The Best Grass Types for Calgary & How to Maintain Them

Choosing the right grass for your lawn is essential, especially in a city like Calgary with its unique climate. With cold winters, dry summers, and unpredictable temperature swings, selecting a resilient grass type ensures your lawn remains lush and green throughout the growing season.

Best Grass Types for Calgary

1. Kentucky Bluegrass

   • Why It Works: Popular for its vibrant green color, durability, and self-repairing nature.

   • Maintenance: Requires regular watering and benefits from aeration and fertilization.

   • Ideal For: High-traffic areas and family lawns.

2. Fine Fescue

   • Why It Works: Shade-tolerant and drought-resistant, making it perfect for partially shaded lawns.

   • Maintenance: Requires minimal watering and fertilization.

   • Ideal For: Lawns with shady spots or areas with limited sunlight.

3. Perennial Ryegrass

   • Why It Works: Germinates quickly and provides an immediate green appearance.

   • Maintenance: Needs consistent watering and mowing due to its fast growth rate.

   • Ideal For: Patching up bare spots and overseeding.

4. Tall Fescue

   • Why It Works: Deep roots make it drought-tolerant and highly resilient.

   • Maintenance: Requires infrequent mowing and occasional watering.

   • Ideal For: Larger properties and areas with limited irrigation.

5. Creeping Red Fescue

   • Why It Works: Low-maintenance and adaptable to cold climates.

   • Maintenance: Mow periodically and water sparingly.

   • Ideal For: Naturalized areas or slopes that are difficult to mow.

How to Maintain Your Lawn in Calgary

1. Watering

   • Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.

   • Aim for deep and infrequent watering to encourage root growth.

   • During dry periods, water once or twice a week for about 1 inch of moisture.

2. Mowing

   • Maintain a mowing height of 2.5 to 3 inches to keep your lawn healthy and prevent weed growth.

   • Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.

3. Fertilizing

   • Fertilize in early spring and late summer using a balanced lawn fertilizer.

   • Look for fertilizers with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to promote strong growth.

4. Aeration and Dethatching

   • Aerate your lawn in the spring or fall to reduce soil compaction and improve water absorption.

   • Dethatch when necessary to remove excess organic matter that can block water and nutrients.

5. Weed and Pest Management

   • Use pre-emergent herbicides in early spring to prevent weeds from sprouting.

   • Spot-treat with selective herbicides if necessary.

   • Monitor for pests and use eco-friendly treatments when required.

Conclusion

Choosing the right grass type and maintaining it properly will ensure your Calgary lawn thrives in all seasons. Whether you’re opting for Kentucky Bluegrass for its resilience or Fine Fescue for its low-maintenance appeal, understanding your lawn’s specific needs will lead to long-term success. If you're unsure where to start, TD Greenworks is here to provide expert advice and lawn care services tailored to Calgary's climate.

For a healthier, greener lawn, contact us today for a consultation!

TD Greenworks
Phone: (403) 123-4567
Email: info@tdgreenworks.com