Tall Fescue Grass

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.