Requesting help: identifying grass type

[Funtimes]

Hi all,

I'm a newer home owner. We got into our home last May, and the lawn was not in a great situation (barrent spots, lots of weeds). I'm trying to provide some basic lawn care this year and was hoping some experienced lawn owners could help me identify what my grass type is. I've read a couple web pages attempting to provide clarity, but I can't seem to spot the differences, it all looks like grass to me! (I blame years of apartment living)

Here are the details I have about my grass:
* Location: Salem Oregon (tucked into the Willamette Valley)
* PIctures of lawn: http://Broken image.com/a/cAcOe

Thanks!
-Funtimes

[andy10917]

It's a good thing that you're in the Lawn 101 area and not the more enthusiast-oriented forums. 78 members committed suicide after comparing soil test results from their soils to results that came from the Willamette Valley in the past.

BTW, identifying grass types from pictures is so hard, that many experienced members refuse to guess. Be aware that the average experience levels is about 35 minutes for those that do guess.

Welcome to the Zoo!!

[Funtimes]

Thanks Andy for the info - it's helpful to know the audience.

I wish I understood your joke ( at least, I hope it was a joke! ) regarding comparing soil test results. I do know that we grow a lot of grass around here.

-Funtimes

[andy10917]

I wish I understood your joke ( at least, I hope it was a joke! ) regarding comparing soil test results. I do know that we grow a lot of grass around here.

The Willamette Valley is the Mecca of all grass seed growing on the planet. The soil is typically the standard-bearer of what you want.

[Funtimes]

The Willamette Valley is the Mecca of all grass seed growing on the planet. The soil is typically the standard-bearer of what you want.

This makes more sense!

So, if image identification isn't the way to go, is there a standard practice to identifying grass type? Call an expert? Just throw seed down and see if it sticks?

[andy10917]

If you have a county cooperative extension office, ask if anyone is skilled at grass type identification. Chances are that the lawn in the PNW will be either Perennial Ryegrass or Kentucky Bluegrass, or a combination.

[Funtimes]

If you have a county cooperative extension office, ask if anyone is skilled at grass type identification. Chances are that the lawn in the PNW will be either Perennial Ryegrass or Kentucky Bluegrass, or a combination.

Wow, I've never heard of a cooperative extension office. Searching around, I found one in a neighboring valley city. Thanks, this seems useful for things far beyond lawns!

[Funtimes]

I used the coop extension office from OSU. They gave me this response:

Hello,

From the photos, it looks like it's mostly perennial ryegrass with some small amounts of annual bluegrass. The annual bluegrass was not planted but germinated from seed in the soil.

You would want to over seed with perennial ryegrass. Any variety of perennial ryegrass will work, except 'Linn'.

Good luck.

So I'll be trying that.

Thanks again for recommending the county extension office!