Lawn Care & Turf Management
Turfgrass species, mowing techniques, aeration, overseeding, thatch control, and fertilization timing.
- Identify cool-season turfgrass species used in Canadian landscapes
- Describe proper mowing height, core aeration, and thatch control techniques
- Explain overseeding timing, fall fertilization, and sod installation procedures
- Apply the one-third mowing rule to maintain healthy turf
Lesson 1
Turfgrass Species - Cool-Season & Shade-Tolerant
Cool-Season vs Warm-Season Grasses
Canadian lawns use cool-season turfgrasses because they thrive in temperatures of 15-24 C and tolerate cold winters. Warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass are NOT suited for Canadian climates.
Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is the most widely used lawn grass in Canada. It is a cool-season turfgrass with a deep blue-green color, medium-fine texture, and excellent self-repair ability through rhizomes (underground stems). It prefers full sun and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Cool-Season (Used in Canada)
Kentucky Bluegrass - most common, rhizomatous
Perennial Ryegrass - fast germination, bunch-type
Fine Fescue - shade tolerant, low maintenance
Tall Fescue - deep roots, drought tolerant
Warm-Season (NOT for Canada)
Bermudagrass - southern US lawns
Zoysiagrass - subtropical climates
St. Augustinegrass - Gulf Coast region
Centipedegrass - southeastern US
Shade-Tolerant Species
For shaded areas under tree canopies, fine fescue is the best choice. Fine fescue varieties include creeping red fescue, chewings fescue, and hard fescue. They tolerate lower light levels, require less fertilizer, and handle dry conditions well. Most Canadian lawn seed mixes contain a blend of Kentucky Bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescues.
Kentucky Bluegrass is a cool-season turfgrass and the most common lawn species in Canada. Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass are warm-season grasses not suited for Canadian climates.