[jim7073]

We have a new retaining wall terrace that we want to get going in time for summer fun. We need to put sod down, now that it's too late in the season to establish from seed and we quickly need an area for the kids to play in. We are looking at two kinds of grasses from the local sod farm, fescue or bluegrass. The area is by and large full sun. It will be subject to a lot of little foot traffic (from the kids) and an occasional visit from a dog or two (mostly they are restricted from the back of the house, this area in question). Summers here can get well into the upper 90's lower 100's, but that's usually late July, August. By mid-september, it's cooling down again into the 70's during the day.

My question is which would be better in light of the sunlight, heat, children and need for quick action. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Rivethead]

Since you don't show what area of the country your in...

take a look at this site for the characteristices of both ....

http://www.lawngrasses.com/

 

[ccarlisle]

Depends on the zone you live in. In your case you're asking a lot from any one grass: heat tolerance, wear resistance and recovery rate. In some of these areas, fescues do better and in some bluegrasses do better. I'd pick one or the other but spend this time wondering about it in keeping whichever one you chose healthy.

What is your fertilisation plan, what soil have you got, what are your watering rates...these are all going to have more impact on a good lawn that choosing one type of single grass seed over another. Besides, you probably will end up buying a blend anyways.

You may also be in a 'transition' zone where neither cool zone, nor warm zone grasses do well in the long run.