In Ohio, only a few species of grass are really suitable for home lawns. Those include: Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue and fine fescue.

When considering installing or renovating an Ohio lawn, selection of the proper turfgrass species is one of the most important decisions to be made. Lawns are meant to be permanent, and therefore a grass species should be selected that has been adapted to the Ohio climate. The species selected must also be capable of meeting certain aesthetic expectations of the homeowner.

Many lawn problems result from the failure to address these subjects during the grass selection process.

Grasses Not Recommended For Use In Ohio

Zoysiagrass

Zoysiagrass is used primarily in regions of the country south of Ohio. This species is not compatible with cool-season turfgrasses. The biggest drawback is that zoysiagrass becomes dormant and turns brown in mid-fall and does not re-green until mid-spring. The lack of winter color, slow establishment rate, low mowing heights and proneness to develop heavy thatch layers make it incompatible with the other cool season turfgrasses. Therefore, it should not be grown in Ohio.

Annual Bluegrass

Annual bluegrass is better adapted to cool, wet climates. Because of the shallow root systems, this grass dies out during hot, dry periods, especially in areas where irrigation is not performed. The inconsistent nature of this grass reduces its acceptance for use in Ohio.

Annual Ryegrass

Annual ryegrass is a stemmy, coarse-textured grass that germinates and establishes very rapidly in lawns. This grass only persists for one growing season or less. The need for quick germination and cover can often be satisfactorily met with the improved perennial ryegrass cultivars.

All warm season grasses should not be considered.

Ohio Hardiness Zones: 5 - 6

Common Pest Problems Associated with Ohio Lawns

Insect pests: grubs, chinchbugs are the primary insect pests associated with Ohio soils.

Weed pests: crabgrass, dandelions and the 2 most common lawn problems. Ground ivy is also a troublesome weed that is somewhat difficult to control. There are a number of broadleaf weeds that are common to Ohio, but most of these can be spot treated with an effective herbicide