Types Of Grass: Beware Incompatible Grass Mixes

We live in an age of convenience and to a point there is nothing wrong with that. However, sometimes what is convenient in the packet is not always convenient in use. Grass seed mixes are a good example. Most quality mixes are designed by professionals and they tend to have a mix of winter and summer grasses that cohabit together well. Other mixes, while able to survive together, are not always compatible in lawns.

Before moving on, it’s important to understand the difference between a grass mix and a grass blend. Grass mixes are made from a range of different grass types. Grass blends are made from the one different type of grass but contains various varieties of that type. A Bermuda blend will contain a mix of various Bermuda grasses. An all purpose mix will contain a mix of summer and winter grass types.

A good example is a summer grass mix that contains Bermuda grass, Zoysia and Tall Fescue. In theory, this mix offers a good lawn coverage throughout summer. Bermuda can take traffic, Tall Fescue is a tough grass in dry conditions, and Zoysia adds to depth in the lawn’s color on top while digging deep root systems underneath.

They can all survive with little water, they like to set down deep roots so weekly deep watering is the best approach, and they form a great color as a lawn. However, that is where the compatibility comes to an end. For best results, Tall Fescue needs to be left at around 3-4 inches in height in summer. Zoysia needs to be around the 2-3 inches while Bermuda Grass should be cut at around 1-2 inches.

You can get away with a Bermuda-Zoysia mix since they can both be cut at 2 inches in summer. If you do like Fescue then you’re better off looking at one of the shorter varieties. If you have a grass seed mix that contains Tall Fescue and you are starting to see small dead or bald patches the problem may well relate to how short you are cutting your lawn. Any lower than three inches and the Tall Fescue will suffer.

For any patches that appear, use a lawn tool to perforate the soil then sow a grass type that is compatible with your current lawn. If you’re not sure of the grass type then select either a Bermuda or Zoysia seed – they will survive with most other grasses. More importantly, ensure your grass types are compatible in all areas, particularly mowing heights. Better still, select a grass blend rather than a grass mix – they are generally better value in the long run.