Your email address will not be published. Once the grass starts to grow, cut back on the watering to allow the roots to establish. 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. Feed the fescue grass a fall-season lawn fertilizer in October. Roll the lawn with a roller to improve seed to soil contact. Providing comprehensive maintence plans tailored to suit your lawn and garden throughout the year. The most important thing about watering is to water deeply, preferably in the morning hours. That’s good news of course especially if you’re going for a unique lawn look or have specific landscaping plans. Required fields are marked *, Check out these beautiful projects and get a lot more ideas for your DIY project. 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. Watering Creeping Red Fescue Grass Creeping red … Sod maintenance changes slightly based on location and soil type. 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. Creeping Red fescue grass seed can be usedto plant a standalone lawn in sun or shade, although this fescue variety prefers shade. You can also read the calendars linked below from several extension offices. 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. However, the turf’s roots continue growing and storing carbohydrates for the next spring and summer’s growth period. Fine fescue grass thrives both in sunny lawns as well as partially shaded ones. 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. Before you even buy the seeds, take a look at your lawn. The leaf texture of this grass is one of the finest you can come across all turfgrass. Seeds germinate faster than other grass types. Spread the seeds evenly on the raked soil and then rake it again to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Mow frequently enough so that no more than ⅓ of the grass blade is removed. Apart from the occasional mowing (according to your needs), you’ll hardly need to worry about it much. Once the grass starts to grow, cut back on the watering to allow the roots to establish. 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. Ensure the soil temperature doesn’t fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit to facilitate the germination of the seeds. The 2020 crop will be ready to harvest around April 1st. As the newest leaf blades emerge, they appear in the rolled-up form. Too easy, in fact. Fertilizing: Do not fertilize tall fescue after March 15. All Rights Reserved. Recognizing the value of the do-it-yourself movement of the last several years, DIYs.com is inspired by unique yet replicable ideas. Tolerates salty soil and moderate levels of salt crystals. … 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. Mowing your fescue lawn allows the fescue clumps to … 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. The fescue sod will develop a strong root system when the days are slightly mild and the nights are cool. K-31: 2 1⁄2 to 3 1⁄2 inches. The same goes for fertilizers. Grass clippings decompose quickly and do not contribute to thatch. Of course, you’ll need to provide it with adequate water and fertilizers to maintain its year-long beauty. Consider mapping those areas because fungicide treatment can be expensive. Feed the sod again in late February or early March with a high-nitrogen, slow-release lawn fertilizer. Shop. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! When it comes to grass, the best way to grow it is with seeds. 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. However, keep in mind that in shaded areas, the grass needs to have more leaf surface to absorb and process the light. Fescue – Planting Sod Kill all weeds by spraying the area with a non-selective weed killer two weeks before planting. You can grow it in different types of soil from sandy and rocky to clay soil and it will thrive without issues. 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. Apply a starter fertilizer before laying the fescue sod to speed root development. Feed the fescue grass a fall-season lawn fertilizer in October. So as much as possible try to avoid treading on the grass or using heavy shoes to prevent damage to the blades. If you use a granular variety, water the lawn immediately after application to help soil absorption. Irrigate new fescue sod as soon as you finish sodding. If you have weeds issues on the lawn, try to find other options to get rid of them. Lawn care pro Mike Kephart details his Fescue experiences and offers advice. Avoid allowing the fescue grass to grow too long, because this will weaken the grass. 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. 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. Tall fescue grass stands out from other grasses because of the blades and its growing style. However, fine fescue grass is known to have these diseases. So you should wait for the weather to cool down before you plant the seeds. Maintenance requirements and lawn care tips. There are, however, a few secrets to proper watering to keep fescue green in summer. The top side of the blades is shiny and the blades are very coarse to the touch. Don't allow sod to dry out until it roots well. As the weather cools, it's time to plant Elite Tall Fescue sod and seed. Most varieties of fine fescue grass thrive on low nitrogen fertilizers although the lack of nitrogen could result in yellowish grass. Fescue sod is a great choice for a trouble free and low maintenance lawn. Don’t assume more is better. Tall Fescue grass care requires patience, but a green cool season lawn is worth it. Lawn care pro Mike Kephart details his Fescue experiences and offers advice. If some areas don’t get much sun, then you need to pick the type of fine fescue grass variety that tolerates the shade. Fine fescue grass doesn’t handle herbicides that well. Water the new fescue sod once every two to three days during the first three weeks. If you desire, the lawn may … Usually, late summer to early fall is the best times to sow the seeds in your lawn. Since fine fescue is a cool season grass, you need to time your planting to its growth cycle. 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. Always leave clippings on the lawn in a practice called “grass-cycling”. The fescue sod will develop a strong root system when the days are slightly mild and the nights are cool. This can take up to three weeks, depending on your sod and your weather. Begin lawn fungicide applications when nighttime low temperatures rise to 60°F. To be fair, fine fescue grass is an umbrella term that covers a wide variety of types. Water the lawn regularly to ensure the top inch of the soil is moist consistently. Add lime or elemental sulfur to balance the pH. Your email address will not be published. When seeded at the correct rate and managed properly, tall fescue makes an attractive lawn that holds up during Kansas summers. Fine fescue grass blends well with other types of grass including perennial rye and bluegrass. well when mixed with other cool season grasses such as bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue or other fine fescues. It can handle drought well although it will turn brown and go dormant. 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. It grows in a number of areas where other types of grass cannot survive. Learn about the best products and practices to caring for your fescue lawn so you can have the best lawn on the block. Test the soil for pH levels and see if you need to add fertilizers. Because of its bunch-forming growth, tall fescue lawns rarely need dethatching. Water your fescue lawn once a week from spring until early autumn in the absence of adequate rainfall. Tall fescue can be a high water user in summer, especially in the transition zone, southern and western states. So let’s get right to it. Planting fine fescue grass isn’t as simple as growing a rosebud or any perennial. Fescue is a cool-season grass that is popular in cooler regions that receive moderate to heavy rainfall. Because everyone’s style is individual, customized pieces with a high-end look are what we’re always after. It's Fescue Time! Fescue is a cool-season grass that is popular in cooler regions that receive moderate to heavy rainfall. Refrain from walking on or mowing the sod for at least one week. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage. Guidelines for newly installed Justice Fescue sod. The grass has wide blades that are dark green, a color the blades maintain even in winter. 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. Red Fescue Grass: How To Plant And Care For Creeping Red Fescue Grass, What Is Zoysia Grass? Mowing. Depending on your climate and the time of year, this may mean watering several times each day. Fescue sod is one of the thicker and more durable types of grass. The following information is a calendar to properly care for tall fescue lawns. Keep in mind that the MAJORITY of experts say in absence of a soil test, use a 4-1-2 ratio fertilizer. It is easy to have a losing fescue lawn. Even watering is set automatically with sprinklers depending on the variety you have in your lawn. Keep the top 1 to 2 inches constantly moist. That said, you shouldn’t let the soil go completely dry for a long period of time. 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. Avoid walking on newly sodded fescue. DoMyOwn's guide will help you care for your fescue grass lawn, from once a year aerating to weekly mowings and everything in between. Unlike seeding, fescue turf installation can be done anytime of year. As a cool-season grass, Fescue stops top growth during the cold winter months. 1-888-360-1125. To keep the fescue grass at 2 inches tall. Sod Types. Feed the sod again in late February or early March with a high-nitrogen, slow-release lawn fertilizer. Known for staying green year-round, fescue grass is preferred in cool climates due to its resistance to frigid temperatures. However, the benefits of fine fescue grass extend beyond that. Mowing: Mow lawn at a height of 3 inches. 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. Well it is time to put the “care” back into lawn care. Fine Fescue Grass Care 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. Tall fescue is known for its clumping growth habit, which is why you will also hear people refer to it as a \"bunchi… If you’re considering it for your lawn, this post will help you navigate your way through planting and caring for fine fescue grass. 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