Type of grass - Ask Extension
We live in the Santiam canyon and have problems with quack grass. The soil is very heavily clay based. We are killing the lawn and replacing the soil ...
Knowledgebase
Type of grass #872234
Asked June 08, 2024, 9:23 PM EDT
We live in the Santiam canyon and have problems with quack grass. The soil is very heavily clay based. We are killing the lawn and replacing the soil with better draining soil, compost and gypsum. It is a sunny spot. What is the best type of grass seed for us?
Linn County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Robert,
Quack grass is a stubborn and strong opponent when trying to eradicate it. If you have not put down the compost yet, I would wait.
There is a technique called a 'stale bed' farmers use. You kill the grass/weeds by whatever means, then you water the area well and wait for the weeds to come up especially if you tilled it after the grass was sprayed.
Quack grass not only puts out seed but regenerates by rhizomes. The roots travel horizontally and then put up another plant.
Tilling to break up the plant roots will only produce more plants just like thistle or teasel. The roots are vigorous.
As to the clay soil, have you watered the current lawn? Are there low spots that pool water? Or high spots that may not hold the water. Clay soil is not bad when there is enough compost but usually it takes years of adding compost to make it amenable to good drainage.
You might consider renting a machine that takes plugs of soil out of the lawn and then add the compost getting down a few inches deeper than adding it on the top only.
Most grass that is used in western Oregon is perennial rye and fine Fescue in a mix. Sometimes adding Kentucky Blue grass. During the first couple of years you will need to fertilize and water regularly to get it started. This should ultimately make a good turf grass.
I am adding a very detailed link on growing grass in Oregon. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-1550-practical-lawn-establishment-renovation
If you have further questions, please contact us again.
Quack grass is a stubborn and strong opponent when trying to eradicate it. If you have not put down the compost yet, I would wait.
There is a technique called a 'stale bed' farmers use. You kill the grass/weeds by whatever means, then you water the area well and wait for the weeds to come up especially if you tilled it after the grass was sprayed.
Quack grass not only puts out seed but regenerates by rhizomes. The roots travel horizontally and then put up another plant.
Tilling to break up the plant roots will only produce more plants just like thistle or teasel. The roots are vigorous.
As to the clay soil, have you watered the current lawn? Are there low spots that pool water? Or high spots that may not hold the water. Clay soil is not bad when there is enough compost but usually it takes years of adding compost to make it amenable to good drainage.
You might consider renting a machine that takes plugs of soil out of the lawn and then add the compost getting down a few inches deeper than adding it on the top only.
Most grass that is used in western Oregon is perennial rye and fine Fescue in a mix. Sometimes adding Kentucky Blue grass. During the first couple of years you will need to fertilize and water regularly to get it started. This should ultimately make a good turf grass.
I am adding a very detailed link on growing grass in Oregon. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-1550-practical-lawn-establishment-renovation
If you have further questions, please contact us again.
