Facts About Turf Grass

Turf grass requires a great deal of maintenance.

Turf grass is used on lawns, golf courses and sporting fields. The University of Delaware Cooperative Extension website estimates that the U.S. contains 62,500 square miles of turf grass lawns.

Downsides

The University of Delaware Cooperative Extension calls turf grass a poor choice for many landscape areas, as it performs ineffectively around trees. Factors that lead to poor germination of turf grass seed and death of seedlings include acidic and compacted soils, nutrient deficiencies and poor drainage, according to the University of Massachusetts Extension's website.

Performance and Prevention

Healthy grass presents the primary defense against pest problems, disease and weeds, recommends the University of Massachusetts Extension. Insects, disease, nematodes, weather and nutritional disorders are among the many causes of thinning grass or turf that fails to produce the desired color, according to the Clemson University Extension website.

Drought Avoidance

Tall fescue has the highest drought avoidance of all the turf grasses, notes the University of Massachusetts Extension. This allows the grass to better support its growth and color between watering events.

References

• University of Delaware Cooperative Extension: Turf Grass Madness -- Reasons to Reduce the Lawn in Your Landscape
• Clemson Cooperative Extension: Turf Pest Control Guidelines -- Insect Control
• University of Massachusetts Extension: Lawn Renovation and Overseeding
• University of Massachusetts Extension: UMass Guidelines for Watering of Turf

Resources

• University of Massachusetts Extension: Extension Turf Publications