Lawn Challenge - Primary Lawn Grass Species for Northern Illinois Kentucky bluegrass is the major lawn species of northern Illinois and prefers full sun. Primary Lawn Grass Species for Northern Illinois Kentucky bluegrass is by far the most popular species used in home lawns in northern Illinois, due to high quality appearance, hardiness, and recovery ability. Kentucky bluegrass spreads by rhizomes. Kentucky bluegrass prefers full sun, although a few cultivars have tolerance to light shade. Kentucky bluegrass is slow to establish by seed, and is also readily available as sod.
Fine fescues require less maintenance and many adapt to shade.
The fine fescues include red and chewings fescues, sheep fescue, and hard fescue. Maintenance levels are generally low, especially fertilizer needs, and fine fescues may decline in full sun when mowed frequently. Fine fescues are seeded. Perennial ryegrass offers quick establishment and good wear tolerance. Perennial ryegrass is a bunch-type grass with quality very similar to Kentucky bluegrass.