A Comparison Of Kentucky 31 And Tall Fescue Grass
Do you want to know how Kentucky 31 grass differs from Tall Fescue grass? These two cool-season grasses are the most common in the United States, yet they are very different in appearance. When compared to Kentucky 31 grass, Tall Fescue grass boasts more versatility.
If you don’t carefully choose between these two varieties of grass, your lawn could end up looking more tan than green. In addition, there are many factors to think about while deciding between these two kinds of grass, making the decision a challenging one. That’s why we’re here—to fill you in on the specifics of what makes Kentucky 31 grass different from Tall Fescue.
Table of Contents
Kentucky 31 Vs. Tall Fescue
| Key Differences | Kentucky 31 | Tall Fescue |
| Features | It has lesser features. | It has more features. |
| Heat tolerance | Better heat tolerance | Lesser heat tolerance |
| Color differences | A little bit of a darker green color | A little bit of a lighter green color |
| Best usability | Kentucky 31 grass is best suited for turf. | Tall Fescue grass is best suited for live animal stock. |
| Growing characteristics | Kentucky 31 grass thrives best in full sun. | Tall Fescue grass thrives in the shade. |
Now that we know what to look for, we can determine if Kentucky 31 or Tall Fescue is the better choice.
Comparison Of Kentucky 31 And Tall Fescue Characteristics
In many residential areas, you can find Kentucky 31 grass because it is well recognized as a high-quality choice for standard lawns. Are you curious as to why this is the case? If you answered yes, then you should learn all you can about the specifics of Kentucky 31 grass. The grasses of this kind are naturally resistant to moisture.
You may find Kentucky 31 grass at a reasonable price. It’s simple to put into action as well. Kentucky 31 grass is also very resilient, even when subjected to constant foot traffic. When we think of Tall Fescue grass’s qualities, its low water needs immediately jump out at us. It is also suitable for use in congested areas.
Tall fescue may thrive in both full sun and partial shade. These grasses can inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. The nitrogen requirements of Tall Fescue grass are very low. When comparing Kentucky 31 grass to Tall Fescue grass, it is clear that the latter has the upper hand due to its greater feature set.
Watch: This Video Is Also Beneficial!
Differences in Heat Tolerance Between Kentucky 31 and Tall Fescue
When compared to other cool-season grasses, Kentucky 31 has superior drought and heat tolerance. It’s superior to grasses found in the warm-to-hot-season transition zone. The cold tolerance of Kentucky 31 is much higher than that of the Perennial Ryegrass, for which it is named.
If so, you might be curious in how well Tall Fescue grass handles high temperatures. In comparison to other cool-season grasses, it can handle warmer temperatures, however not as well as Kentucky 31 grass. If we’re going to compare, then Kentucky 31 is the superior option.
These Two Kinds Of Grass Have Different Colors.
Kentucky 31 grass and Tall Fescue grass also differ in terms of coloration. Find out what color is Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue by learning that it is a slightly deeper green than typical green grass. This green color is very popular because of its attractiveness.
If you compare Tall Fescue grass to Tiftuf Bermuda grass, you might see that the former has a slightly lighter green hue, similar to that of Zoysia.
Comparison of Kentucky 31 and Tall Fescue Usability
Playgrounds benefit from the self-sufficient, hardy quality of Kentucky 31 grass. Kentucky 31 grass is used to construct athletic fields. If you picture a thick carpet of lush, green grass, chances are good that you’re picturing Kentucky 31.
However, fields planted with Tall Fescue grass are ideal for making hay for cattle. Because of its extensive root system, tall fescue grass thrives even in the hottest, driest environments. However, the resilience of Tall Fescue grass is diminished by human foot movement.
Both Tall Fescue grass and Kentucky 31 grass, if seeded heavily, can establish a visually pleasing and robust lawn. While both Kentucky 31 and Tall Fescue grasses can be used for either turf or cattle, it’s clear that the former is the better choice.
Comparing The Growth Characteristics Of Kentucky 31 And Tall Fescue
The fall and spring are peak growth seasons for Kentucky 31 grass. And it’s the same for Tall Fescue grass. Knowing this will help you determine when to plant Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue, as this is when it grows the most. Intense sunlight is ideal for the development of Kentucky 31 grass.
Kentucky 31 grass needs more water than other types of grass since its roots are shallow. Care for and regular watering of Kentucky 31 grass is essential to the plant’s development into a robust specimen. Tall fescue, on the other hand, is a shade-loving grass that does well in shady conditions. Your Tall Fescue lawn requires regular care if you want it to retain its beautiful appearance.
The Lawn Forum has an expert user saying,
“If you don’t have irrigation K31 is a champ. It stays green pretty much all summer. Not the most attractive turf due to the wide blades but it has its uses.”
Watch: This Turf Mechanics Video Is Also Useful!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Kentucky 31 and Kentucky Bluegrass the same?
They are not, in fact. When compared to Kentucky Bluegrass, Kentucky 31 grass sprouts quite quickly. The leaves of Kentucky 31 grass are broad, light green, and gritty. However, Kentucky Bluegrass is typically green, however some kinds have a slight bluish hue. Kentucky Bluegrass is a fine-bladed, fine-textured grass that spreads out like a carpet as it matures.
Is Kentucky 31 an excellent lawn grass?
There is no doubt that Kentucky 31 grass makes a wonderful lawn grass. According to our studies, Kentucky 31 grass is still the best option for low-maintenance lawns that can endure high temperatures, heavy foot traffic, and dry spells.
Does Tall Fescue grass regrow year after year?
Contrary to popular belief, Tall Fescue grass does not regrow each year. If you want a Tall Fescue lawn that looks like turf, you’ll need to reseed it every year. This is due to the fact that a Tall Fescue grass experiences significant stress throughout the year.
How long does Tall Fescue take to grow?
Tall Fescue grass is best planted in the fall because its seed germinates more successfully in cooler temperatures. Planting Tall Fescue grass in the autumn allows for a quick and simple establishment; germination takes between 4 and 14 days. Temperature, watering frequency, and soil pH are just a few elements that might affect how quickly seeds germinate. The standard seeding rate for Tall Fescue grass is 5-6 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Which Grass Takes First Place?
In addition to Kentucky 31, another well-known cool-season grass, tall fescue is also widely available. The merits and demerits of each may be weighed solely in light of your specific landscaping requirements. Determine which grasses are best for your lawn based on the size of your lawn, the climate where you live, and the soil type.
However, we think that you should choose Kentucky 31 grass. Compared to Tall Fescue grass, it is more attractive in color and more resistant to heat and drought. However, Tall Fescue grass is the way to go if you’re after further functionality. Nonetheless, we hope this article on Kentucky 31 vs. Tall Fescue has helped you make a well-informed selection.
