Could it be just over planted KGB?  So overpopulated that it is competing with each other for resources?  I planted this with KGB 1.5 years ago.  But it looks so much like KGB and there are no above ground stolens that I can find

Hello Tom,

First of all, how often do you fertilize? Kentucky bluegrass is a higher maintenance grass and different bluegrass varieties may show different coloring if nutrients are not plentiful. Color differences are also possible between a young stand of grass and a more established stand of the same variety, but if you seeded more than a year ago, the color should be more homogeneous due to maturity.

If you fertilize regularly, then I think your color variation is consistent with different grass varieties. It could be different Kentucky bluegrass varieties, or it is more likely a variety of perennial ryegrass or a fine fescue that is mixed in.

Identifying the variety of the grass plants is nearly impossible from these photos. The method of identification of a grass species involves close examination of grass plant characteristics such as the leaf sheath shape, ligule, auricle and stem structure. Seed heads are a great aid in identifying grass as well.

To obtain an absolute identification of the two types of grass plants you have growing, you have two choices:

(1)

Carefully isolate a specimen of each type of grass and send it to the MSU Diagnostic Labs for positive identification. The following website describes the services and the fee structure for analysis performed by the Diagnostic Lab.: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/

This website provides directions and tips for taking a good sample:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/

(2)

Take detailed close-up pictures of the grass you wish to identify and send it to the MSU Pest Diagnostic Email, <personal data hidden> If you look at the following website you will see the close up details that will be needed for photographic identification. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/grass-photography-tips-for-id-help-us-help-you