Fescue is a
fast growing turf grass that stays some shade of green year
round. It looks its best fall through spring, but has
problems trying to grow in hard soil or in full sunshine. It
is usually planted from seed rather than grown from sod.
'Kentucky 31' is the original Fescue grass, but is lighter
green, clumpier, and less hardy than the new turf type tall
Fescue. Fescue is a cool season grass, and typically suffers
considerable damage from fungus and brown patch in the
summer. Fescue lawns need to be aerated and overseeded every
fall.
Fescue lawns may
partially die every summer. A well rooted, mature
fescue lawn will hold up fairly well to summer heat if it is
well cared for. Poorly rooted lawns suffer the most
damage. The timing of seeding or sodding your lawn is
very important. Newly seeded lawns and overseeding
should be done in mid-September. Fertilization
(and liming if necessary) should be done at the time of
seeding, again in November and again in late-February.
The timing of the seeding and the three fertilizations are
critical to making your grass as mature as possible to
survive the winter freezes and summer heat.
Fescue sodding should
be done in late fall or early spring. If sodding in
the fall, apply insecticide such as Triazion to prevent army
worm damage. For seed or sod, the soil should be
tilled (or core aerated for top dressing).
Turf type fescues are
the best grass seeds. Using a sun or shade tolerant
variety in the appropriate sun conditions will provide the
best results.
Seeding and sodding
lawns at other times of the year will most likely cause
severe damage during the severe heat of the summer.
Sodding fescue during the summer can result in a wasted
investment. Lawns seeded in the spring and summer will
popup and look nice for a short period but will then die
during the summer heat.
Fescue should
be fertilized during its season of rapid growth, from fall
to early spring. You should usually apply fertilizer in
September, in early November, and in mid February. Use any
brand of turf fertilizer at the rate recommended on the bag.
Turf Fescue looks best when mowed 2" high. In dry summers
and when growing in heavy shade, mowing to 3" high helps the
grass tolerate its environment. Fescue is very susceptible
to fungus. If the grass stays wet for more than 12 hours,
fungus may develop. Fungus is therefore more common in areas
that receive no morning sun, thus remaining wet from the
morning dew.
