Grass species and varieties for severe winter climates

This handbook provides updated guidance on turfgrass survival in harsh winter climates, drawing on more than 20 years of SCANGREEN and SCANTURF variety testing across Scandinavia. It ranks species and varieties by their ability to withstand freezing, snow mold, ice encasement, and oxygen depletion, while also considering disease pressures and acclimation.

Velvet bentgrass consistently shows the highest tolerance, followed by Chewings fescue, prostrate bluegrass, and selected bentgrass varieties, whereas annual bluegrass and perennial ryegrass remain most vulnerable. Case trials highlight differences not only between species but also among varieties, with some Nordic-bred types demonstrating superior hardiness compared to imports. The handbook also extends recommendations to tees and fairways, where Kentucky bluegrass and strong creeping red fescue feature prominently.

The guidance underscores the need for careful species and variety selection when renovating or reseeding courses in winter-prone regions, balancing agronomic performance with environmental and climatic realities.