How Do You Identify Turfgrass?
Identifying grasses is often viewed as hard or daunting. Indeed, grasses do pose challenges for identification. A field guide with a plant key is essential. A plant key guides the identification process by focusing on one feature at a time, simplifying the process. Because turf grass structures can be very small, a magnifying glass is very useful. Make sure the specimen is indeed a grass. Rushes and sedges are similar in appearance and are not normally cultivated as turfgrass. Rushes have fruits that are seed-like capsules rather than the grains of grasses. The stems of sedges are triangular. Remember: sedges have edges. The edges are apparent. Notice the environment where the specimen was collected. Particularly note the sunlight patterns and whether the area is in full sun or partial to full shade. Turfgrass species thrive in different conditions. While not necessarily an identifying trait of itself, it can support an identification. Determine the type of root system the specimen has
