How Does Grass Spread – Full Guide

Some grass types can spread fast, while others hardly thicken, but how does each grass spread?

Their variation might be due to the type of grass. For example, bluegrass is different from bentgrass. Moreover, grass movements may be influenced by how well the grass is cared for.

Ways Through Which Grass Spreads

Rhizomes

In the general sense, rhizomes are a network of roots that live under the ground’s surface and are responsible for how grass plants spreads. Rhizomes have shoot internodes, generate new shoots upwards, and send out roots from the bottom of the nodes. An excellent example of grasses that are spread by rhizomes includes Kentucky Bluegrass and Fescue.

Stolons

A stolon is similar to a rhizome, but the latter has long internodes, sprouts from the same stem, and produces new shoots at the end, such as a strawberry plant. Stolons spread creeping bentgrass, St. Augustine, and Zoysia grass. These types of grass are spread by stems stretching out from the plant’s crown.

We also have some grasses that spread through stolons (runners) and rhizomes, such as Bermuda and zoysia varieties.

Grass Plugs

Grass plugs are small sections of sod grown in a tray that is 1.5 to 3 inches square that is used to populate a lawn with grass. A good example is St. Augustine plugs. These plugs can help the grass seed to develop and spread very quickly. There are three methods for planting St. Augustine plugs, but the difference exists only in the number of plugs planted per square foot.

It can only take 7 to 14 days for newly planted St. Augustine plugs to start spreading.

Tillering

Tillers are new grass shoots made up of successive segments called phytomers, composed of a growing point that may turn into a seed head, stem, leaves, or root nodes. Tillers are involved in vegetative propagation and often seed production. The process of producing new grass shoots is referred to as Tillering.

Tillering helps to produce multiple tillers beginning from a single seedling. This results in the formation of dense tufts and multiple seed heads. However, this process is greatly influenced by the amount of water in the soil.

With the soil of low moisture content, grass grows sparsely with deep roots instead of a dense lateral system.

Intercalary and Apical Meristems

These two are the growing points of grasses. We have primordium, which develops the intercalary meristem. In comparison, the apical dome contains the apical meristem. The apical meristem elevates new leaves, causing the grass to elongate.

At the same time, the intercalary meristem moves upwards to form the base of each leaf blade.

Flowering

Various grass species begin to develop flowers as soon as an adequate number of leaf blades has formed. When the grass reaches the necessary size provided environmental conditions such as exposure to sunlight, the stems develop inflorescence and elongate. In most cases, flowering helps in seed production after fertilization.

To understand how the flowering process helps spread grass, we looked at Cynodon dactylon, commonly known as bermudagrass. Bermudagrass is a seasonal grass species usually regarded by some people as weeds, especially where certain crops’ growth is concerned.

On the other hand, specific individuals might choose to have it on their lawns. This grass thrives rapidly in high moisture and warm temperate environments.

Bermudagrass flourishes in regions such as California to an elevation of about 900 meters. The flowers of bermudagrass usually bloom from June through September. The flower heads are usually comprised of between three to eight branches, which are spike-like in their appearance and emanate from a single point located on the tip of the respective flowering stem.

Seeds

Some species of grass usually spread from seeds. Through mowing, grass can develop seeds next to its roots. These seeds can eventually help the grass get hold of the soil. This process can only be achieved in some grass species after grass flowering and subsequent seed-bearing.

The seeds tend to develop when the flower’s ovaries fertilize with pollen, which is transferred from the male gametes onto the female gametes via wind or insects.

What Is the Best Time To Use Seeds To Plant Grass?

Like other plants, grass has a growth cycle and preferred growing conditions. Cool-seasonal grasses like perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and tall fescue do well in cold temperatures of early fall and late summer. They thrive well in cool northern climates.

On the other hand, warm-seasoned grasses like Zoysia grass, Bermudagrass, Bahiagrass, and Centipede grass grow well in early summer and late spring. These grasses flourish well in the southern and western parts.

Therefore, whether you are planting warm or cool-seasoned grass, the timing can help your grass thrive well under preferred conditions.

Mowing

Depending on the grass species, cutting the grass helps it to spread and grow thicker. Cutting it forces the grass to channel all its energy into roots and new shoots, which helps it to spread. Another reason is the blade’s tip, which contains hormones that inhibit horizontal growth. Therefore when you mow your grass, you get rid of the tips, giving the grass room for spreading.

What Are the Pros and Cons When It Comes to Mowing?

During mowing, the height of the leave should be at least 5 centimeters. Mowing too low is likely to leave your grass prone to weeds and incapable of handling drought and other harsh environmental events. In grasses, a balance always exists between the root system and each blade’s tip.

Therefore when there is a balance between the two, the grass will always be healthier. Moreover, avoid cutting wet grass since this can lead to an increase in cases of fungal infections.

What Happens if I Mow Grass Regularly?

Regular mowing with the correct practices can help thicken grass, as it redirects energy into new shoots and encourages leaves to stand up straight, creating more space for new growth.

To promote thicker grass, mow in different directions to prevent the grass from growing in the same direction every time. This will also create a softer feel and a healthier look for your lawn. Additionally, don’t cut more than 1/3 of the top off, and leave the total leaf height at least 5cm.

Following these practices will help you achieve a fuller, healthier lawn.

Dethatching

Thatch is a layer of living and dead organic matter comprising roots, leaves, and stems that form at the base of the grass lawn. While dethatching is the process of removing the thatch.

The process helps to aerate the soil while stimulating the existing roots while encouraging the development of new roots that can allow the grass to spread.

Will the Grass Also Spread To Bare Spots?

Grass can spread to bare spots on its own, depending on the type of grass and the soil quality. Buffalo grass sends out runners while seeding grass spreads shoot by shoot, so overseeding is the best way to fill bare spots. Another way to spread grass is to aerate it, which helps the soil absorb water and nutrients, allowing grass to take root and fill in bare patches.

Aerating can also help alleviate compaction, which can prevent healthy growth. You should also fertilize your lawn regularly to ensure it has the nutrients it needs to grow. Additionally, ensure you water your lawn sufficiently and mow it at recommended heights.

These steps will help your grass spread to bare spots and remain healthy.