Do I have Fescue or Bluegrass?–The 2 most common grasses in Kansas lawns are Bluegrass and Tall Fescue. Most all the yards in the area will have a mixture of Fescue and Bluegrass. Unless you are really concerned with having one or the other you probably have a mix of the 2 in your lawn. Both have their benefits one more than other. Most of the time is comes down to what you like. Here at Aspen we only seed with a tri-blend Fescue unless the customer wants another blend. The reason we use Fescue is because of its hardiness. It is very tolerant against, drought, disease and it is a lower maintenance grass to keep it green and healthy during the year.

Bluegrass is a good looking grass but very high maintenance is involved in this area of the country. Bluegrass likes to stay wet so lots and lots of water to keep it green. It does not do very well when it comes to fungus it is very susceptible compared to Fescue. The big benefit to Bluegrass is its ability to branch out and grow since it has Rhizomes which allows it to spread and fill in areas. Unlike Fescue which doesn’t spread it is bunching grass.

At Aspen Lawn & Pest Control, our expertise in lawn care is rooted in a deep understanding of the various turf types suitable for different landscapes and climates. Here’s a closer look at two popular choices among homeowners — fescue and Kentucky bluegrass — with subtopics to guide you through their differences, identification tips, and how to choose the best option for your lawn.

Table of Contents

Difference Between Fescue and Bluegrass
How to Identify Fescue Grass vs. Kentucky Bluegrass
Choosing Between Fescue vs. Kentucky Bluegrass

Difference Between Fescue and Bluegrass

Growth Patterns and Maintenance Needs

Fescue: Known for its tolerance to drought and shady conditions, fescue (including varieties such as tall fescue and Kentucky 31) is a robust choice for challenging environments. It typically has a clumping growth habit and requires less frequent watering.
Kentucky Bluegrass: Prized for its lush, dense turf and quick recovery from damage, Kentucky bluegrass spreads through rhizomes, creating a thick, luxurious lawn. It requires more sunlight and regular maintenance to stay healthy and vibrant.

How to Identify Fescue Grass vs. Kentucky Bluegrass

Key Indicators

Fescue Grass:
- Coarse texture with broader leaves.
- Tolerates lower mowing heights well.
- Typically remains green throughout much of the year.
Kentucky Bluegrass:
- Smooth, fine texture with boat-shaped leaf tips.
- Forms a dense, carpet-like lawn.
- Exhibits a deep green to blue-green color.

Choosing Between Fescue vs. Kentucky Bluegrass

Considering Your Lawn’s Needs

For Durability and Shade Tolerance: If your lawn faces tough growing conditions like partial shade or dry spells, fescue varieties might be the better choice. Their ability to thrive with minimal care makes them suitable for those seeking a low-maintenance lawn.
For Aesthetic Appeal and Recovery: Homeowners desiring a visually striking lawn that can quickly recover from wear and tear might prefer Kentucky bluegrass. Its spreading growth pattern allows it to fill in patches, creating a uniformly lush landscape.

Seed Selection

Bluegrass Seed: Best for sunny locations where a dense, uniform lawn is desired.
Tall Fescue Grass Seed: Ideal for areas with varied conditions including partial shade and less water.

In conclusion, whether you lean towards the durability and ease of fescue or the lush, quick-recovering nature of Kentucky bluegrass, Aspen Lawn & Pest Control is here to help guide your choice. By considering the unique aspects of each grass type — from growth habits and care needs to the specific conditions of your landscape — we ensure your lawn not only thrives but becomes a point of pride for your home.

In the picture to the side it shows what the grass looks like and how to figure out what grass type you have. The 2 biggest differences that you can see:
1) Bluegrass has a smooth boat shaped tip on the grass blade and Fescue has rough pointed tip on the grass blade.
2) If you pull the leaf off the stem of the grass you will see one of 2 shapes a triangular or round shape on the leaf. The picture shows what that would look like.

Hopefully this will help you find out what grass you have in your lawn. If you have any questions about grass types feel free to call. 829-6136

Aspen Lawn & Pest Control – Landscaping Company in Overland Park 

As an Overland Park lawn fertilization company and lawn seeding company in Overland Park, we handle every facet of lawn care. Aspen provides our customers with lawn mowing services, lawn fertilization, landscaping design, landscape maintenance in Overland Park. We are also an industry-leading pest control company in Overland Park. Whether you’re looking for flea and tick control, Mosquito Armor®, treatment for pests infecting your trees or shrubs, or need indoor pest control in Overland Park to remove ants, spiders, and insects, Aspen can help!