In Ohio, only a few species of grass are useful for home lawns. Information about the recommended uses of these grasses, their potential quality, relative management costs and seeding rates are summarized in Table 1. Review the characteristics of the recommended species before making a species selection. Kentucky Bluegrass Kentucky bluegrass is the primary lawn turfgrass grown in Ohio. This ability enables bluegrass to rapidly recuperate from injury and fill in thin areas in the lawn.
Kentucky bluegrass is winter-hardy and capable of withstanding temperature and moisture extremes.
During hot, dry periods it tends to become dormant and lose color. If high quality is desired during the summer period, lawn irrigation is often necessary. It will not tolerate extremely acid or alkaline soils or heavy shade. Germination and establishment rates are slow, and weeds may develop if seeded in late spring or early summer. Kentucky bluegrass requires a medium to high level of management with routine applications of fertilizer.