Different Types of Grasses

For purposes of definition, any area where grass is growing evenly and at a low height can be referred to as a lawn. Sometimes, other plants may grow on it, depending on the preferences of the owner.

If you feel like having a lawn, there are a lot of things that you have to consider before looking at the different types of grasses available. For example:

• What is the purpose for your lawn?
• Why do you want to have a lawn?
• Is your lawn for aesthetic purposes?
• Is your lawn primarily for the kids to play on?

If you know what you want your lawn for, then you will have a better idea of what type of grass to plant.  Since there are many kinds of grasses, it isn't enough to simply just say you need grass. You need the type of grass that will best fit the needs of your lawn.

Different Types of Grasses According to Climate

Grasses are generally classified according to the climate where they can best thrive. There are grasses that can grow fast in the colder places. They include:

• Ryegrasses
• Bluegrass
• Grama grass
• Fescues?

• St. Augustine grass
• Bermuda grass
• Carpet grass
• Bahia grass

Different Types of Grasses According to Color

While you see grass as "just green," in fact grasses come in various colors. The colors differ according to the species of the grass type. They can be blue and silver or green and silver, gold and yellow, bronze, gray or red grasses. They can come in different hues and shades. Some can be bright. Some may give out warm colors. Others give out a cool and dark feel. When you see them during the right season, you may even get a colorful array of grasses.

Different Types of Grasses According to Use

The grasses can also differ according to their lawn usage. Some are simply out there to lay the grounds for the lawn. There are grasses that you see everywhere that create the green environment for most homes. The most popular types of grasses used for lawn usage are:

• Bermuda grass
• Buffalo grass
• St. Augustine grass

If your lawn is intended for rough play from children, you may want to choose red fescue grass, which is a great playfield grass. 

Types of Ornamental Grasses

If you want grass which is intended for beauty, and to go well with in the garden with flowers and other plants, you may want to consider ornamental grasses like:

• Pampas Grass
• Feather Reed Grass
• Blue Oat Grass
• Blue Fescue

Sod vs. Seed

In choosing among the different types of grasses, you may find it helpful to distinguish between a lawn created by laying sod or growing grass with seeds.

Sods are grasses that have been grown already. All you will need to do is simply lay it to your lawn or yard. This may sound simple. However, the process can also take considerable effort. Also, you will have to limit your grass of choice to what is available in sod form.

Seeding the lawn can be relatively easier but you will have to wait for some time before you can achieve your desired lawn. This is also a more practical option because it isn't as expensive. It will also give you more choices as to the grass types. In this regard, it is helpful to be acquainted with the sprigs, stolons and plugs. The sprigs are the small stems that you will find in some of the grasses that bear the flowers. Other grass types grow horizontal stems that are known as the stolons. These will be used to plant new grass.