Grass Confusion

Ramoth01 – posted 21 April 2005 14:18

Help!I have a headache trying to decide from the thousands of grass types out there. I live in Tennessee, 1 acre, mostly full sun, some full shade, two big dogs, wanting something to crowd out weeds, fast germination and then low growth height. My first inclination was the LaPrima Bermuda grass. Now, I understand that it will not grow at all in the shady areas. What do I do now?? Suggestions?

[This message has been edited by Ramoth01 (edited 21 April 2005).]

ted – posted 23 April 2005 13:22

you’ve got 2 choices- bermuda or tall fescue- tall fescue would be the better choicein your area. don’t get hung up on brand names- it’s the variety that matters.

Ramoth01 – posted 25 April 2005 06:41

I don’t think that LaPrima is the brand name. I believe it is the variety of bermuda grass that was bred for more northern extremes. I chose it because it would crowd out weeds. I could be wrong, though. Thank you for your help. I understood that the tall fescue would not handle traffic well. Is this true?

Cary, NC – posted 25 April 2005 17:17

Fescue does very well on traffic areas, but no grass will stand dogs running on them all day long – specially while dormant!

Bermuda grass will stay brown for 6 or more months in your area. Severe damage can result from your dogs running arround on the Bermuda grass or ANY grass while dormant.

If your summers are not too hot, then recommend you go with a blend of Ryegrass and Fescue. Some Bluegrass will help cover patchy areas.

If you going to use Fescue, stick with the winners/name brand: Rebels, TurfSeed, Pennington Seed, and or Scotts.