Mixing lawn grasses is akin to alchemy ...

For different purposes - for decorative lawn, parterre, park or sports lawn - it is necessary to choose different ratios of the main types of grasses.

• What are these species?
• What are their properties?
• When is it better to choose a lawn mixture with a predominance of bluegrass, and where to choose ryegrass or fescue?

You can find answers to these and other questions in this article ...

Lawn mixes can usually be purchased ready-made. In this case, you need to know well the properties of each herbal type and the composition of the mixture. Then you can decide how to choose the right lawn grass seeds for planting in the country.

Alternatively, the grass seeds can be mixed on their own.

The main popular types of grass for sowing a lawn

The basis for all lawn mixtures is formed by:

• red fescue;
• meadow bluegrass;
• slender bent;
• perennial or pasture ryegrass.

The properties of a lawn are essentially determined by the presence and proportions of these species in the seed mixture.

We will consider them in more detail, provide you with extended information about each type, with Latin names certain types lawn grasses and photographs.

Red fescue (Festuca rubra sensu lato)

Red fescue can be cut frequently and shortly (from 20 to 40 mm on decorative and sports lawns). Adapted to moderate stress.

It is the basis of all decorative lawns. This is an unpretentious type of lawn grass, in which three subspecies are distinguished: red fescue (festuca rubra rubra) with long rhizomes, hairy (festuca rubra trichophylla) with short and tough (festuca rubra commutata) without rhizomes.

It is a short grass from deep green to gray-green in color. Basal leaves are narrow and long, deeply grooved, up to 1 mm wide. Stem leaves, as a rule, are wider - about 2 mm, flat and grooved.

Peculiarities:

• Fescue is relatively undemanding to care for. It is quite resistant to trampling, although it is inferior to bluegrass and ryegrass.
• After sowing, fescue sprouts break through within two to three weeks.
• In spring, the shoots break through early, and it is good that the grass is very resistant to unfavorable climatic conditions and weather changes.
• The turf layer grows evenly and takes root at a moderate rate.
• TOP varieties produce thick and very soft lawn turf.
• Red fescue is not very susceptible to common fungal infections.
• It successfully resists drought when the leaves temporarily dry out, but the plants themselves regenerate very well.

In Russia, 41 varieties are used for making lawn mixtures. You can find out more about the varieties in the article on this type of lawn grass.

Usage

Loose and rhizome-loose Red fescue varieties are the basis of the best decorative lawns (in such mixtures up to 60-70%) due to the dense, very delicate turf. Elite varieties of fescue are also used for golf turf.

Rhizome varieties, give a rarer turf, but better fill the gaps in the undergrowth. They are preferred in commercial and park or landscape lawn formulations, especially on poor and dry soils.

Due to its resistance to lack of light, fescue is used for sowing in shaded areas, in the shade of fences, trees or bushes.

Meadow bluegrass (Roa pratensis)

Mowing bluegrass can be even lower than perennial ryegrass (up to a height of 10-30 mm)

Broad-leaved forms of bluegrass grow in fertile meadows and pastures, with sufficient moisture, from lowlands to the subalpine zone. The narrow-leaved form is found more often in dry steppe meadows, along roads, on overgrown slopes and talus.

This is perennial with long underground rhizomes, medium height, dark green.

Peculiarities:

• The grown bluegrass forms a dense lawn of medium softness.
• Sod is resistant to mechanical damage and perfectly regenerates due to underground shoots forming a dense underground turf.

Flaws:

• After sowing, bluegrass germinates very slowly, over three to four weeks.
• Sod develops and takes root too slowly, and reaches full development in the following (after sowing) years.
• For some bluegrass varieties, late spring growth can be expected.
• Differs in susceptibility to some foliar diseases - especially in autumn.

Usage:

Bluegrass is an essential ingredient for the creation of highly stressed landscaping and sports lawns. Increases the density of the grass cover and its resistance to mechanical stress.

Its increased ability to regenerate helps to quickly overgrow damaged areas.

Elite varieties with a narrow leaf can also be used in mixtures for decorative lawns.

Slender bent (Agrostis tenuis Sibth.)

Poor resistance to stress if not mowed regularly and very low (5-10 mm)

Low grass with short roots. Stems are thin, smooth, straight. Flat or semi-twisted leaf blades about 2 mm wide.

Positive traits:

• The main advantage is undemanding, it grows on poor and dry soils.
• Forms a dense high-quality lawn carpet.

Flaws:

• It is characterized by extremely slow germination after sowing (21-30 days) and slow initial growth.
• Late spring vegetation.
• Requires a lot of moisture and frequent low mowing.

Lawns with a large proportion of bent grass are prone to the formation of lawn felt, they require scarification - cutting the turf to a shallow depth.

Usage:

The slender bent is suitable in a mixture with red fescue for nourishing the best decorative lawns. Used in golf turf mixes.

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)

Pasture ryegrass requires frequent mowing. But, attention! Do not cut it too low (at least 25-30 mm)

The cereal, also called English ryegrass or pasture, is one of the finest perennial grasses.

It is a dark green, low bushy species. It has straight, reddish stems, leaves with blades up to 6 mm wide.

Peculiarities:

• It also grows on heavier soils with a compacted surface.
• Demanding on the abundance of moisture and nutrients.
• Perennial ryegrass is a fundamental component of English turf mixes.

Advantages:

• Of all lawn grasses, it sprouts and grows the fastest. The soft, resilient turf develops and takes root in the year of sowing.
• It is very resistant to mechanical stress and perfectly regenerates after damage.
• Perfectly competes with weeds.

Flaws:

• Sensitive to temperature extremes, ideal for mild climates, unsuitable for continental climates. Prone to freezing. After a snowless winter, your lawn may become bald.
• Susceptible to fungal infection. Especially in areas where snow lies for a long time, it is affected by snow mold.
• Poorly tolerates extreme droughts.

Usage:

Perennial ryegrass is the basis of mixtures for sports and park lawns, in which it provides resistance to heavy loads and quick regeneration of damaged areas.

It is also included in mixes designed to quickly renew green areas and regenerative crops.

Due to its vitality, it is necessary to formulate mixtures so that in the early stages of lawn development it does not displace other herbal components with delayed development.

Additional types of herbs for lawn mixtures

You can add herbs that feel confident in our region to the main composition of the lawn mixture.

Requirements for them:

• Good frost resistance.
• Unpretentious care.

Escaping bent (Agrostis stolonifera)

• Growing rapidly.

• Creeping shoots may be slightly lighter than the main green of the lawn. From this, the meadow turns out to be motley.

For a classic lawn, this is an undoubted marriage, but for a country lawn it is not at all scary.

Narrow-leaved bluegrass (Poa angustifolia), common (Poa trivialis), flattened (Poa compressa)

• Fast growth.
• Good area occupancy.

• Fragility - will have to be transplanted in 5-6 years.
• A plant with an uneven bluish color, therefore it is suitable only for "summer cottage" use.
• Shoots are too harsh. Walking on it will not be very comfortable, so it is more suitable for "visual beauty".

Oak or upland bluegrass (Poa nemoralis)

• Feels great in shaded areas. It is logical to plant it where there is little light: under a fence, near buildings, under garden trees.

• This plant has weak root system, therefore, trampling and frequent mowing is contraindicated for him.

Marsh bluegrass (Poa palustris)

• Grows well in areas with high humidity... Therefore, if you have a lawn on the site without preliminary drainage, marsh bluegrass is what you need!
• It grows into a dense green carpet with powerful roots. Hence the conclusion - it will withstand repeated mowing.

• The lifespan of this herb is maximum 4-5 years. He has to be constantly sown.

Meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis)

It can be planted as a temporary lawn, although it will last at least 4 years.

• Rapid growth - 2 months and the lawn is ready!
• A great addition to the main grass: while it is gaining strength, fescue will cover empty spaces.
• Already in the first season, the dense green carpet will delight the owners.
• But on next year the main herb will grow stronger and gradually displace, replace this cereal.

• Weak roots that are afraid of trampling, so this grass should be planted as an additional one.

Pole grass (Agrostis canina)

There are not only lawns that you can walk on, but also the so-called parterre or English, exclusively decorative.
For the latter, the dog bent is perfect.

• The name may not be very attractive, but the grass has an absolutely amazing emerald color.
• The outer velvety of delicate blades of grass from a distance resembles solid fabric.

• Lives no more than 5 years.
• Weak roots do not tolerate trampling.
• It grows rather slowly.

Before creating your lawn, it's worth asking yourself a few questions. First, what, exactly, do you need a lawn for? For beauty? For sports games in the fresh air? Or for everything at once? Secondly, what are the conditions in the area intended for the lawn - sun, shade, wet, dry, acidity of the soil is high or low? And already based on this, make a choice from the list the best lawn grass producers.

As a rule, only some varieties of herbs are suitable for the Russian climatic zone. Therefore, before buying, you should carefully read the composition of the mixture and determine if there is the following types: meadow bluegrass, red fescue and perennial ryegrass. Sometimes bent grass (its different species) is added to them. Despite some scarcity of the basic set, each species has many varieties that differ in appearance, growth rate, resistance to lesions, and so on.

There are several requirements for high-quality lawn mixtures:

1. they should quickly take root (and even on a poor nutrients soil);
2. after mowing, grow more slowly, but at the same time the brightness of the color and density should remain the same;
3. it is good to tolerate temperature extremes typical for Russia;
4. be resistant to diseases and pests.

If the lawn in your country house has already grown, you should think about buying a lawn mower, we have selected the best models for you:

In Russia, the most popular are five producers of herbal mixtures.

5. Green Meadow

The American company Green Meadow opens the rating of manufacturers of high-quality grass mixtures for lawns. It is one of the most renowned suppliers of a variety of plants in both the United States and Europe. She has a rich assortment, however, a Russian lawn enthusiast should remember that a rare mixture will take root on Russian soil. The basis of the mixture is perennial ryegrass, it is very beautiful in appearance, but short-lived. Ryegrass is a part of many mixtures, as its fast germination will provide the lawn with a beautiful, even color at the very beginning, and then give way to more long-lived grasses. At the same time, he still does not tolerate frosts and dies at temperatures from -15 and below. Residents of the southern regions of Russia can enjoy its bright malachite color, but "Europeans" and Siberians should think hard.

4. Lilliputian

Liliput lawn mixture is specially designed for the harsh Russian climate and made as undemanding as possible. This is a lawn for the lazy (or for those who cannot garden more than one day in a couple of weeks). Herbal mixture from "Liliput" is based on meadow bluegrass and four parts of different varieties of fescue. All varieties are very hardy and resistant to negative factors. environment- from temperature changes to diseases.

3. Green square

Another domestic manufacturer opens the top 3 of the best lawn grass mixtures. It differs from "Lilliput" both in a large number of options and in a more favorable price. Although the difference in price begins to be felt at large scales, for example, if the area of ​​the lawn starts from 50 m2 or more. There are mixtures specially designed for various climatic regions of Russia - from the subtropical zone of the Caucasus to the arid Lower Volga region and harsh Siberia.

2. Powerseed

Powerseed turf mixtures are adapted to the western / central climatic conditions of the USA, therefore, are suitable for the central and southern regions of Russia. One of the most popular mixtures is for quick restoration of lawns. It is convenient that the old lawn does not need to be dug up, fertilized, or regularly watered. It just grows by itself - what else is needed?

1. Terragrün

One of the hallmarks of Terragrün is its own mixtures, in which wild species and cultivated varieties are mixed in various proportions. At the same time, the germination rate of seeds from German craftsmen reaches 95% (one of the highest rates on the market). A wide range of products will help create a lawn not only in the favorable climatic conditions of the south of Russia, but also in other, colder regions.

The varieties "Universal", "Canada-green", "Golf-Master" are very popular in the market. By the way, the latter, despite its specialized name, is actually very stable and looks great in the lawn. The only drawback is that it requires a good drainage system, since it does not tolerate soil freezing and may die.

Lawn grass that destroys weeds: a photo, how to choose and plant... Weed-killing lawn grass. Experienced growers know that there is a lawn grass that destroys weeds. She is an excellent helper in the fight against weeds on her personal plot... In addition, lawns serve as an excellent decorative decoration for any landscape, including private summer cottages.

Lawn grass sown on the site

Weed-Killing Lawn Grass

Weeds are the most powerful plants that can survive in any, even the most extreme conditions. Once and for all, no one can get rid of them. However, there are methods that can be used to greatly simplify the fight. One such method is the cultivation of lawn grass, which kills weeds. It will not be possible to completely get rid of them, but with proper care you can reduce their number to a minimum.

Smooth weed-free grass carpet

Lawn grass is a mixture of perennial herbaceous plants forming a continuous grass cover. Lawns are for various purposes: sports, decorative and shade-tolerant. For all of them, their own herbs have been selected, which have the necessary qualities. For sports turf - resistance to trampling, for decorative - beauty, for shade-tolerant - resistance to lack of light.

There are several types of lawn grasses that destroy weeds better than others:

• escaping bent grass. This herb constantly requires watering, and is afraid of the heat. At the same time, it perfectly kills weeds. She has good decorative properties;

Pole grass

• red fescue. This plant is frost resistant;

Red fescue

• meadow bluegrass is a plant that is not afraid of even frost. Its seeds can winter quietly on the surface of the earth;

Meadow bluegrass

• microclover is not susceptible to heat and drought. He does not need frequent watering and feeding. Where it is, weeds are very uncomfortable.

Microclover

Sowing a lawn by itself will not solve the problem of weeds, so it is necessary to take a set of additional measures to achieve the goal:

1. High-quality pre-sowing soil cultivation by digging and applying herbicides will destroy most of the weeds.
2. Fertilization in the autumn-spring period. In spring - nitrogen, in autumn - potash and phosphorus.
3. Periodic lawn mowing. Weeds do not like constant pruning and will die over time.

Mowing lawn grass

Useful advice! Lawn grasses that destroy weeds require special attention in the first year after sowing. They need to be weeded out, mowed, thoroughly watered and fed. In the future, their root system will be strengthened, and the herbs will not need such care. Gradually, the lawn will displace weeds.

If you decide to sow a lawn and come to the store for seeds, you will be surprised at the number of different types of mixtures. to get the greatest effect? When to sow lawn grass? The answer to these questions must be obtained before going to the store.

Lawn grass in a suburban area

Lawn mowing

The main procedure on which the beauty of the lawn depends is regular mowing. Different lawn mowers can be used depending on its size. Electric lawn mowers are suitable for small lawns, diesel lawn mowers for large ones. For people who are short on time but have money, self-propelled lawn mowers powered by solar panels or batteries are a good solution.

To keep the lawn neat and tidy, you need to use hand-held and battery-operated blades for trimming and mowing the grass, which can be used to cut the stems in places that lawn mowers cannot reach, such as under bushes, perennials, or near tree trunks.

How to choose weed-killing lawn grass

There are not many types of grass suitable for lawn formation. Unlike wild-growing grasses, lawns are softer, bush well and form a dense sod that does not allow weeds to break through. All lawn mixes are composed of bluegrass, fescue and ryegrass. This is the base of the mixture, to which other types of herbs are sometimes added.

The properties of the lawn depend on the percentage of seeds. If bluegrass prevails, the lawn will be dark in color. A large number of ryegrass gives good sod, which allows sowing it in trampled places of the lawn.

Before as choose a lawn grass that destroys weeds, you need to carefully read the description that is on the packaging of any mixture. In this case, it is necessary to take into account not only the decorative component, but also the requirements for the soil, climatic conditions of the area, the illumination of the site, as well as the purpose of the lawn.

Lawn grass seeds

The information on the package of the grass mixture should contain the following information:

1. Species composition of cereals.
2. The year in which the seeds were produced.
3. Seeding rate, that is, the amount of mixture per 1 m2 of area.
4. Country and address of the manufacturer.

Even knowing how to choose lawn grass weed-killing, be sure to check the packaging itself. There should be no holes or breaks in it. The seeds themselves must have international and national certificates of product quality and have full adaptation to the climate of the region in which you live.

Seed packs

After the choice is made, you need to wait for the seeding time and start shaping the lawn. To do this, you need to familiarize yourself with how to plant lawn grass. It also has its own nuances and wisdom.

Useful advice! When buying seeds not in a ready-made grass mixture, but separately, it is necessary to take into account all the properties of certain cereals. If two or three cereals are mixed, then you need to select seeds with the same shade and growth rate.

Different types of lawn grass

How to plant lawn grass

Before planting weed-destroying lawn grass, it is necessary to prepare the site for planting. To do this, it is marked out and cleaned of weed roots. Better to do this a couple of times with an interval of 2 weeks. After that, the marked area is leveled so that it is horizontal. If it is necessary to divide the territory into flower beds with rectilinear borders, then use twine with pegs, along which marking lines are drawn.

Then they are treated with herbicides. When buying them, you should pay attention to what kind of weeds they are intended for. Spring shoots of weeds are much better amenable to processing than autumn ones, since the latter are capable of shedding seeds that will germinate in spring anyway. In an area treated with herbicides, the grass will quickly turn yellow and die. After that, you need to collect it all and pull out small shrubs, if they are found. Processing is carried out at 2-week intervals.

Weeding in the prepared area

Useful advice! For the final disposal of weeds, it is recommended to cover the site with a geotextile cloth. This measure will not only kill the remaining roots of the weeds, but also prevent their seeds from germinating.

The second stage of work includes the preparation of the soil itself. For this you need:

• decide on chemical composition soil. Find out its moisture content and structural features. Chalk or lime is added to acidic soil. Heavy clay soil should be diluted with humus or vermicompost;
• make mineral fertilizers according to the recommendations from the packaging of the mixture. It should be borne in mind that in the spring nitrogen compounds are introduced, which stimulate plant growth, and in the fall, potassium and phosphorus, which allows you to winter safely;
• loosen the fertilized soil, level it and make it moderately moist;
• after that, take a heavy, up to 100 kg, roller and carefully roll the entire area with it. If flaws are found, align them and additionally roll this place;
• after completion, you need to wait a week for the soil to shrink, and remove weeds that may still appear during this time.

Compaction of the earth is done before and after planting the seeds.

The duration of the second stage is 1 week. Only then can you start planting lawn grass. How to do this correctly will be discussed further.

First, you need to mentally divide the entire area into several equal parts. Divide all seeds in equal amounts for each part. In this case, the flow rate will be uniform.

Secondly, the soil is watered from a hose with a shower head so that irregularities do not appear. This should be done only when it is dry.

Thirdly, the seeds are scattered across the site in calm weather crosswise. This will ensure an even fit.

Sowing lawn grass

Fourthly, the soil is loosened with a rake and rolled with the same heavy roller so that the seeds are underground.

Fifth, the entire area is moderately watered from a hose with a nozzle, trying not to damage the soil surface.

Useful advice! Don't skimp on seeds. The bald spots on the lawn will very quickly overgrow with weeds and everything will have to be repeated again.

Watering the lawn

Another important question is when to sow lawn grass that kills weeds? The answer requires detailed description principles of plant vegetation. However, some general rules can be distinguished.

When to sow lawn grass

Sowing of any lawn is carried out during the growing season of plants, that is, from May to September. The best time it is considered spring or autumn. The main thing is that the seedlings appear before the first frost. The full cycle from sowing to strengthening the seedlings is 4 - 6 weeks. From this, and must proceed in order to be in time before the frost.

Mowing with a lawn mower

Knowing when to sow lawn grass and the basic techniques of agricultural technology, you can create a beautiful lawn on your site that will delight your eyes for a long time and save you from overgrowing with weeds.

Video: how to sow lawn grass

Similar materials

There is a lot of trouble with your lawn: does the grass look not as decorative as on the package with seeds, does it freeze in places, turn yellow, thin and overgrow with weeds? Perhaps you have chosen the wrong varieties for our climatic conditions. What grass for the lawn better fit exactly for you, and which varieties are better to choose, we will tell you today.

Lawn seed selection rules

The grass on the lawn should be perennial, frost-resistant, and fast growing. This is important conditions perfect lawn, but not the most important. Let's list the main factors of buying seeds for sowing on the lawn, which are better to choose in the store:

• Adaptation to specific climate conditions;
• Good development of the root system;
• Saturation of greenery and uniformity of seedlings;
• Ability for vegetative reproduction;
• Good cut tolerance.

Should not be neglected and general rules selection of lawn grass: shelf life of the material, pre-treatment of seeds, manufacturer's warranties, etc.

Small video footage about lawn grass

Types of grasses and lawn mixtures

For the lawn, it is best to use cereals. They have good system roots, give uniform green shoots, help remove weeds and have an excellent decorative appearance after cutting. Most often sown grasses such as meadow bluegrass, bent grass, ryegrass, fescue and others. Various grass mixtures are also popular.

Ryegrass belongs to the elite herb varieties. It looks very beautiful in any place free from landings. This variety is sensitive to watering and loves mineral fertilizing.

Herbal mixtures

• Versatile blend... The herbs in this mixture are fast germinating, resistant to external conditions, remove weeds and are inexpensive. The only negative is that such a lawn requires frequent mowing.
• Sports varieties... It is a type of cereal mixture for playgrounds, stadiums and outdoor activities.
• Climate-specific mixtures... It is important to choose varieties of grass for a lawn not only in appearance, but also in climatic characteristics. There are special mixtures for areas that are under the scorching sun. If you want to sow shady places, you should pay attention to shade-tolerant grasses.
• Mixtures of flowers and herbs... Such compositions are sown to create a meadow-type lawn. You can choose ready-made herb mixes or mix flowers and cereals that can bloom all summer in turn. Low-growing greenery is suitable for a neat, bright meadow lawn, and you can decorate a country-style plot with tall grasses and flowers.
• Elite lawn composition... Although a mixture of elite herbs is capricious and sensitive to external conditions, its appearance justifies all means. Such grasses look very decorative and can decorate any areas free from planting.

The best varieties of lawn grasses for the Russian climate

1. Meadow bluegrass... This perennial variety- one of the earliest cereals. In its pure form, it is practically not sown, since the roots of this herb slowly take root. Bluegrass is an excellent base for a grass mixture. It produces soft and juicy greens, displaces weeds and grows well with other grains.

Bluegrass - best base for a mixture of lawn grasses. The variety is unpretentious, gives friendly shoots and can grow on poor soils.

Meadow bluegrass is a fast-growing herb that you will see sprouting earlier than other crops. It looks bright and very decorative.

2. Polevitsa... The dark rich greens of the bent bent look good on any lawn. This grass withstands frequent mowing, cold winters and removes weeds over time.

The slender bent grows densely, without bald spots. It withstands frequent haircuts, practically does not freeze and has a rich green color.

3. Ryegrass... This herb can be found in lawn cereal mixes. It has excellent decorative qualities, but it does not tolerate the winters of Russia. Therefore, in its pure form, it can be sown only in the southern regions of our country, or used as an annual lawn.

Ryegrass has leaves of medium width. This variety emerges very amicably, so some gardeners prefer not to cut it. Most often you can find ryegrass as part of elite grass mixtures

4. Fescue... Fescue is an ideal lawn grass that does not require special care, both in mono form and in the composition of herbs. Within a month, the fescue is producing dense shoots and is ready to be cut.

Fescue is an excellent lawn grass, both in pure form and as part of forbs. Its succulent shoots appear quickly and fill the lawn with dense greenery.

Most Common Lawn Grass Questions

Our experts will answer the most frequently asked questions of novice gardeners:

1. Why is ordinary grass not good for the lawn?

Lawn grass does not drain the soil like ordinary weeds, has small roots and looks much more decorative. The sown grass will grow evenly and improve its decorative appearance after each new cut.

2. How many years does the lawn grass grow?

Perennial grasses are used for the lawn. Decorative view seedlings will take 1-2 months after sowing. If you take proper care of your green lawn, mow, feed and water regularly, your lawn will delight you for years.

Green seedlings of ryegrass will decorate any lawn. This grass is very thermophilic, so a pure ryegrass lawn can only be annual.

3. What is the difference between a mixture of grass and one variety of seeds?

You can choose monoculture (one herb variety) or a mixture of several varieties. Sowing of one variety is carried out for elite plots, grounds and decorative lawns. Such grass, although it gives a luscious decorative carpet of greenery, is more expensive and is sensitive to care and external conditions. Herbal mixtures are more stable, produce uniform greens and require less maintenance.

4. How to get uniform shoots?

It is necessary to prepare the soil well, level it, removing debris and weeds. A hand seeder will help to sow cereal seeds evenly on the lawn. If you do not have one, mix the seeds in half with sand and sow in the ground. After the first year of life, the grass can give bald spots that need to be sown with new seeds in the spring.

Fescue does not require special care, it tolerates well the sun, partial shade and severe Russian winters

Roll-ready grass is a very convenient option for a quick lawn. You just need to properly lay the bales, and the lawn is ready. The only disadvantage of such a lawn is the high price.

A seeded lawn is a great way to remove weeds and decorate your area. The green lawn refreshes the yard and pleases the eye. Now all that remains is to decide what kind of lawn grass will grow on your site.

A well-arranged lawn serves for more than one year, but in order for it to please you as long as possible, when planting a green carpet, the grass for the lawn is selected based on its functions.

Criteria for the selection of lawn grasses

To create a lawn, perennial grasses with rhizome-bush type of tillering are used, which provides the formation of a large mass of green shoots. Each type of grass used to create a lawn has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, most often, not one species is used to create lawns, but a grass mixture in which the disadvantages of one plant are compensated by the advantages of another.

The choice of grass for the lawn is made according to the following criteria:

1. Appointment (sports and games, decorative, special);
2. Climatic conditions;
3. Soil conditions (acidity, type and texture);
4. Hydrological conditions (water table);
5. Solar illumination of the territory (light, partial shade, shadow);
6. Operating conditions;
7. Frequency of withdrawal.

Still, the decisive moment when choosing a grass or grass mixture for a lawn is the main purpose of the lawn and the climate in which it is created.

There are three main types of lawns, depending on the purpose: sports, decorative and special.

Sports Turf Grass

Sports-type lawns are created on football fields, tennis courts, golf courses and other types of games, on playgrounds in schools and kindergartens and other childcare facilities. The exploitation of such lawns predetermines intensive load, mechanical damage, trampling, ruptures.
The sporty turf grass must have a very high resistance to stress at any time of the year, quick sod regeneration and durability.

The grass mixtures for sports lawns contain the following grains:

• Meadow bluegrass;
• Perennial ryegrass or English;
• Meadow fescue;
• Red fescue.

The seeding rate for a sports-type lawn is 40 - 50 g per 1 sq. m. In areas where it is required to create a coating that is most resistant to intense loads (for example, near a goal on a football field), the seeding rate is doubled - 80 - 100 g per 1 sq. m.

The optimal period for overseeding grass on a sports-type lawn is late October - early November. For colder climates, the average daily air temperature should be at least 5 - 8 degrees above zero. At this time of the year, the load on the lawn is minimal, and the grass has time to get stronger by the winter period. Also, sowing in autumn guarantees an early spring start of development and timely green coverage by the beginning of the playing season.

Lawn grass in the playground

Playground lawn grass should be durable and soft and pleasant to the touch. For the strength of the lawn, in this case, the main grains are sown, as on a sports lawn, and for softness they add different kinds clover. Juicy green clover increases air humidity and improves the microclimate very well. children's corner in the garden or yard.

The herbal mixtures for creating lawns for children's games include the following plants:

• Meadow fescue;
• Timothy grass;
• Cocksfoot;
• Perennial ryegrass;

The seeding rate for creating a lawn on the playground is 30 - 40 g per 1 sq. m.

For sowing lawn grass seeds in the playground, the optimal period is from mid-May to mid-September. Such a lawn should be mowed once every two weeks, leaving a height of 6 - 8 cm. Renovation work over-sowing seeds can be performed starting from early spring and until the end of October.

Right choice grass mixture for lawns with increased load does not fully guarantee the durability of the grass. In addition, the strength of the turf for sports lawns and playgrounds depends on the composition of the soil and the quality of the drainage system.

Ornamental type grass for sowing lawn

Decorative lawns include parterre, landscape gardening and meadow lawns. The decorative type of lawn implies the creation of the brightest and most elegant coverage with minimal stress on it.
The composition of grass mixtures for ornamental lawn contains exquisite herbs that have the most decorative effect. Namely, they form a bright, rich, dense green carpet. And when creating a Moorish lawn, they have the effect of a soft carpet with a variety of color accents.
To create a parterre lawn, one or two types of grasses are sown. Such a grass stand requires frequent mowing. At the same time, the grass does not grow higher than 2 - 3 cm.

Assortment of grasses for decorative lawns:

• Meadow fescue;
• Sheep fescue;
• Annual ryegrass;
• Perennial ryegrass;
• Pole-grass shoots;
• Giant bent field;
• Awnless rump;
• Meadow bluegrass;
• Clover red, meadow, hybrid pink and white creeping.

The seeding rate of grass seeds for a decorative lawn is from 15 to 40 g per 1 sq. m depending on the mixture.

The optimal period for creating such a lawn is spring and autumn. IN summer period it is possible to repair damaged areas. The height of the grass after mowing can be from 5 to 7 cm.

Blooming grasses and wildflowers for a Moorish lawn

A very special kind of lawn is the Moorish lawn. It is not a background for landscape design, but makes up a special decorative composition.
The composition of the mixtures for the Mauritanian lawn is the most extensive list and can be selected according to the tastes and preferences of the designer.

Assortment of plants for the Moorish lawn:

Cereals, clover, alfalfa, sainfoin, various bulbous plants, delphinium, poppy, calendula, gypsophila, cornflowers, daisies, saxifrage, sweet pea, bells, flax, various daisies, levkoy and many other flowers.

The seeding rate of flower seeds in the composition of the grass mixture for the Mauritanian lawn can range from 20 to 200 pieces. for 1 sq. m. Flower seeds are added to cereals mix and spread evenly over the area.

The optimal period for creating a Moorish lawn is March and April, some flower seeds can be sown in May. This lawn does not require frequent mowing.

Lawn grass in the shade

A separate point should be highlighted the choice of grass to create a lawn in the shade. In the shade of trees and buildings, where it hardly gets sunlight, the only grass for the lawn can only be the bent grass. Pole grass forms a delicate emerald coating, the only condition for the exploitation of which is that you cannot walk on it a lot.

Lawn grass for special purposes

Special-purpose lawns are created at various industrial enterprises, on road slopes, airfields, in resort areas, etc. Such lawns should maximally purify the air from dust and gases, humidify it and absorb noise.
Grass for special purpose lawns should be undemanding to growing conditions, withstand gas pollution and be resistant to burning.

Assortment of herbs for special purpose lawns:

• Perennial ryegrass;
• Pole-grass shoots;
• Awnless rump;
• Meadow bluegrass.

The seeding rate, percentage and type of grass in the mixture for creating a lawn is determined climatic conditions terrain. Therefore, the choice of grass for the lawn must be carried out according to the purpose, as well as natural and soil conditions.

A qualified selection of grass for lawns guarantees a high-quality and sustainable turf that will last and bring pleasure for more than one year.