While you may think your grass just continues to grow, just like any plant, grass has a life cycle. This may differ depending on what type of grass you have and whereabouts you are in the world. Having a better understanding of your lawn’s life cycle will help you to better take care of it.
Here is the life cycle of grass.
Germination
This is the stage where the sprouting of the seed occurs, usually after a period of dormancy. The absorption of water, the passage of time, chilling, warming, oxygen availability, and light exposure may all operate in initiating the process. The best time to sow grass seed is late summer or autumn as there is less competition with weeds and the soil is warm and damp from the rain.
Vegetative
Also known as the “growth” stage, this part of the grass life cycle is focused on growing (in size and quantity) the blades of grass you begin to see poking out of the soil and the roots absorb the nutrients it needs to grow.
Elongation
This is the next stage of the growing cycle and the blades of grass will continue to grow in length. This is usually dictated by the longer, warmer days of spring and summer. This is the stage where perennial grasses are more vulnerable and you should avoid cutting your lawn. This is because it will risk the removal of the stem or growing point, as it is elevated above the ground.
Reproductive
Grass can reproduce sexually by seed (sexual reproduction), or asexually via vegetative propagation (blades that arise from adventitious buds on culm nodes, rhizomes, and stolons). This is the part where the grass seed will be released from the plant and taken elsewhere to germinate in a new location.
In order to successfully go through its life cycle, grass seed needs a good amount of moisture, light, oxygen and warmth. When you sow grass seeds in your garden, most of these will be taken care of by the natural environment. It’s just important to make sure you cut your grass at the right times.
A McIlrath & Son are specialists in gardens, grounds and forestry and we can help you achieve the perfect lawn. From lawnmowers to the soil, we’re the experts in Northern Ireland. So get in touch today to achieve the garden of your dreams.