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Tall Fescue Grass: A Comprehensive Guide
What is Tall Fescue Grass?
Tall fescue grass is a cool-season perennial turfgrass known for its adaptability and toughness. It is a versatile grass that thrives in a wide range of climates and soil conditions, making it a popular choice for homeowners and landscapers alike.
Benefits of Tall Fescue Grass
- Drought tolerance
- Heat tolerance
- Disease resistance
- Shade tolerance
- Low maintenance requirements
Types of Tall Fescue Grass
There are numerous varieties of tall fescue grass, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include:
- ‘Black Beauty’: Blend of tall fescues known for disease resistance
- ‘Dense Shade Mix’: Fescue blend for shaded areas with fast growth
- Kentucky 31: Coarse, tolerant to traffic, shade, and drought
- Creeping Red Fescue: Deep green, fine blades, shade tolerant
- Hard Fescue: Highly fertile, low mowing requirements, commonly used on golf courses
Care and Maintenance of Tall Fescue Grass
Planting and Establishment:
- Plant tall fescue grass in fall or spring when temperatures are between 50-65°F.
- Seed bare soil to a depth of about 1/2 inch.
- Keep soil moist while waiting for seeds to germinate.
- Avoid using pre-emergent herbicides for 90 days after seeding.
Mowing:
- Mow regularly to maintain a height of 2-3 inches.
- Avoid mowing too short, as this can stress the grass.
- Mow at a higher height (3-4 inches) during summer months.
Watering:
- Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Aim for 1-1.25 inches of water per week.
Fertilizing:
- Fertilize annually with a nitrogen-based fertilizer at a rate of 3-4 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Seasonal Care:
Spring:
- Begin mowing once growth begins.
- Fertilize before temperatures reach 55°F.
- Seed or overseed once soil temperatures reach 50-65°F.
Summer:
- Increase mowing height to 3-4 inches.
- Water as needed to maintain 1-1.25 inches of water per week.
Fall:
- Overseed in early fall.
- Aerate during peak growth.
- Rake to remove leaves and reduce disease risk.
Winter:
- Mow in southern climates as needed.
- Avoid mowing in northern climates.
- Water sparingly in southern climates (1 inch per week).
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Overgrowth:
- If tall fescue grass dominates other grasses, consider using a glyphosate-based herbicide or digging out the roots manually.
Disease:
- Tall fescue grass is susceptible to brown patch, a fungal disease.
- Use fungicides and cultural practices (e.g., proper watering and mowing) to manage the disease.
Additional Tips
- Overseed regularly to maintain dense coverage.
- Aerate periodically to improve soil drainage and root growth.
- Keep lawns free of thatch by dethatching regularly.
- Control weeds with appropriate herbicides or manual removal.
By following these care and maintenance practices, you can establish and maintain a healthy and beautiful tall fescue grass lawn that will enhance your outdoor space for years to come.
