Native Perennial plants have root systems generally over 6
feet deep and some natives have roots 15 feet deep or more.
These root systems have very dense fibrous networks
especially in the upper three feet.
Native shoreline plants often have spreading roots helping
to heal any erosion areas and can handle being submerged
for a week or two.
Kentucky Bluegrass has roots less than 18” deep, studies
shown the length of the roots corresponds to the length of
the blades. In a lawn mown to 3” most of the roots will be
just over 3” long.
Bluegrass roots are fine and weak holding soil poorly.
Lawn grasses aren’t good at healing eroding areas and
drown in just days if flooded.
Shorelines in our area have commonly been invaded by
invasive non-native grasses and can be stabilized,
beautified, and enhanced by restoring diverse native
species.
See the illustration below to compare root lengths,
Kentucky Bluegrass is on the extreme left.