I need to know what type of grass i have?
Question:i built a home 3 years ago and the builder laid sod. it is very slow growing and very thick and green. makes a great yard. this year my sod is coming back in patches and doesnt look nice. how do i go about finding what kind of grass is in my yard? i am letting it go to seed to see if this will replant it self, but i dont know if that in itself is bad? and how long do i need the seeds develop before i mow it? thank you for all who answers.
Answers:
Many types of turf grasses need to be overseeded each growing season. There's not enough information to determine which type you have. You can take a small clump and soil sample to the coop extension to test your soil and they can also tell you which type you have. Bare spots can be caused by a variety of problems (ie grubworms, fungus, light conditions, compacted soil, etc.) If there's not a nearby coop, seed stores are also a good place for info.
Grass ID is tough! One clue for bluegrass is the tips of the grass blades look like the ends of a canoe (assuming it hasn't been cut)
First you need to determine what is causing the brown out before you try to get new grass. If it is soil insects such as grubs or sod webworm, you need to get them out. It if is a disease you need to know how you managed the lawn that allowed the disease to take hold. If the problem is lack of water on your part, well then you need to brush up your lawn management skills before you try again.
I wouldn't allow the current grass to set seed as that weakens the exisiting grass plants. So get back to mowing like you should. You can resod those missing areas or you can reseed. Either way, you'll need to prepare a good soil bed for whatever you choose.
Find your Cooperative Extension Service agent for your county. Do a Google seach for (your state) Cooperative Extension Service...or just Cooperative Extension Service and then search for the state. This will give you an address and phone number. The Extension Service also has booklets on selected subjects including lawn management. The agent will guid you.
You can also find the agent in the phone book, government pages either under state, agriculture or county. It varies which is why I often just use the computer.
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