MI
Grass Identification: Fine Fescue, Tall Fescue or Ryegrass?
Moved into a new property and was told lawn was mostly fine fescue, and the usual poa & weedy grasses & possibly rye. Previous owner removed some trees and reseeded patches, which are quite dark, see attached photos (ignore meso bleaching). Tried to ID via plant app but no luck. Would this darker grass be a type of tall fescue? Slightly wider blade than FF. I’m familiar with FF but this darker grass looks good, possible to overseed TF over FF and gradually change?
Grass isn't easy to id .
Let's eliminate fine fescue, group of 3 to 5 types of fine fescue, thin pine needle shape to most .
Eliminate tall fescue that should have multiple visible leaf veins . Hates cuts below 60 70mm .
Your very dark green patch . Nice v shape , appears single leaf vein . Perhaps a rye grass but rye doesn't normally spread via rhizomes only a core sample or dig to check . Look up rye grass ligule, almost a perfect finger print to grass id . I would guess rye grass patch , modern cultivar check for red/purple near base . I'd lean to dark rye cultivar.
Fertilizer used during establishment would influence colour and health . If any lines are still visible it may of been ready lawn.
Core test will allow you to see the soil , then check another area or 10 to access why it's so dark , normally a higher nutritional response, ie a cut down kowhai as these are nitrogen fixers , old garden re grassed fresh soil mix .
The nzsti app is help with grass id .