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Photo Credit: ©2000 Dolezal Publishing/Tim Butler

A gorgeously green, soft lawn will beckon you to dine al fresco.

If your old lawn is worn out and you’re thinking of replacing – or renovating – it, spend a few moments considering why your grass may have failed. Perhaps it was the wrong type of turfgrass for all the foot traffic in your yard. Or maybe it just wasn’t ornamental enough for your tastes. One thing’s for sure: How you use your yard is a very important factor in the type of turfgrass or groundcover you should choose to replace your old lawn.

First, think about all the things you and your family do (or want to do) in your yard. Are you looking for a play area that can stand up to all the running around done by your kids and pets? Do you want your lawn to be purely ornamental – a visual delight, with little anticipated foot traffic? Do you want to create a pathway that leads from one area of your yard to another? Do you need a lawn that’s able to endure automobile traffic? The answers to these questions will help determine your appropriate grass and groundcover options, so consider them carefully and think about how your new lawn will fit into your family’s intended uses and needs.

One thing to keep in mind is the more ornamental you want your lawn to be, the finer the quality of grass or groundcover you should select. Of course, “couture” grass isn’t easy to maintain. Think of a putting green – that close-cut Colonial bentgrass requires constant care and mowing to stay in top condition. If you don’t have the time for that, consider a bluegrass lawn. It can do the job just as well with half the effort in a home setting.