The following written by Jim Claxton

    Welcome to the Transition Zone,  where it’s too far north for warm season grasses and too far south for cool season grasses.  In the Midwest, we don’t have the humidity and disease issues that we do here.  Back there, the turf grows beautifully with moderate fertilization. 

I found quickly that I needed to learn everything over again.

    As I am sure most of you know, living in Maryland and trying to maintain a beautiful turf is easier said than done.  Tall fescue does better than any cool season grass available.  Big improvements have been made in tall fescue for blade width and color.  The biggest problem with tall fescue is Brown Patch disease.  However, it is typically not lethal.  Once the cooler weather of the fall emerges, the turf will usually recover.

    Studies have been done showing that the addition of 5-10% Kentucky bluegrass to a tall fescue mix is advantageous.  They work synergistically, making for a healthier turf.  Since tall fescue has a tap root and does not spread, it will not repair damage done due to disease or traffic.  With Kentucky bluegrass in the mix, the turf has the ability to fix itself over time.  Kentucky bluegrass spreads using rhizomes, filling in weak and damaged areas of turf.

    It is not recommended to use perennial ryegrass in the Transition Zone.  It is typically very susceptible to disease. However, many seeding contractors use a small amount of perennial ryegrass in their mixes.  They do this because it germinates very quickly, helping to stabilize soil, protecting it from erosion during rain events.

    There is a new line of hybrid bluegrass varieties entering the market.  These varieties have been developed using varying amounts of Texas bluegrass crossed with Kentucky bluegrass.  The introduction of Texas bluegrass into the plant increases the heat tolerance of the bluegrass plant.  Varieties such as Thermal Blue, Dura Blue and Thermal Blue Blaze have created a whole new area where bluegrass can be utilized.

    Disease issues in the Transition Zone can be a huge problem.  Our high humidities coupled with high temperatures create the perfect environment for turf diseases.  Dr. Pete Dernoeden and Dr. Tom Turner with the University of Maryland have written many extension publications to help manage turf in Maryland.  They have publications on almost every facet of establishing and maintaining a healthy turf.  I have included many of those publications below.

    Also, I have included links to the web site at NC State.  They have an absolutely phenomenal web site.  Even though they are farther south, they are still located within the Transition Zone.  Most recommendations will be similar.

Web Site Design by Jim Claxton