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RYEGRASS HOME LAWNS - NORTHERN STATES

Oregon-Grown Ryegrass is the Perfect Choice for a Quality Lawn

Oregon-grown Ryegrass - Fast to Germinate: No grass can equal modern Ryegrass in its ability to rapidly produce thick, handsome, durable turf.

Ryegrass is the world's most widely used grass and its ability to germinate in 7-10 days (even less under ideal conditions) is legendary. A cool-season grass, Ryegrass is widely used in northern regions for permanent turf and for the overseeding of dormant turf in the southern United States.

Ryegrass is preferred by homeowners because it produces a dark green turf which rapidly develops a strong root system, responds rapidly to fertilization, never needs pampering and is not subject to disease problems which plague some Kentucky bluegrasses.

Because Ryegrass does not creep, as do some grasses, it is often combined with quality fine fescues and bluegrass to produce fine turf with the advantages of genetic diversity.

Ryegrass performs in a wide variety of soil types and will do well in clay or compacted areas which are not subject to heavy use.

Ryegrass is especially popular for sports turf and has been used in the Rose Bowl, Los Angeles Coliseum, the Super Bowl and on many of the world's finest golf courses.

Oregon-grown Ryegrass is a Versatile Grass

Available to the homeowner are numerous very high quality, dark green, fine-bladed turf-type ryegrasses which are marketed by brand name as well as Linn Perennial, a "workhorse" variety which is lighter green and has broader blades.

The turf-type varieties are highly recommended for uses where quality is paramount while Linn is a good choice for less showy turf. Annual Ryegrass is used primarily for winterseeding dormant southern turf or where short-term rapid cover is desirable

Ryegrass Seeding Rates

• Sown alone: 5-10 pounds per 1,000 square feet. The heavier the seeding rates the thicker the turf.
   
• Mixed with Kentucky bluegrass or fine fescue: 3-4 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
   
• Where traffic is very heavy: 6-15 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
   
• To maintain quality turf: Reseed annually at a rate of approximately 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet

Fertilization Rates

• Spring and fall application of an all-purpose fertilizer is recommended. Best results come from nitrogen-based "slow-release" fertilizers which release nutrients over a period of time.
   
• When nitrogen is applied, recommended rate is 3-5 pounds per year with half applied in spring and half in the fall.
   
• In some areas the application of phosphorous and potash may be desirable

Mowing Procedures

• Ideal mowing height for Ryegrass is 1-1/2 inches.
   
• In shady areas a higher mowing setting is desirable.
   
• When given intensive care it will prosper when cut as low as 3/16 inch.

Information above provided courtesy of:
Oregon Ryegrass Growers Seed Commission
www.ryegrass.com

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