Tall Fescue Lawn Grass

Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is a popular choice for lawn grass, particularly valued for its adaptability, durability, and appearance. Here’s a detailed overview of tall fescue grass, including its features, benefits, and tips for planting and maintenance:

Characteristics

1. Appearance:

   • Height: As the name suggests, tall fescue can grow taller than many other lawn grasses, reaching up to 12-18 inches if not mowed regularly.
   • Texture: It has a coarser texture compared to fine fescues, but it still provides a dense, lush lawn when well-maintained.
   • Color: Typically deep green, providing a vibrant lawn appearance.

2. Growth:

   • Growth Rate: Tall fescue grows relatively quickly and establishes itself well, making it suitable for rapid lawn cover.
   • Density: Forms a thick turf that helps crowd out weeds.

Benefits

1. Durability:

   • Heat Tolerance: Tolerates high temperatures and drought conditions better than many other grass types, making it ideal for warmer climates.
   • Shade Tolerance: Performs reasonably well in partial shade, though it thrives in full sun.

2. Maintenance:

   • Low Maintenance: Requires less frequent mowing compared to finer grass types due to its robust growth.
   • Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to common lawn diseases and pests.

3. Water Efficiency:

   • Drought Resistance: Has a deep root system that allows it to survive dry periods better than many other grass types.

Planting Tall Fescue

1. Preparation:

   • Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels. Tall fescue prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0).
   • Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-drained and loose. Amend the soil with compost or organic matter if needed.

2. Seeding:

   • Timing: Best planted in late summer to early fall or early spring. Fall seeding allows the grass to establish before winter.
   • Method: Spread seeds evenly using a broadcast spreader. Lightly rake the soil to cover the seeds.

3. Watering:

   • Initial Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which typically takes 7-12 days.
   • Established Lawn: Reduce watering frequency once the grass is established, but ensure it receives adequate moisture during dry periods.

4. Fertilizing:

   • Initial Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer at the time of seeding or shortly after germination.
   • Ongoing Care: Fertilize with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the spring and again in the fall.

Maintenance

1. Mowing:

   • Height: Maintain a mowing height of 2.5 to 4 inches. Taller grass helps shade the soil and improves drought resistance.
   • Frequency: Mow regularly to maintain the desired height and to encourage dense growth.

2. Weed Control:

   • Pre-Emergent Herbicides: Apply pre-emergent herbicides in early spring to prevent weed seeds from germinating.
   • Post-Emergent Control: Use selective herbicides if weeds appear, but ensure they are safe for use with tall fescue.

3. Aeration:

   • Regular Aeration: Aerate the lawn once a year to improve soil compaction and promote healthy root growth.

4. Overseeding:

   • Thinning Areas: Overseed in fall or spring to fill in any thin or bare spots and to maintain a dense lawn.

Varieties

1. Improved Varieties:

   • Turf-Type Tall Fescue: Varieties bred specifically for lawn use, offering finer texture and improved appearance compared to traditional tall fescue.

2. Blend Options:

   • Seed Blends: Often sold as blends with other grass types for enhanced lawn performance and aesthetic appeal.

Summary

Tall fescue is a versatile and resilient lawn grass that provides a robust, attractive turf with relatively low maintenance. Its adaptability to various conditions and resistance to drought and disease make it a popular choice for homeowners seeking a durable and easy-to-care-for lawn.