Summer is typically the season of greatest root growth of turfgrasses.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Never

Answer: (B)

Root growth in turfgrasses is driven by soil temperature and moisture, and different grasses peak at different times. For cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue, the strongest root production typically happens in spring and fall when soils are cooler and moisture is adequate. In summer, heat and potential drought stress slow root growth, even though above-ground growth may be vigorous. Warm-season grasses can have robust root growth in warm conditions, but even there the peak is not guaranteed and is highly dependent on soil moisture and heat stress.

Because not all turfgrasses reach their maximum root expansion in summer, the statement isn’t generally true.