How to choose good lawn grass for your yard

Which lawn is better - seeded, rolled or artificial?

Each of the listed types has its own advantages and disadvantages, and here are the most important of them:

Of course, if you have the time and financial resources, it is better to opt for a seed lawn, which is both decorative and functional at the same time. The rolled option is relevant when you need to quickly create a beautiful lawn and want to make it as uniform as possible in texture and color. Artificial grass is especially good for sporting purposes and as an addition to terraces.

Which lawn company is better to choose?

Basically, the VyborExpert project team included one product from the best companies in the rating. But there are two leading companies that, after carefully studying the features of the products, were presented with two lawns.

Before deciding on a specific product, you should take a closer look at its suppliers:

• LawnCity is a Russian company working in the field of landscape design and landscaping using advanced European and American technologies. When creating its products, it takes into account the needs of both professionals and private home owners. The company began operating in 2005 and offers both ready-made options and seeds for self-cultivation.
• Emerald is a brand that sells ready-made lawns with the best characteristics for decorative and functional purposes. Basically, we are talking about a combination of several types of plants - fescue, bluegrass, etc. They are characterized by low consumption (5 kg per 100 sq. m), high quality of seedlings, which is confirmed by seed inspection, and resistance to trampling.
• Hydro Mousse is a Chinese brand that uses hydroseeding technology in the development of its products, which is widely used in Europe and America. The company specializes in developing liquid lawns that require mixing seeds with water, fertilizers, growth stimulants, and then spraying over the surface. They land without much hassle.
• Russian Lawns is a Russian holding company that produces roll coverings for landscaping urban areas (parks, squares, private houses) and country estates. In the rating it is represented by two herbs – “Classic” and “Picnic”. The company also provides land improvement services and further customer service.
• Etron - the company's history begins in 1998. The main vector of development is the production and sale of rolled turf, as well as its installation from A to Z. The company's grass is grown on an area of ​​more than 100 hectares, this land is located 50 km from Moscow. This area is recognized as environmentally friendly and favorable for obtaining natural plants. The grass “Standard” is included in the rating.
• RealGrass is a manufacturer of artificial turf for sports and decorative purposes. Basically, we are talking about low- and medium-height pile with a height of 20 to 40 mm. Available sizes: width 2 and 4 m, length – 25 m. Their features: the presence of a drainage system, resistance to UV rays and rain. The company lays artificial grass for photo and video shooting in summer cottages, near swimming pools, on terraces and loggias.
• Condor is a European manufacturer of artificial grass surfaces. The company appeared in 1992. Its main office is located in the Netherlands. There are more than 30 types of products available in the range. The brand's synthetic grass is distinguished by its naturalness, soft and pleasant coating, and the absence of foreign odors. It is actively used in the arrangement of parks, squares, and private areas.
• Domo is a Belgian supplier of rolled artificial turf for indoor and outdoor use. The industrial group owns 25 factories in 15 countries. Rolls with a width of 2 and 4 m are available. They are based on polypropylene and rubber. Among the advantages of the product, it is worth noting the high density of the pile (about 12 mm) and bright green color.

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Everest (EVEREST) ​​Jacklin seed

The Jacklin seed company (Jacqueline Seed) is part of the Simplot corporation. She specializes in breeding and develops new varieties of lawn and forage grasses. At the same time, the company is purposefully studying meadow bluegrass, which is the No. 1 grass in creating any lawns, including sports ones. As a result of the research, many premium, top varieties were developed - Award, Everest, EverGlade, Nu Destiny, NuGlade, Impact, BlueChip, etc. All of them are distinguished by their rich dark green color, narrow leaves, good tillering and the formation of dense turf, strong to tear and resistant to intense loads.

Meadow grass seeds of the Everest variety, like all products, are distinguished by high purity, the so-called “zero zero”. The seed contains absolutely no weed seeds, especially bluegrass (Poa annua). Thanks to its strong turf, the Everest variety is used in the production of lawn rolls and in the creation of professional-level football fields. This grass is also suitable for rugby stadiums, tennis courts and golf courses. The only drawback is the need for abundant watering during germination and regular weed control, especially bluegrass, which can easily spoil the overall appearance of the lawn, since its leaves are much lighter than bluegrass Everest.

Rating of the best lawns

When trying to figure out which lawn is better, its type is of great importance - natural (grass or roll) or artificial. The conditions for growing plants are also important - the quality of light, weather, type of soil, the ability to organize good care - from watering to cutting. And then you should look at the specific characteristics of the product.

The basic parameters that influenced the selection results included:

• Purpose – functional or decorative: covering football fields, playgrounds, photo studios, areas in country houses;
• Composition – plant varieties and their proportions;
• Color – plain or with the inclusion of additional shades;
• Pile height and weight;
• Roll length and width;
• Presence of undercoat;
• Packaging volume of mixtures;
• Seeding rate;
• Rate of ripening;
• Quality of seedlings;
• Need for fertilizing and hydration;
• Resistance to sunlight and frost;
• Density and smoothness of the coating;
• Life time.

Also an important point in preparing the TOP was the ratio of price and quality of lawns.

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Perennial creeping ryegrass RPR Barenbrug (Netherlands)

The Dutch company Barenbrug is engaged in the selection of lawn and forage grasses, as well as legumes. To create a sports lawn, she developed several varieties: Sport, Golf, Water Saver. Each of them has its own characteristics and advantages - rapid germination and rooting, resistance to trampling, and the possibility of overseeding in early spring.

Creeping perennial ryegrass RPR is a special variety of grass that, due to the formation of horizontal above-ground shoots (stolons) with young plants in the internodes, is able to quickly regenerate itself. Its leaves are very thin and soft. It's nice to walk on this grass barefoot.

Ryegrass RPR takes root quickly and forms dense turf. Sports lawns seeded with it are highly wear-resistant and can easily withstand any mechanical loads. Therefore, this variety is often used to create football fields, tennis courts, volleyball and children's playgrounds. And no matter how much such a lawn is trampled, its attractiveness remains, and bald spots, if they appear, quickly heal.

The main disadvantages of grass are its poor frost resistance (winters with little snow or cold springs, when there is no sufficient snow cover, have a negative impact), intensive growth and fairly rapid spread throughout the area, so such a lawn requires regular care.

Best Grass Seeds for Lawn

Grass mixtures for planting a lawn can consist of seeds from one or several plants. Monocultures provide immaculate, smooth lawns, such as those found on golf courses, but they cost more than pure varieties. They are also more picky about care conditions, soil type and lighting quality. Therefore, the optimal solution is to purchase a symbiosis of different varieties - fescue, wheatgrass, etc. They are presented further in the rating.

LawnCity universal Whole plot

Perennial lawn grass "LawnCity" is grown for decorative landscaping. The composition includes seeds of plants that are resistant to the climatic conditions of Russia - broadgrass (30%), meadow fescue (30%) and tall fescue (10%), perennial ryegrass (20%) and annual ryegrass (10%). The balance of the mixture guarantees a beautiful and thick “blanket” on different types of soil.

The package contains 18 kg of seeds, this amount is enough to cover an area of ​​up to 630 square meters. m. They are planted in open ground from May to September and do not require deep planting. However, before this, it is important to consider the drainage system and level the soil. The grass does not grow very tall, which makes it easier to care for and minimizes the need for cutting.

Advantages

• Easy to care for;
• Soft to the touch;
• Grows well in both shade and open areas;
• High seed activity;
• Due to the presence of cereals, it is suitable for creating a sports lawn.

Flaws

• After cutting it grows quickly.

The coating becomes fully formed and mature 2-3 years after sowing. It does not lose its density and color saturation over time, but it is still better to periodically add lawn grass seeds for greater density.

Gavrish lawn cottage

The grass mixture "Gavrish" is designed for creating parterre lawns, that is, for location in the most front part of the house area. It is useful in the decorative design of areas near country houses and country houses, and can be used in the landscape design of restaurants. The composition includes herbs that grow well in sunny areas, but do not like strong shade. We are talking about red fescue (50%), meadow bluegrass (10%) and perennial ryegrass (40%).

A small recommended sowing rate is 30 g per square meter. m. allows you to sow a small yard at an affordable cost. Ripe plants have a rich green color, tolerate winter well and are resistant to trampling. The grass mixture forms turf with a thick plant layer due to excellent seed germination. However, this requires regular lawn care - watering and weeding. They can be sealed from spring to September.

Advantages

• Feeding once a year is sufficient;
• A haircut is needed as it grows;
• Economical seed consumption;
• Smoothness of the coating;
• Good rooting.

Flaws

• In the first month after sowing the seeds, the soil must be well moistened;
• Packaging: 20 g.

Reviews note that this is a perennial grass that looks decent even several years after sowing. It grows well in the Moscow region and central Russia. However, after cold winters, VyborExpert experts still recommend adding seeds over time to improve the appearance of the lawn.

Country Carpet Emerald

The grass mixture consists of wheatgrass (10%), red fescue (10%) and tall fescue (25%), meadow grass (15%), perennial ryegrass (20%) and perennial (20%). The composition is selected taking into account different types of soils - loamy, chernozem, sandy loam. Seeds are sown in summer cottages and in the city in front of private houses to create a beautiful decorative lawn.

Advantages

• Not particularly picky about the level of illumination;
• Slightly suffers without frequent watering;
• Retains its appearance for several years;
• Composition balance;
• Thick grass layer.

Flaws

• Not growing very actively.

The package contains 5 kg, which is enough for at least 2 acres of land. Each bag comes with a passport indicating the date of manufacture, expiration date, composition, description of the mixture and recommendations for planting.

Grass mixture San produced by DLF Trifolium (Denmark)

An excellent, economical option for landscaping in dry areas. There are many such areas in the south of Russia - especially in the Astrakhan and Volgograd regions, Kalmykia, Crimea and other regions.

These herbs retain their green color and attractiveness even in conditions of lack of moisture. Herbs and its components produce friendly and quick shoots, a powerful root system goes deep into the soil, drawing moisture from horizons inaccessible to many other plants.

In general, in terms of all indicators, except drought resistance, this grass mixture is located in the middle of the list.

It consists of two types of fescue - red and tall fescue, only about 65% of the total mass of seeds, the rest is divided by perennial ryegrass (30%) and meadow bluegrass.

The best liquid lawns

This is the most convenient type of lawn in the rating, which even a beginner can handle. It is a set of seeds, a growth activator and a container with a dispenser for carefully spraying seeds over the area. However, there are still few such options on the market, and the TOP includes the most effective, beautiful and easy to care for.

Hydro Mousse Liquid Lawn

This form is provided for those who do not want to spend a lot of time preparing the land for planting and caring for the soil after sowing. Also, the liquid version is relevant in the absence of such experience. You just need to spray water with seeds in the place where you want to grow grass. For this purpose, the composition is sold in a special container with a spray bottle and a radius of action of 10 m. This also reduces energy costs.

During spraying, the spray does not fall on a person, despite the rather powerful jet. Water-marked areas prevent untreated areas from being missed. The first shoots appear 1-2 weeks after sowing. They are guaranteed, in particular, by the inclusion of a bottle with a growth activator and grass fertilizers.

Advantages

• Uniform spray;
• Can be used on trampled areas;
• Takes root in any soil;
• Does not require soil preparation;
• Not a single year makes me happy.

Flaws

• Need a garden hose.

After cultivating the soil, a crust appears on the surface, which protects the seeds from birds, frost and wind, which is especially important for Siberia.

How much do lawn grasses cost?

1. A frost-resistant mixture based on the herbs of meadow or red fescue, ryegrass and timothy can be purchased for 220-370 rubles per kg. It is often sold in 30 kg bags, that is, the packaging will cost you 6,600 rubles. Elite shade-tolerant and frost-resistant mixtures reach up to 1900 rubles/kg.

2. For a kilogram of seeds for a combined sports lawn you can pay from 290 to 850 rubles. To create a football field surface, manufacturers offer mixtures costing from 1,300 rubles. per package of 1 kg.

3. For your dacha, you can purchase the simplest lawn mixture of bluegrass and fescue at a price of 260-390 rubles/kg. A duet of fescue with chaff costs from 400 to 700 rubles for the same package volume.

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The best rolled lawns

This type of lawn includes grass that has been previously grown and rolled together with the turf layer into rolls. Typically, their width is 2-4 m and their length is 25 m, which significantly saves time and physical effort on installation. However, you will have to care for it in the same way as one grown from seeds: water, remove weeds, trim. Less demanding and at the same time quite effective are the 3-roll plants discussed below.

Classic

Rolled lawn "Classic" is made for those who want to quickly get a beautiful and functional grass surface for a sports field, country house or country house. It is also well suited for city parks and boulevards. This option is distinguished in the rating by its low maintenance requirements and the possibility of good growth both in shady conditions and in sunny areas.

The composition includes the best types of grass for a rolled lawn - meadow bluegrass and red fescue, which are equally distributed. This combination guarantees high density, interesting texture and good lawn resistance to various diseases. It is also characterized by low maintenance costs and undemandingness in terms of feeding. Due to its moderate growth, you won't have to trim it often.

Advantages

• Adapted to changing weather conditions;
• Good density;
• A large roll – 0.4 x 2 m for an area of ​​0.8 sq. m;
• Easy to cut.

Flaws

• Average resistance to trampling.

Some buyers complain in reviews about the uneven color of the lawn. This can be explained by the content of narrow- and broad-leaved herbs in the mixture.

Picnic

Rolled grass “Picnic” stands out in the ranking because it is lighter in color compared to other bluegrass grasses and begins to turn green much earlier in the spring. It quickly forms strong turf and shows high resistance to trampling. A finished lawn can easily be achieved with average agricultural technology, which even beginners can provide.

The Picnic grass mixture can withstand long droughts and does not require frequent watering. However, because of this, the color of the coating will be less saturated. Low fertilizer costs make it quite profitable to maintain. These seeds are especially well suited for implementing landscape design on a summer cottage and in a country house.

Advantages

• Plain throughout;
• Smooth and pleasant to the touch;
• Easy to cut;
• Weed resistance;
• You don't have to remove the grass clippings.

Flaws

• Fast growth;
• Relatively wide leaf;
• Loves sunny areas.

“Picnic” is sold in standard rolls measuring 0.4 x 2 m for an area of ​​0. sq. m. m.

Standard

The “Standard” lawn consists exclusively of meadow bluegrass: Granite, Blue Velveeta, Langara, Starburst (25% each). The grass has good resistance to trampling, frost, and drought with minimal attention. It is adapted to growing in partial shade and open areas. As a result, a thick and even, uniform cover of an attractive rich green color grows. It is characterized by resistance to various diseases. This option is suitable for arranging green recreation areas in the city (parks, squares, embankments) and in suburban areas.

Advantages

• Not very tall, which means you won’t have to spend a lot of effort on cutting;
• Retains its bright green color even during droughts;
• High-quality turf surface;
• Displaces weeds;
• There is no need to wait 2-3 years to get thick grass;
• Easy to install.

Flaws

• It is not very convenient to cut hair by hand.

When trying to choose which lawn grass is best to plant for functional purposes, for example, for children to play with, it would not be a mistake to choose this option.

Grass mixture Golfmaster DLF, Masterline series

The professional grass mixture Golfmaster is used not only for creating freeway sections of golf courses. These are elite products that will satisfy any needs of the most demanding customers. The mixture contains only new varieties that showed the best results during testing. All herbs are thin-leaved. They are resistant to low mowing. With proper care, the result is a light emerald lawn with an original texture and a high ability to self-repair, but the grass still grows at a moderate speed.

In addition, such grass cover is drought-resistant, shade-tolerant, cold-resistant and quite unpretentious in care. His shortcomings are insignificant. The lawn grown from the Golfmaster grass mixture is characterized by moderate resistance to mechanical stress (its rating is 6 according to the nine-point system presented on the company’s official website). The manufacturer's product range includes two versions of Golfmaster for sports turf: for hot, arid regions and regions with moderate and even cold climates.

Best Artificial Grass

This type of coverage is suitable for those who do not want to spend a lot of time planting, growing and maintaining a live lawn. It is undemanding to living conditions and in most cases looks quite natural. This can all be said about the three models described in this rating.

RealGrass

This grass is most often used for decorative purposes - in cafes, summer areas, restaurants and photo studios. It is also laid on children's and sports grounds where they play football. Despite its artificial origin, the lawn looks quite natural. It is characterized by a long monofilament pile 3.5-4 cm high, but it does not get tangled and is easy to clean if necessary.

The grass has a rich olive green color that makes it look like natural plants. The coating is uneven in tone. The finished lawn is supplied in rolls of 2 and 4 m wide, already prepared for installation. There is no need for special soil preparation for this and you can do without filling it with sand and rubber granules. It is enough to spread the product on a flat concrete, asphalt or sand base.

Advantages

• Does not fade when exposed to UV rays;
• Does not require watering;
• Does not require fertilizing;
• Pleasant for walking barefoot;
• An exact imitation of a real lawn.

Flaws

• Over time, the pile may become a little frayed.

According to reviews, in the absence of experience working with artificial landscaping, it is easier to lay narrower rolls 2 m wide.

Condor Phoenix 3013

Artificial grass “Condor Phoenix 3013” is short, its pile length does not exceed 3 cm. Thanks to this, it is convenient to relax and play football on it. The soft part is not heavy - 809 g/m2, the total weight of the product is 1676 g/m2, making it easier to install. It is sold in a 25 m long roll, so it is very convenient for installation in large areas. This model has an undercoat that gives it realism. A high-quality rubber base increases service life and is practically odorless. The grass is well preserved when exposed to sunlight and does not deteriorate due to frequent rains.

Advantages

• Sold in rolls 2 m and 4 m wide;
• Does not become slippery after rain;
• Does not require careful site preparation;
• The pile is well preserved over time.

Flaws

• Not the highest fire safety class;
• The pile may need to be combed out.

Artificial grass “Condor Phoenix 3013” can be purchased not only in rolls, but also cut. However, in this case the price will be almost 20% higher.

Domo Deco Green Grass 40

First of all, this artificial turf stands out in the ranking because it is oriented towards football fields. The composition is based on polypropylene, which is characterized by safety and long service life. The pile here is quite soft to the touch and is suitable for sports shoes. The smooth coating guarantees better traction with the sole, and resistance to moisture means no slipping after rain.

The pile of this model is 4 cm high, even and moderately thin. It is immune to the effects of sunlight and frost, retains the intensity of its green color during regular use and does not absorb foreign odors. It is distinguished by increased resistance to trampling and physical stress. The length of the roll is 25 m, so it can cover a considerable area.

Advantages

• Optimal rigidity;
• Attractive price/quality ratio;
• It is pleasant to walk on the surface barefoot;
• Easy to lay;
• Bright green color.

Flaws

• Doesn't look very natural.

Like most artificial turfs, Domo Deco Green Grass 40 synthetic grass is sold in rolls of 2 and 4 m wide.

Which lawn is best to buy?

When choosing a lawn, it is important to look at the composition of the grass mixtures; for example, fescue is resistant to trampling, and granary tolerates the effects of UV rays and frost well. If we are talking about roll options, then it is desirable that they have good drainage to remove moisture. In artificial models, you need to pay attention first of all to the rubber base, without which liquid will accumulate inside.

It is recommended to make a choice taking into account the specific situation:

• To organize a small lawn near your house you will need a universal LawnCity An entire area that has a smooth and even surface.
• A beautiful parterre lawn is obtained from the Gavrish grass mixture, which performs decorative functions.
• At your dacha, you can sow a “Country Carpet” from the Izumrud brand with a stable grass layer.
• For beginning landscapers, Hydro Mousse Liquid Lawn is an easy-to-plant option.
• If you don’t have time to grow grass yourself, you can buy a roll of “Classic”.
• In the play area for children, the Picnic grass surface will be useful, soft and pleasant to the touch.
• Rolled “Standard” with good throughput capacity was specially created for city parks and squares.
• You can cover a football field with an artificial product called RealGrass, which also looks good on terraces and does not require mowing.
• For photo shoots, Condor Phoenix 3013 and Domo Deco Green Grass 40 are often used as decoration.

The most expensive is considered to be the seed lawn, which has proven itself best for practical purposes. However, it requires certain care, which not everyone has the time or money for. In this case, roll and artificial options remain.