In Ohio somewhat few species of grass are useful for home lawn turf. The recommended species include Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue and fine fescue. Table 1 summarizes information pertaining to the recommended uses of these grasses, their potential quality, relative management costs and seeding rates. With proper management, it forms a fine textured, high-quality, long lasting turf. It has an aggressive sod-forming nature that allows rapid recovery from injury.
Kentucky bluegrass requires moist, well-drained, fertile soil.
It will not tolerate extremely acid or alkaline soils and generally does not tolerate shade. Germination and establishment rate are slow, and weeds may become a problem if seeded in spring or summer. Kentucky bluegrass can be established from seed or as sod with equal success. Although not needed for survival, irrigation is required during hot, dry periods if turf quality is to be maintained. The ryegrasses have the most rapid germination and seedling establishment of all the turfgrass species.