bold type are
more appropriate for the home lawn.)Scientific name *Annual ryegrass is inferior in generally recognized turfgrass characteristics; therefore, it is not ranked here with other turfgrass species.It is, however, commonly used to overseed winter-dormant, warm-season turfgrasses, or where a temporary vegetative cover is needed.**Although considered a perennial broadleaf and not a true grass, dichondra can be maintained as a lawn in regions where warm season turfgrasses are adapted.

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IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Turfgrass, Publication 3365-T This publication was funded in part by the Elvenia J. Slosson Fund.This publication is a revised edition of Selecting the Best Turfgrass by M. Ali Harivandi, William B. Davis, Victor A. Gibeault, Michael J. Henry, John A. Van Dam, Lin Wu, and Victor B. Youngner, ANR Leaflet 2589, 1990.©2001by the Regents of the University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.All rights reserved.The University of California prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person employed by or seeking employment with the University on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or status as a covered veteran (special disabled veteran, Vietnam-era veteran or any other veteran who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized).University Policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions of applicable State and Federal laws.Inquiries regarding the University' s nondiscrimination policies may be directed to the Affirmative Action/Staff Personnel Services Director, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 300 Lakeside Drive, 6th floor, Oakland, CA 94612-3550; (510) 987-0096.For This publication has been anonymously peer reviewed for technical accuracy by University of California scientists and other qualified professionals.This review process was managed by the ANR Associate Editor for Environmental Horticulture.
An electronic version of this publication is available on the ANR Communication Services website at http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu.