Which grass grows on your lawn? The comprehensive guide to lawn care
‘A healthy lawn starts with the right care, tailored to the type of grass and the environment. With AS-Motor equipment, any challenge can be mastered - whether it's a steep slope or dense tall grass.’
Roman Mühleck, turf expert AriensCo
No two lawns are the same – and knowing the exact type of grass on your property can make all the difference. With the right care, tailored to the specific requirements of the grass, your lawn will stay healthy and beautiful all year round.
Grass species can appear similar at first glance, but there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution when it comes to lawn care – especially in Europe, where climatic and soil differences play a major role. In this guide, we will introduce you to the most common European grass types, give you maintenance tips and show you how AS-Motor equipment for demanding conditions can help you to maintain your lawn in the best possible way, even on difficult terrain or steep slopes.
Warm and cold period grasses: Which grass species suit your region?
Grass species can be roughly divided into two categories: Warm-season grasses, which thrive in hot, dry climates and go dormant in winter, and cold-season grasses, which adapt to cooler conditions and are frost-resistant. Depending on the type of grass and location, specific care and the right machines are required.
European grass types and their care
Bermuda-Gras (Cynodon dactylon)
Distribution: Southern Europe
Description: This hard-wearing warm-season grass, often referred to as ‘the lawn miracle of warmth’, is extremely resistant to drought and stress. Thanks to its self-regeneration, it is often used for sports fields and gardens in the Mediterranean region.
Care tips:
- Watering: About 2.5 cm of water per week
- Mowing: Cut to a height of 2-5 cm. A lawn mower such as the AS 510 offers precision and clean cuts, ideal for dense growth.
- Seasonal care: Shorten to 1-2 cm in spring; raise the height slightly before winter dormancy.
Zoysia-Gras (Zoysia japonica)
Distribution: Southern and transitional climate in Europe
Description: A low-maintenance warm-season grass characterised by its dense structure and resistance to weeds. Zoysia retains its green colour longer than other varieties and is ideal for low-maintenance gardens in warmer regions.
Care tips:
- Watering: Can manage with less water, but needs around 2.5 cm weekly.
- Mowing: Cut back to 3-4 cm to maintain density. A model such as the AS 531 is ideal for low growth.
- Aeration and scarification: Aerate in spring to make nutrients more accessible.
Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea)
Occurrence: Widespread throughout Europe, especially in cooler climate zones
Description: Tall fescue is extremely adaptable and thrives in different climate zones. It is one of the most popular cool-season grasses in Europe due to its resistance to drought and its deep root system, which reaches up to one metre deep. Tall fescue grows in dense clumps, giving it a lush, compact appearance while requiring little maintenance.
Care tips:
- Watering: Tall fescue requires deep but infrequent watering, ideal for areas with medium to low rainfall.
- Mowing: It is best to cut to a height of 5-7 cm, taking care not to remove more than a third of the length at a time. The AS 531 from AS-Motor is ideal for maintaining dense, robust grass such as tall fescue.
- Reseeding: Reseeding in spring is recommended to promote a uniform, healthy appearance.
Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
Occurrence: Northern and western Europe
Description: Perennial ryegrass is a fast-growing grass species that is often used in seed mixtures to quickly green up lawns. Due to its shallow roots, it prefers cooler temperatures and regular watering. With its dense, green appearance, perennial ryegrass is particularly resistant to trampling, but sensitive to drought.
Care tips:
- Watering: Requires a continuous supply of water, about 2.5 cm per week.
- Mowing: The cutting height should be between 4-6 cm. Due to rapid growth, regular mowing is crucial; AS-Motor high grass mowers provide excellent control for frequent cutting.
- Soil care: Aerating the soil and removing thatch every two years promotes healthy root growth and ensures a vital lawn.
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis)
Occurrence: Northern Europe and mountainous regions
Description: Meadow fescue is known for its rich green colour and dense growth habit and is one of the most popular cold-season grasses. It thrives particularly well in temperate climates and requires regular watering and fertilisation to retain its vibrant colour even in warmer months.
Care tips:
- Watering: Needs about 2.5-5 cm of water per week to stay vigorous.
- Mowing: Keep the cutting height at 6-8 cm and increase it to 8-10 cm during the summer heat. AS motorised high grass mowers are ideal for precise, even cuts that promote healthy growth.
- Seasonal maintenance: Remove thatch every two years to ensure optimum water and nutrient supply and to support root growth.
Seasonal tips for lawn care in Europe
- Spring: Fertilise, aerate and reseed for cold-season grasses.
- Summer: Regular watering, especially for cold-season grasses.
- Autumn: A final application of fertiliser and higher cutting heights to strengthen the roots.
- Winter: If possible, do not walk on the grass and reduce mowing.
Maintain the best lawn all year round with AS-Motor
Understanding your grass type is the first step towards a healthy, beautiful lawn. With the right care and the optimum machines – such as the AS 63 for private gardens or the AS 940 for professional use – you will always achieve the best possible results. You can find more tips on lawn care and the right equipment in our comprehensive AS-Motor range.
