TALL FESCUE CHARACTERISTICS

Cool-season grass with a medium to dark green color and moderate density. Tall fescue has a more extensive root system than any other cool-season turfgrass. Texture ranges from coarse to medium for newer turf-types. A bunch-type grass.

RECOMMENDED USAGE FOR TALL FESCUE SOD

Very good transition zone grass; adapted to moderately cold winters and warm summers; makes a good, tough play lawn. We recommend tall fescue for a wide variety of uses, including residential and commercial landscapes, roadsides, parks, recreation areas, and sports fields.

TEMPERATURE TOLERANCE

Tall fescue has good heat tolerance for a cool-season grass. Grows in a wide range of temperatures in the transitional climatic zone between cool and warm climates. Less cold-hardy than most cool-season grasses.

DROUGHT RESISTANCE

Good – one of the better cool-season turfgrasses, tall fescue’s fairly deep root system helps avoid drought. Can go into summer dormancy with brown leaves when irrigation is withheld; upon return of moisture supply, will green up again. Some varieties have better tolerance to heat and drought.

SHADE ADAPTATION

Good in transition zone. Tall fescue prefers full sun but is moderately tolerant to partial shade. Of the cool-season grasses, only fine-leafed fescues rank higher in shade adaptation.

TALL FESCUE LAWN MAINTENANCE

Taking good care of your lawn often requires no more work overall than taking poor care of it. A lawn that is properly mowed, fertilized and watered has far fewer problems with weeds, diseases and insects. A well-kept lawn also remains dense and attractive, providing you much more enjoyment and environmental benefits.

WATER NEEDS

Moderate – apply 0.5 to 1 inch of water as a deep soaking every 3 to 7 days to encourage a deep healthy root system during dry or hot periods. Avoid frequent, shallow watering that results in shallow roots, permitting weed germination and growth.

MOWING AND THATCHING

Tall fescue has an optimum mowing height of 2 to 3 inches for a high quality lawn. Mow regularly with a sharp rotary or reel mower, allowing clippings from frequent mowing to remain on the lawn. Never remove more than 1/3 of the shoot growth at one mowing. Tall fescue forms very little thatch.

SOIL AND FERTILIZATION NEEDS

Adapts to a wide range of soil conditions. Has a rather deep, extensive root system for a cool-season grass that makes excellent use of soil moisture and mineral nutrients. Has good tolerance to saline soil conditions. Fertilize twice a year, spring and fall, with a complete fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphate and potassium. Apply N at 2 to 4 lbs. per sq. ft. per year. Will respond well to high nitrogen applications to achieve a higher quality turf. Water thoroughly after fertilization.

DISEASE, WEED, AND INSECT CONTROL

Varieties are available that are resistant to net blotch, brown patch and crown rust. For weeds, chemical controls are most effective during fall and spring. All information is based on average/normal conditions; individual sites and situations may differ. Therefore, contact your local nursery or county Extension Office if more detailed information is needed on specific maintenance questions.