Understanding the Different Types of Colorado Grass
Colorado is famous for hot springs, icy slopes, and sunshine for more than 300 days of the year. Of course, these cool and dry conditions also mean Colorado is not famous for its lush green grass — at least not without careful planning and some helpful assistance to Mother Nature. Colorado’s arid climate means you can’t rely on rainfall to water your lawn. It also means you need grass that can stand up to cooler weather without getting scorched in the sun. But a gorgeous and healthy lawn is possible in Colorado if you know where to start.
So, where do you start? Start by choosing the best grass for your Colorado lawn. Here, we’ll give you all the details on different types of grass in Colorado, and how to choose the right grass to fit your needs.
Common Types of Colorado Grass
There are many types of grasses across Colorado, but that doesn’t mean they’re all suitable grasses for your lawn. You’ll need to consider your region, what climate you’re in, and how much time and effort you want to put into maintaining your lawn. First, we’ll start with an introduction to the most common Colorado grass types:
- Kentucky Bluegrass
- Buffalo Grass
- Tall Fescue
- Fine Fescue
- Perennial Ryegrass
Read on to learn more about each grass type in detail.
Kentucky Bluegrass
Kentucky Bluegrass is a cool season grass that’s soft and thick and boasts a shade (the name says it all) that is pleasing to the eye. It’s the most popular grass you’ll find in Colorado lawns, but that doesn’t always make it the best. Kentucky Bluegrass is a thirsty grass and requires lots of watering. That also means it’s pretty susceptible to drought. It will go dormant in hot weather, so you may see it turning brown during the warmest months. It’s prone to pest and thatch issues, so it does require regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Buffalo Grass
A warm-season grass, buffalo grass can take a lot of heat and sun. While Colorado is cooler than most places buffalo grass is typically found, it grows surprisingly well here, particularly in lower-elevation areas. Buffalo grass is hardy and drought-resistant, so it can take long stretches without rain, and it doesn’t require much additional watering or irrigation. It does, however, have a shorter growing season, so it won’t be as green or lush through the cooler parts of the year. Unfortunately, if you live above 6,500 feet, buffalo grass will not grow for you.
Tall Fescue
Tall fescue is a cool season grass that may fare better than Kentucky bluegrass in parts of Colorado. It has a deeper root system, meaning it doesn’t require as much watering or irrigation, and is more drought-resistant. It also seeds and germinates quickly, for a rapid start. However, tall fescue is a more delicate grass that doesn’t handle heavy foot traffic as well as Kentucky bluegrass. It also has similar issues with pests and disease, and while it germinates in no time, it takes quite a bit longer to spread, so it isn’t always best for large lawns.
Fine Fescue
A relative of tall fescue grass, fine fescue is another cool season turfgrass that is well-suited to many areas within Colorado. Fine fescue handles cold and is more drought-tolerant than other grass types, so it is an excellent choice for areas like Colorado Springs. But it also grows well at higher elevations and in sandy or rocky soil, so it’s appropriate for mountain homes as well. Fine fescue isn’t the best at handling foot traffic and its dense thatch can make mowing more difficult. It’s also a shade-lover and doesn’t like direct sun. If you’re going with fine fescue, it may be smart to mix with other types of hardier or sun-tolerant grass seed.
Perennial Ryegrass
Perennial ryegrass is a cool-season grass that thrives in cold weather. It is disease-prone and slow-growing, but it is often mixed with other grass seeds to provide some green through the coldest months. It isn’t likely you would want a lawn entirely made of ryegrass in Colorado, but it does offer a great way to get a little green color even during the chill of winter.
Choosing the Right Grass for Your Colorado Lawn
Due to Colorado’s varied climate and topography, you won’t find a one-size-fits-all solution for the perfect lawn. You’ll need to choose the best grass based on numerous factors, including:
Elevation
As noted above, some grasses (buffalo grass in particular) will not grow at elevations above 6,500 feet. If your lawn is Rocky Mountain high, you’ll want to opt for grass that can tolerate the elevation, along with how that impacts the weather and soil. Fescues are typically better suited for high-elevation lawns, but you may also want to add in some high-altitude native grasses for a varied look.
Rainfall
Clear skies are great for all the outdoor activities Colorado has to offer, but not so great for lawns. In most Colorado locations, you will need a supplemental water supply to keep your lawn healthy and lush. The grass you choose will also factor into just how much watering you’ll have to do. For instance, be prepared to irrigate if you opt for Kentucky bluegrass. Or, if you know your area stays dry through the year, go with drought-resistant buffalo grass or fescue.
Sun and Shade
Weather in general will be a major consideration when choosing the right grass for your lawn in Colorado. If you’re in a higher elevation where you get good snowfall, you can sow grass seed in the fall, so the snowmelt the following spring will give them a good start. But make sure you also consider how much sun or shade you get in your lawn throughout the day. Colorado is a sunny state, but that doesn’t mean your lawn is in the direct path at all times. Watch how the sun moves across your yard, and note where areas of shadow stay consistent. If you find your lawn is shaded for most of the day, don’t opt for a grass variety that requires full sun. If it’s in the sun, look for one that won’t scorch easily.
Soil
The soil in your lawn is also impacted by elevation and your proximity to the mountains and the arid climate zones. Sandy or rocky soil requires grass that can thrive in those conditions, like fine fescue. You may also need to amend your soil by using organic lawn services, like liquid aeration or fertilization.
How Integrated Lawn Care Can Help You Maintain Healthy Grass
It can be tough to understand all the types of grass in Colorado, but you don’t have to do it alone. Integrated Lawn Care can be the expert you rely on when you need advice and support to achieve the lawn of your dreams. We know how to care for lawns in Colorado Springs and offer lawn care services for Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass lawns.
Our program is designed to meet the needs of Colorado homeowners who want the greenest, lushest, healthiest lawn they can get. We’ll inspect your lawn and build a plan that includes fertilization, weed control, and many other lawn care services. Get in touch today and find out how we can help your lawn be the best it can be!