Is Year-Round Green Grass Possible in VB?

Researchers Explore Bluemuda’s Potential for Year-Round Turf in Virginia Beach.

A long-running turfgrass project at Virginia Tech’s research station in Virginia Beach is helping define what’s possible for year-round green lawns and athletic fields in the Mid-Atlantic. 

Since 2017, the station’s turfgrass program has been studying the viability of “Bluemuda,” a blend of bermudagrass and Kentucky bluegrass, in the region’s transitional climate.

Bluemuda combines two species with different seasonal strengths. Bermudagrass thrives in summer, going dormant as temperatures drop, while Kentucky bluegrass stays green through the cooler months. Together, the grasses create a turf that maintains a visually consistent, lush appearance nearly all year long.

“Bermudagrass is planted first, and then bluegrass is overseeded into it,” Adam Nichols, Turf Research Manager, said. “The bluegrass sends out tillers and rhizomes that help fill gaps, and within three to four months, the two species establish a strong, unified stand. But the order matters. Planting bluegrass first doesn't yield the same results.”

Tillers are lateral shoots that grow from the base of a grass plant while rhizomes are underground stems that form new shoots. The shoots stay connected to the original plant and help it spread outward, making the turf thicker and more resilient. In this system, the tillering of Kentucky bluegrass helps it blend into and reinforce the existing bermudagrass stand, resulting in a smoother, more complete lawn or field.

The project has tested different seeding procedures and maintenance strategies over the years to determine what delivers the most successful establishment and long-term performance. So far, the Bluemuda blend has potential to be effective in both home lawns and athletic field settings in Virginia Beach.

One of the major advantages of the system is reduced maintenance over time. Because both grasses are perennials and take turns staying green, the need for reseeding each year is largely eliminated. But even with promising results, researchers note that implementation by the public has been limited. 

“It can feel risky to change what you’ve always done,” Nichols noted. “But this system shows real potential, especially for those who want dependable, year-round turf without constantly reseeding or switching species.”

As the project continues, researchers hope more turf managers and homeowners will consider Bluemuda as a sustainable, climate-smart solution for the Mid-Atlantic region.