Turf Grass Selection

[Anonymous Poster]

I live in Western New York. I cleared and graded about 2 acres for my dog training field (about the same as a soccer field). I seeded it with leftover landscape mix (perennial rye, kentucky bluegrass, and red fescue) about 4 weeks ago. Most of it came up, although some washed out in the heavy rains at the beginning of August. We haven't had much rain since then, and all of the grass I planted around the house now looks brown. I plan to overseed the training area and would like to use grass that is more drought resistant. I have looked at tall fescue mixes, plain old Ky 31, and a hay/pasture mix. Anybody have opinions on balancing appearance and the ability to withstand foot traffic and lack of water and low fertilizer use?

 

[Roy]

I don't pretend to be a turf expert (just come and see my lawn, it's testimony to my lack of knowledge /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif). But… I do know of some references that may help.

If you are in the same hardiness zone as Ohio, a good reference: http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~ohioline/hyg-fact/4000/4011.html

A possibly biased (manufacture) site with great information, including hardiness zones and lots of grass selection information: http://www.lawngrass.com/

Hope they help.

 

[jyoutz]

Check with your local AG univesity cooperative extension service. I could make a lot of suggestions, but I need to know your soil type, annual precipitation, and expectations for the grass (appearance, green season,ect...)