Bluegrass-Ryegrass Mixtures: The rapid seedling establishment of ryegrass makes bluegrass-ryegrass mixtures desirable where (1) quick cover is needed for aesthetic reasons, (2) quick cover is needed for erosion control, (3) seeding is in the summer when bluegrass is difficult to establish alone, or (4) when seeding during dry periods where irrigation is not available. The addition of ryegrass is not required in bluegrass seedings made in late summer or fall during favorable seeding conditions except for erosion control. Due to the improved hardiness of the new ryegrass cultivars, ryegrass should not be included in a bluegrass mixture where a solid bluegrass lawn is desired. Ryegrass should never constitute more than 50 percent of the mixture by weight.
Bluegrass-Tall Fescue Mixtures: A bluegrass-tall fescue mixture may be used on high traffic areas or areas receiving minimum maintenance. Tall fescue must be the predominate species and constitute at least 80 percent of the mixture. The seeding rate should be at least 6 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Seedings utilizing this mixture should be maintained with rather low nitrogen fertilizer rates. If turf areas containing this mixture are subjected to high levels of management (i.e., frequent irrigation, high fertilization rates), after a period of time the bluegrass will dominate the stand, leaving scattered, unsightly bunches of tall fescue.
Bluegrass-tall fescue mixtures are commonly used on playgrounds, park areas, athletic fields, waterways and roadsides. When overseeding into predominantly tall fescue turf areas, seed using only tall fescue. Tall fescue should never be seeded either alone or in a mixture where coarseness is objectionable.
Bluegrass-Fine Fescue Mixtures: A bluegrass-fine fescue mixture is desirable for shady areas, areas having low fertility, areas prone to frequent moisture stresses or areas receiving low levels of maintenance. One of the two species will usually dominate the stand, depending upon local conditions. This mixture also provides insurance against total loss to insects and disease, since the same pest usually will not attack both grasses with equal severity.
Some uniformity and quality may be sacrificed by using a bluegrass-fine fescue mixture. Because of the adaptability of fine fescue to shade conditions, this mixture is recommended for shade conditions.
Mixtures Containing Redtop: Redtop grass seed is frequently found in lawn mixtures. Redtop becomes established rapidly and provides quick cover. However, it remains in the mixture for several years and detracts seriously from turf quality. It is not recommended as a turfgrass in Ohio.