Well-drained, moist, slightly acid (pH of 5.5 - 6.5), fertile soils; often grown on pure sand or sand modified with organic matter; full sun to light shade; avoid drought; tolerates cold; moderate tolerance to heat.
Typically used in areas requiring smooth surfaces and low height of cut; golf course putting greens, tees, and fairways, as well as bowling, tennis courts, and croquet greens; rarely used in other areas because of high maintenance requirements. Should not be used on home lawns or in mixes with other species due to its aggressiveness.
High maintenance; 2 to 6 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per growing season; requires frequent mowing at low heights, usually 1/8 to 1/2 inch depending on use and site; may become puffy at heights above 1/2 inch; irrigate as necessary, may require mid-day syringing during summer's heat; often requires topdressing; may be prone to thatch development; there are a variety of disease and insect pests that attack this grass, especially when mowed at putting green height.
Seed (0.5 to 1 pounds per 1000 sq. ft.), sod, stolons (5 to 12 bushels of stolons per 1000 sq. ft.).
Refer to the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) website (www.ntep.org) for additional varieties and performance data atvarious locations. Look for trial sites and maintenance levels most similar to your own.
Slow to establish from seed. Native to Eurasia. Develops thick thatch layer due to its aggressiveness. It is a weed when growing among other turfgrass species.
