Is It Bad To Mix Grass Types?

Have you ever looked at your lawn and wondered why it looks so patchy? Are fresh patches of grass popping up in places you wouldn’t expect? Then chances are, it’s time to take a closer look at the types of grass growing on your property.

Mixing different types of grass is a surprisingly controversial topic among greenthumbs everywhere. Some argue that if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it; why introduce new grasses into a flawless zone? Others contend that mixing it up could be beneficial since each species of grass has its own set of characteristics that can help fill in bare spots or tackle busy landscapes more effectively.

Read on to discover all the answers to this perennial garden debate and learn the truth about mixing grass types.

Is It Bad To Mix Grass Types?

Understanding Grass Types

Grass can be a vital part of landscaping, offering various benefits depending on the type selected. Fine fescue is a great option for low fertility areas, while Kentucky bluegrass brings a vibrant green hue and deep texture to moderate-to-high traffic areas.

Meanwhile, heat and drought-tolerant Bermuda grass is ideal for sports fields and golf courses. Centipede grass has low maintenance requirements and is perfect for dry climates, whereas ryegrass, bentgrass, and perennial ryegrass are all excellent for providing quick cover with moderate maintenance.

Finally, zoysia grass and St. Augustine grass are both perfect for medium-to-high trafficked areas requiring minimal upkeep. With such an array of options available, it’s important to understand which type of grass is best suited for each individual lawn.

Why Mix Grass Types

Mixing grass types can have several benefits for homeowners, gardeners, and landscapers. By combining different types of grass, one can create a lawn that is more resilient, drought-resistant, and disease-resistant. Here are some of the reasons why mixing grass types can be beneficial:

Better Adaptation to Changing Conditions

Different grass types have different strengths and weaknesses. For example, some grasses are better suited for sunny areas, while others thrive in the shade.

By mixing different grass types, one can create a lawn that is better adapted to changing conditions. Seed blends of different grasses naturally adapt to a changing environment, whether it be changes from sun to shade, hot to cool, wet to dry, or season to season.

A good example of a high-traffic blend is a “sports field” seed mixture containing Bermuda grass and turf-type perennial rye grass (which tolerates shorter mowing heights).

Disease Resistance

Mixing grass types can also help prevent the spread of diseases. If one type of grass is susceptible to a particular disease, another type of grass in the mix may be resistant to that disease.

This can help prevent the disease from spreading and damaging the entire lawn.

Improved Aesthetics

Mixing grass types can also improve the aesthetics of a lawn. For example, Kikuyu has a relatively coarse leaf texture and has higher maintenance requirements than other popular grass types.

Couch has a much softer finer leaf and lower maintenance requirements so could mix with Kikuyu to make your lawn feel and look softer. By combining different grass types, one can create a lawn that is more visually appealing and interesting.

Pros and Cons of Mixing Grass Types

Benefits

• Improved Resistance to Pests and Diseases: Mixing two or more grass types can reduce the risk of pests and diseases. For example, some grass types may be more resistant to certain pests or diseases, while others may be more susceptible. By mixing different grass types, you can create a more resilient lawn that is less prone to damage from pests and diseases.
• Improved Appearance: Mixing grass types can also improve the appearance of your lawn. For example, you can mix a grass type with a coarse texture with one that has a finer texture to create a more visually appealing lawn. Additionally, mixing grass types can help to create a more uniform and even-looking lawn.
• Improved Durability: Certain grass types may be better suited to certain weather conditions or soil types. By mixing different grass types, you can create a lawn that is more durable and better able to withstand harsh weather conditions or soil conditions.
• Improved Soil Health: Mixing grass types can also help to improve the health of your soil. Different grass types have different root systems, which can help to improve soil structure and increase nutrient availability.

Drawbacks

• Increased Maintenance: Mixing grass types can increase the amount of maintenance required for your lawn. For example, different grass types may have different mowing requirements or watering needs. This can make it more difficult to maintain a uniform-looking lawn.
• Inconsistent Growth: Mixing grass types can also lead to inconsistent growth patterns. For example, one grass type may grow faster than another, which can create uneven patches in your lawn.
• Decreased Quality: Mixing grass types can sometimes result in a lower-quality lawn. For example, if you mix a high-quality grass type with a lower-quality grass type, the overall quality of your lawn may be lower than if you had used only the high-quality grass type.

Related: When to Aerate Your Lawn In Colorado

Factors To Consider Before Mixing Grass Types

Site Conditions

When it comes to picking grass varieties for a lawn, the conditions of the site must be considered. Things such as exposure to sunlight and shade, temperature, moisture content of the soil, and soil pH can all have an influence on the viability of the grass type.

If the area in question has a lot of shade then fine fescue or Kentucky bluegrass are excellent choices as they can tolerate dim light. In contrast, Bermuda and zoysia grasses need full sun so they won’t thrive in shady spots. Temperature is also an essential factor; while Kentucky bluegrass does best in cooler conditions and may suffer in hot, dry weather, Bermuda flourishes when exposed to warmth and brightness.

Soil moisture is another key detail: Kentucky bluegrass requires consistent hydration while its counterpart, Bermuda grass, is relatively drought-resistant. Moreover, the pH of the soil plays a role: centipede prefers acidic earth while Kentucky bluegrass prefers neutral to slightly alkaline.

Seasonal Factors

Cultivating a lawn composed of diverse grass species is a complex endeavor with long-term implications. Most crucially, one must consider the seasonality of their local climate to determine which type of grass will thrive and which may perish.

Cool-season varieties such as Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass generally flourish in mild spring or autumn climates, while warm-season counterparts, such as Bermuda grass, prefer the high temperatures of summer.

However, blending cool-season grasses that have adapted to different weather periods can yield a lush lawn year-round. On the other hand, fusing disparate cool-season and warm-season plants together may result in an uneven, patchy surface.

Extreme temperature fluctuations demand special consideration when selecting a blend of grasses—it is often wise to stick to one species best suited to the environment. Ultimately, choosing the right mix of grass with astute monitoring is essential for producing an attractive lawn.

Disease and Pest Resistance

For those striving to keep their lawns healthy, it is important to know which grass types are more resistant to certain diseases and pests. Rust and brown patch are two common fungal diseases that can affect grasses, and a mix of the right grass types can reduce susceptibility or even prevent these conditions from occurring.

For instance, if you combine Kentucky bluegrass with perennial ryegrass, the lawn will be less resistant to rust than if only perennial ryegrass is used. As for brown patch, tall fescue is your best bet for preventing the disease; combining it with other grasses can reduce overall resistance. Fine fescue is also beneficial when it comes to fungus, as it beats out Kentucky bluegrass in terms of resistance.

Maintenance and Care

Maintaining and caring for a lawn that has mixed grass types can be a bit more challenging than caring for a lawn with only one type of grass. However, with proper maintenance and care, it is possible to keep the lawn healthy and looking great.

Mowing and Watering

Mowing and watering are two critical aspects of lawn care for mixed grass types. It is essential to mow the lawn at the proper height for each type of grass in the lawn.

A higher mowing height is generally better for most grass types, as it helps to promote deeper root growth and can help the lawn better withstand foot traffic.

It is also important to water the lawn deeply and infrequently to encourage deeper root growth and to help the lawn better tolerate drought conditions.

Fertilization and Overseeding

Fertilization and overseeding are also important aspects of lawn care for mixed grass types. It is essential to fertilize the lawn regularly to provide the grass with the nutrients it needs to grow and thrive.

Weed Control

Maintaining a healthy, weed-free lawn is essential for those growing varied grasses. If weeds are allowed to spread unchecked they can quickly overtake the vegetation, making them difficult to remove. To prevent this, it is important to utilize specialized weed control products that assist in keeping invasion at bay. With the right approach and the correct product, you can ensure your lush lawn remains pristine for years to come.

Choosing the Right Seed Mix

Selecting the ideal seed mix for your lawn is a crucial decision. To make the best choice, it’s vital to consider climate, soil type, sun exposure, and nitrogen content. An appropriate balance of nitrogen ensures healthy growth without excessive susceptibility to disease.

Furthermore, the types of grass included in the mix must be suitable for the conditions of your lawn—sunlight preferences and moisture levels both play an important role. Finally, ensure that the quality of the seed is up to standards, with certifications from organizations such as the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program serving as a helpful indicator of reliability.