ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the advantages and disadvantages of the various lawn grasses, and the cultural, genetical, biological, and chemical practices necessary to maintain them. The Kentucky bluegrasses have wide adaptation. The diversity arises partially from the numerous cultivars, which give a broad genetic base from which to choose. Leaf spot is assumed by most researchers to be the most important disease of the fine-leaf fescues in most areas today, and it could be the limiting factor in the use of these turfgrasses in home lawns. The tall fescues, along with the perennial ryegrasses, are the most susceptible species to brown patch. Dealing with home-lawn diseases of warm-season grasses is not as easy as dealing with home-lawn diseases of cool-season grasses. The bermudagrasses, especially the more widely grown cultivars, are notorious thatch producers and usually require some kind of yearly mechanical dethatching.
