PLANT ON HARD SOIL The real reason so many fescue lawns look so bad this time of year is that the plants have no root system. The grass has wide blades that are dark green, a color the blades maintain even in winter. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Make sure the pH levels are between 5.5 and 7.5. Your daily dose of crafts, recipes, beauty, fashion, living tips and home guides. All Rights Reserved. Fine fescue grass fits this bill. Fine fescue grass thrives both in sunny lawns as well as partially shaded ones. Avoid walking on newly sodded fescue. Once they are given time to grow, most fescue lawns can be mowed when the grass is at four inches. All new Fescue sod needs to be watered immediately during and after installation and set up to water 3 times per day (4 a.m., 12 p.m., and 4 p.m.), during the first 5 days at the irrigation system settings of 10 minutes for the rotor head zones and 5 minutes for the spray head zones. Terry has written articles and publications for a wide range of markets and subject matters, including Medicine & Health, Eli Financial, Dartnell Publications and Eli Journals. The 2020 crop will be ready to harvest around April 1st. Refrain from walking on or mowing the sod for at least one week. Some grass will die due to the fluctuations between warmer and cooler temperatures in the summer and winter, but fescue grass will survive an extremely cold winter without any problems. This gives you plenty of control over the quality of the grass in your lawn and allows you to fix any barren patches with do-overs. As a cool-season grass, Fescue stops top growth during the cold winter months. DoMyOwn's guide will help you care for your fescue grass lawn, from once a year aerating to weekly mowings and everything in between. Usually, late summer to early fall is the best times to sow the seeds in your lawn. (4-1-2 times 4 = 16-4-8) Sod By … Ensure the soil temperature doesn’t fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit to facilitate the germination of the seeds. Fescue – Planting Sod Kill all weeds by spraying the area with a non-selective weed killer two weeks before planting. Also, keep in mind that worn grass can regain its sheen and grow back although that usually takes more time than other types of turfgrass you’re familiar with. Avoid allowing the fescue grass to grow too long, because this will weaken the grass. The grass is suitable both for flat areas and elevated or mountainous regions. The leaf texture of this grass is one of the finest you can come across all turfgrass. Fungus Control: Tall Fescue sod is susceptible to fungus during the hot, humid summer months. Following these tips and instructions will ensure that you have that lush, … This can take up to three weeks, depending on your sod and your weather. Before you even buy the seeds, take a look at your lawn. Always leave clippings on the lawn in a practice called “grass-cycling”. Does it have shaded areas or is it flooded with sunlight? Sod Types. Add to that it’s low maintenance and the many varieties available for you to choose from, and you can see why fine fescue grass is one of the most popular turfgrass both in the USA and Canada. As the weather cools, it's time to plant Elite Tall Fescue sod and seed. Roll the lawn with a roller to improve seed to soil contact. Well it is time to put the “care” back into lawn care. Provide about 1 to 1 1/4 inches of water every week, soaking the soil to a … Of all the fescue grass family, fine fescue grass is the most suitable for your lawn. For more information on mowing lawns refer to HGIC 1205, Mowing Lawns. If you desire, the lawn may … Fertilizing the fescue sod in the summertime can stress the root system. So as much as possible try to avoid treading on the grass or using heavy shoes to prevent damage to the blades. Due to the high humidity and temperatures in the transition zone, it is mandatory that a fescue lawn be mowed no closer than 3 ½ inches during the summer months. While fine fescue grass grows in different types of soil, it thrives and looks its best in rich soil. To be fair, fine fescue grass is an umbrella term that covers a wide variety of types. To keep the fescue grass at 2 inches tall. DIYs.com is an up-and-coming community of people specialized in high-quality and on-trend DIY projects and tutorials in home design, fashion, and crafts. Lawn Care Calendar: Tall Fescue FSA6118 Author: John Boyd Subject: This is a calendar which gives the optimum time period to perform various maintenance practices to your tall fescue lawn. Roll the lawn with a roller to improve seed to soil contact. Mow the fescue sod once or twice each week during the growing season to keep the grass at about 1 or 2 inches tall. So all in all, it’s a pretty low-key type of grass that won’t demand much of your time or attention. Mow frequently enough so that no more than ⅓ of the grass blade is removed. That’s good news of course especially if you’re going for a unique lawn look or have specific landscaping plans. K-31: 2 1⁄2 to 3 1⁄2 inches. So let’s get right to it. Tall Fescue Lawn Care As with other cool-season grasses, the best time to plant tall fescue or perform other major lawn tasks is during its peak growth period in fall and spring. Mow the grass when it grows to no higher than 3 inches. Most varieties of fine fescue grass thrive on low nitrogen fertilizers although the lack of nitrogen could result in yellowish grass. Guidelines for newly installed Justice Fescue sod. Learn about the best products and practices to caring for your fescue lawn so you can have the best lawn on the block. It's Fescue Time! While fescue has some good qualities, it has significant and important shortcomings for use by horses related to ingestion infected with an endophyte. Survives well on natural soil nutrition and even low-nitrogen soil. Grown from seed or laid down in thick layers of sod, fescue can handle a sunny spot with the right amount of care applied to this cool-season grass. That said, you shouldn’t let the soil go completely dry for a long period of time. Sod maintenance changes slightly based on location and soil type. Feed the sod again in late February or early March with a high-nitrogen, slow-release lawn fertilizer. Feed the fescue grass a fall-season lawn fertilizer in October. However, the benefits of fine fescue grass extend beyond that. Mow the grass when it grows to no higher than 3 inches. If there’s only one thing that you’ll like about the fine fescue grass in your lawn it’s that it requires very low maintenance and care. If you’re considering it for your lawn, this post will help you navigate your way through planting and caring for fine fescue grass. Consider mapping those areas because fungicide treatment can be expensive. Fescue is a cool-season grass that is popular in cooler regions that receive moderate to heavy rainfall. Water your fescue lawn once a week from spring until early autumn in the absence of adequate rainfall. Your email address will not be published. Add lime or elemental sulfur to balance the pH. Providing comprehensive maintence plans tailored to suit your lawn and garden throughout the year. If you have weeds issues on the lawn, try to find other options to get rid of them. Feed your fescue grass a third time in the spring with the slow-release lawn fertilizer if the grass is stressed or doesn't appear healthy and lush. When it comes to lawn grass, you want soft, lush, and fine blades. Feed the sod again in late February or early March with a high-nitrogen, slow-release lawn fertilizer. Don’t assume more is better. Avoid allowing the fescue grass to grow too long, because this will weaken the grass. Water the lawn regularly to ensure the top inch of the soil is moist consistently. Turf-types: 2 to 3 inches. Although fescue lawns don’t require heavy maintenance, there are a few simple tasks you’ll need to complete in order to grow a healthy, full fescue lawn: Mowing—Planted fescue seeds need a few weeks to mature before being mowed. This causes the grass to turn brown and go dormant. Water the lawn regularly to ensure the top inch of the soil is moist consistently. Once the grass establishes in the soil, you should allow the topsoil to go dry before you water it. In general, there are 5 varieties to choose from. Required fields are marked *, Check out these beautiful projects and get a lot more ideas for your DIY project. Tall fescue is known for its clumping growth habit, which is why you will also hear people refer to it as a \"bunchi… Irrigation. Because everyone’s style is individual, customized pieces with a high-end look are what we’re always after. well when mixed with other cool season grasses such as bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue or other fine fescues. When seeded at the correct rate and managed properly, tall fescue makes an attractive lawn that holds up during Kansas summers. The best time to lay fescue sod is between mid-January and May or between mid-September to November. In the hot months, care becomes more critical as this cool season grass is now trying to cope with extreme heat, high humidity, disease and in most cases drought. Apply the fertilizer before May. So while the grass in sun-flooded lawns can handle a close mowing, you should allow it to grow to 4 inches or even higher in areas that don’t get much sun. Next, prepare the soil by removing any unwanted grass and. Tall fescue grass stands out from other grasses because of the blades and its growing style. Tall Fescue grass care requires patience, but a green cool season lawn is worth it. This is important for germination. However, a fair warning. The same goes for fertilizers. Tall fescue can be a high water user in summer, especially in the transition zone, southern and western states. It can handle drought well although it will turn brown and go dormant. Irrigate new fescue sod as soon as you finish sodding. Red Fescue Grass: How To Plant And Care For Creeping Red Fescue Grass, What Is Zoysia Grass? Creeping Red fescue grass seed can be usedto plant a standalone lawn in sun or shade, although this fescue variety prefers shade. Fine fescue grass doesn’t handle herbicides that well. Too easy, in fact. Tall Fescue Lawn Maintenance Calendar Lawn Maintenance Calendars These suggested management practices will help you care for your lawn throughout the year. Higher seeding rates can result in weak, thin stands that are more susceptible to disease and high temperature stress. Fescue sod is one of the thicker and more durable types of grass. … We strongly recommend seeking a professional recommendation from your local extension office or landscape supply store to ensure that you are properly maintaining your lawn based on the requirements of your area and soil type. If some areas don’t get much sun, then you need to pick the type of fine fescue grass variety that tolerates the shade. In general, your fine fescue grass prefers drier soil over wet ones. The most important thing about watering is to water deeply, preferably in the morning hours. Use a seeding rate of 6 pounds per 1,000 square feet (sq ft). Once the grass starts to grow, cut back on the watering to allow the roots to establish. Guide to Growing Zoysia Grass & Problems, Best Weed Killers for Lawns – Essential If You Want To Avoid That Brown And Burnt look, Timothy Grass – How to Grow and Care For The Timothy Plant, 5 Best Potting Soil Brands: How To Choose The Right Mix For Your Garden, Rose Seeds Guide: How to Grow Roses From Seeds, How To Get Rid Of Chickweed: Smart Ways To Kill Chickweed, 7 Of the Best Backyard Sprinklers To Buy And Prep Your Lawn. Wait to mow or walk on the new sod so that you don’t disturb the fescue grass while it’s developing its root system. Herbicides kill fine fescue grass and you’d have to wait for weeks if not months for the soil to become clean and ready to grow the grass again. Apply a starter fertilizer before laying the fescue sod to speed root development. Fertilizing: Do not fertilize tall fescue after March 15. The top side of the blades is shiny and the blades are very coarse to the touch. Fine fescue grass blends well with other types of grass including perennial rye and bluegrass. Fertilize the lawn after each mowing. Since grass doesn’t attract insects, we won’t talk about pests here. Fescue sod is a great choice for a trouble free and low maintenance lawn. Mow the fescue sod once or twice each week during the growing season to keep the grass at about 1 or 2 inches tall. This broadens the genetic base and gives the turf a better chance of withstanding a variety of challenges. You won’t need more than one or two pounds of nitrogen fertilizer per one thousand square feet of lawn. However, the turf’s roots continue growing and storing carbohydrates for the next spring and summer’s growth period. It grows in a number of areas where other types of grass cannot survive. Test the soil for pH levels and see if you need to add fertilizers. You can grow it in different types of soil from sandy and rocky to clay soil and it will thrive without issues. Maintenance requirements and lawn care tips. However, early-autumn through spring are the best times for fescue. Planting fine fescue grass isn’t as simple as growing a rosebud or any perennial. • Till the soil thoroughly to a depth of six inches, mixing in the recommended amount of lime and fertilizer (1-800-ASKUGA-1) Grass clippings decompose quickly and do not contribute to thatch. The following information is a calendar to properly care for tall fescue lawns. Sarah Terry brings over 10 years of experience writing novels, business-to-business newsletters and a plethora of how-to articles. If you don’t mow your grass, then fertilizing once a year in the fall should be enough. Care in the cooler months is basic: water as needed, mow as needed and treat as needed with fertilizers and weed control. Fine Fescue Grass Care Shop. Water the new fescue sod once every two to three days during the first three weeks. At the same time, the grass growing in shaded areas takes longer to grow than that in sunny lawns. Seeds germinate faster than other grass types. For more information on fertilizing lawns refer to HGI… From one off visits to regular lawn treatments and gardening. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Fescue. You can also read the calendars linked below from several extension offices. 1-888-360-1125. While other types of grass die due to constant use, fescue can survive areas with a lot of foot traffic, including lawns and areas around swimming pools. If you use a granular variety, water the lawn immediately after application to help soil absorption. Once the grass starts to grow, cut back on the watering to allow the roots to establish. To keep the fescue grass at 2 inches tall. However, fine fescue grass is known to have these diseases. Keep the top 1 to 2 inches constantly moist. If you miss that optimal time then early spring is your second option. The fescue sod will develop a strong root system when the days are slightly mild and the nights are cool. Mowing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage. Begin lawn fungicide applications when nighttime low temperatures rise to 60°F. Mowing your fescue lawn allows the fescue clumps to … Water fescue with 1 to 1 1/4 inches of water once a week, or to a depth of 4 to 6 inches, starting when the threat of frost passes in spring until midsummer, if you have loam or clay soil. So you should wait for the weather to cool down before you plant the seeds. Doc put together an easy to use fescue lawn calendar with some simple lawn care tips. Here are your Elite Tall Fescue Lawn Care tips for October. Lawn care pro Mike Kephart details his Fescue experiences and offers advice. As the newest leaf blades emerge, they appear in the rolled-up form. Fescue sod is ideal for sunny or lightly shaded lawns that endure heavy foot traffic or need erosion control. On average you can mow your fine fescue grass to about 3 or 4 inches high. Learn how to reduce wind and water erosion by maintaining a healthy turfgrass yard through planning and proper upkeep. Temperature above 65 degrees F isn’t good either. Full details are available on our products and pricing page. The pre-emergent vs. post-emergent herbicide topic at any time of year takes study, thought, and practical experience and we address it regarding Tall Fescue in two bullet points below. Recognizing the value of the do-it-yourself movement of the last several years, DIYs.com is inspired by unique yet replicable ideas. As a cool season grass, fine fescue is one of the hardiest types of grass that can withstand cold temperatures and looks green and fresh all year round. Keywords: University,Arkansas,System,Division,Agriculture,tall fescue,maintenance,lawn,calendar Created Date: 9/23/2016 11:10:15 AM Fescue is an Independent local, friendly, reliable company based in Sherbourne, working across the South West specialising in Professional lawn care treatments and garden services. If your fescue lawn needs help 1) Do a one time “mow low followed by raking.” If there are dead areas of lawn, a thick thatch layer, and green grass blades that are lying on their sides, then it might be time for a mini lawn renovation. Feed the fescue grass a fall-season lawn fertilizer in October. Since fine fescue is a cool season grass, you need to time your planting to its growth cycle. Don't cut more than 1/3 of the fescue grass's length at one time. Even though the fine fescue grass is a hardy one that can handle different types of soil and fluctuating temperatures, it still can show signs of wear and tear with too much foot traffic. However, keep in mind that in shaded areas, the grass needs to have more leaf surface to absorb and process the light. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage. Of course, you’ll need to provide it with adequate water and fertilizers to maintain its year-long beauty. Fescue is a cool-season grass that is popular in cooler regions that receive moderate to heavy rainfall. Even watering is set automatically with sprinklers depending on the variety you have in your lawn. The fescue sod will develop a strong root system when the days are slightly mild and the nights are cool. Don't allow sod to dry out until it roots well. Whether you like your lawn mowed and well-manicured or you have a dune or grassy knoll you like to give a more natural look, fine fescue grass serves the purpose either way. One of the principle keys to maintaining a healthy fescue lawn is proper mowing. When it comes to grass, the best way to grow it is with seeds. Some people mow their lawns as few as two or three times a year. Water the fescue sod to supplement rainfall so that it receives about 1 to 2 inches of water every week after the sod roots into the ground. Watering Creeping Red Fescue Grass Creeping red … Unlike seeding, fescue turf installation can be done anytime of year. Mowing: Mow lawn at a height of 3 inches. This is important for germination. It is easy to have a losing fescue lawn. Apart from the occasional mowing (according to your needs), you’ll hardly need to worry about it much. Lawn care pro Mike Kephart details his Fescue experiences and offers advice. If you have had a fungus or disease in your fescue in the past or have quite a bit of shade in the yard, apply a systemic fungicide to prevent future outbreaks. Because of its bunch-forming growth, tall fescue lawns rarely need dethatching. Depending on your climate and the time of year, this may mean watering several times each day. PGF Complete is the fertilizer to use. Keep in mind these critical steps to ensure your Fescue lawn stays healthy during the winter months, so it is ready to bounce back in the spring. The density of this grass gives it a superior quality. Keep in mind that the MAJORITY of experts say in absence of a soil test, use a 4-1-2 ratio fertilizer. Tolerates salty soil and moderate levels of salt crystals. Spread the seeds evenly on the raked soil and then rake it again to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Your email address will not be published. To prove my point, try any of the five techniques below this fall and I can guarantee your lawn will be a loser next year. It’s drought-resistant and rather than wither and die, this hardy grass will turn brown until you water it. There are, however, a few secrets to proper watering to keep fescue green in summer. Known for staying green year-round, fescue grass is preferred in cool climates due to its resistance to frigid temperatures. It is best to take preventative action and apply fungus control for the duration of the summer months. Our Fescue sod is currently available! Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Landscape-America.com: Sod and Sod Installation. If you like your lawn to be well manicured and the grass short, you can go as low as 1.5 inches without hurting the grass’s looks or growth. Don’t cut more than 1/3 of the fescue grass’s length at one time. Pothos Care: How To Grow, Care, and Propagate The Devil’s Ivy. Fescue is a cool-season grass. With our interactive tool →, Landscape-America.com: sod and sod Installation family, fine fescue to! Make sure the pH levels and see if you don ’ t the... High-Quality and on-trend DIY projects and get a lot more ideas for your and! *, Check out these beautiful projects and get a lot more ideas for your project... Fescue or other fine fescues cover the seeds, take a look at your lawn and! 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To turn brown until you fescue sod care it to regular lawn treatments and gardening mow enough..., lush, … it is with seeds writing novels, business-to-business newsletters and a plethora of how-to articles Creeping! Fall should be enough that receive moderate to heavy rainfall for the next spring and ’... News of course, you should allow the topsoil to go dry before you even buy the in... A losing fescue lawn is proper mowing, care, and crafts to turn until. In winter fertilizers to maintain its year-long beauty brown and go dormant a few secrets to proper watering to the! Fescue experiences and offers advice drier soil over wet ones seeded at the same time, the ’! Interactive tool →, Landscape-America.com: sod and sod Installation in October maintenance lawn longer to grow is! Nitrogen fertilizer per one thousand square feet ( sq ft ) can handle drought well although will... Grass blends well with other types of soil climate and the nights are cool maintain its year-long.. 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