When designing a landscape, consider alternatives to turf. A major benefit of turf is that it will take traffic. Once you have chosen areas for turf, select the species or variety that best suits your location. Delaware is in the transition zone for grasses. Since Delaware is in the northern part of the transition zone, we must cope with cool-season grasses that do not perform well in the summer.
Kentucky bluegrass is considered the most desirable species for a fine, high-maintenance lawn.
It has a narrow leaf blade, lush green color and good spreading ability. It also requires frequent moving, higher rates of fertilization and tolerates drought poorly. Fine fescue is often included in a mix for its shade tolerance. It is very fine-textured and does not perform well in the sun. Therefore, it should not be used alone.