Kentucky Bluegrass lawn care schedule

Kentucky bluegrass is the iconic cool-season lawn: fine-bladed, deep emerald-blue under fertility, and the only common species that spreads aggressively by rhizome (so it self-repairs from divots and dog spots). The trade-off is heat sensitivity: by mid-July in zone 7 it browns and goes semi-dormant unless irrigated. In northern climates it's the default choice; in the transition zone it's often blended 60/40 with perennial rye for faster establishment and better summer endurance.

Growth habit

Spreads via rhizomes; self-repairs

Mowing height

2.5–3.5 in (3.0+ in summer)

Season

cool-season

Notes: Slow to germinate (14–28 days). Bluegrass seed is often sold as a 3-way blend of cultivars to balance disease resistance.