Knowledgebase
Identify lawn species #745558
Asked April 21, 2021, 4:57 PM EDT
I’m trying to identify my lawn species, I’m not sure what you need to identify.
Ottawa County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello
Grass identification is impossible from pictures on a computer screen. You may be able to ID it by comparing the small details of the grass blades using a hand magnifying lens. Uproot a small un-cut clump, rinse off roots, and use a magnifying lens to compare to these grass keys-
https://buckeyeturf.osu.edu/pdf/01_turfgrass_identification.pdf
https://extension.psu.edu/the-cool-season-turfgrasses-identification
Looking at your pictures, the first one looks like a clumping type of fescue or perennial rye. The second picture looks like Kentucky bluegrass based on the prominent mid-vein and shape of the uncut tip of the leaf.This is what most lawns are made up of in Michigan so, start from there, looking at the auricles, whether the unfolding base of the leaf is rolled or more folded flat(see the diagrams contained in the first link above)
An option for a professional and exact identification is to submit samples to MSU Plant and Pest diagnostics lab. On their website is a form you print out, the fee schedule, and instructions on how to submit samples. https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/