Tall Fescue is a cool season grass that remains green during the winter. Although it grows best in moist environments, tall fescue has fairly good drought tolerance if not mowed too low during the warm season (no less than 4 inches in height). Tall fescue is adapted to a wide range of soils, but does best on clay soils high in organic matter. Tall fescue is well adapted to the "transition zone" of the United States where summers are too hot and humid for most other cool season grasses and winters too cold for warm season grasses.

Tall fescue performs best in the South with some afternoon shade, however will remain healthy in appearance during summer under irrigated conditions. Although its wear tolerance is considered good for cool season grasses, it is not nearly as wear tolerant as bermudagrass.

Types of Fescue

The fescues compose a large genus of about 100 species of grasses. Kentucky 31 is a deep rooted, cool season perennial grass best grown for pastures. The plant produces vigorous growth in the spring and fall and its extensive root system helps it withstand drought conditions when maintained above 6 inches in height.

'Turf-type' Tall Fescues are finding widespread acceptance as lawn grasses in the transition zone, and, in the southern region perform better in more sun than Ky. 31. With proper management tall fescue can survive in densely shaded sites that warm season grasses cannot tolerate. The improved turf-type fescues retain better color during the winter months and provide a year-round green lawn.

RTF Advantage Fescue is the newest generation of turf-type fescue. This unique variety is self-repairing as it spreads from underground rhizomes.

Culture & Planting

A well prepared seedbed is essential for establishing tall fescue. The site must be well-drained so attention should be given to final grading of the site.

We recommend planting fescue in areas that receive afternoon shade.

Bermudagrass and some annual grasses are particularly troublesome in tall fescue turf. Steps should be taken prior to planting to eliminate these undesirable grasses. Herbicides containing glyphosphate, such as Roundup or Killzall, can be used to eliminate bermudagrass prior to planting tall fescue.

Early fall is the optimum time to establish tall fescue from either seed or sod. Spring plantings of tall fescue may be successful, but the risk of losing immature plants to summer heat and drought stress is greater.

Mowing

Fescue should be mowed at a height no less than 3 1/2 inches during the warm season for best performance and drought tolerance. Keep your mower blades sharp for neat appearance of turf. During the peak growing season mow one time a week, making sure not to remove more than 1/3 height of foliage during a cutting.

Fertilization

Although tall fescue tolerates low fertility, it responds to fertilization, particularly nitrogen. Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release, high nitrogen fertilzer such as 27-4-6. Fertilize again in mid-spring with 16-4-8 or a lawn fertilizer with similar numbers. Apply 27-4-6 again in fall.

Fescue tolerates a wide range in soil reaction, but performs best between pH 6.5 and 8.0. At pH levels below 6.5 limestone should be added according to soil test recommendations. To determine whether or not you need to apply lime to the lawn, test your soil, or have it tested for pH through your local Extension Service. The Extension Service will provide a detailed analysis of the soil samples and give recommendations as to whether, or how much lime need be applied to correct soil pH.

Watering

Proper watering is very important to the survival of tall fescue. Do not apply supplemental irrigation until the grass shows signs of needing water (wilting or rolling leaves). Then, apply enough water to wet the soil to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. If runoff occurs before the soil is moistened to a sufficient depth, turn the sprinkler off and allow the water to percolate into the soil. Then turn the sprinkler back on at a later time. Repeat this cycle until the soil is sufficiently moistened. Tall fescue requires frequent watering during summer months when ther is not adequate rainfall, which is considered by some to be one of the disadvantages to growing tall fescue in the southern region.

Pests

Tall fescue is fairly tolerant to most turfgrass diseases. However, brown patch can become a problem during rainy warm months. Once the disease is properly identified, treat the lawn with a fungicide.

Overseeding

Many tall fescue lawns become thin after hot, dry summer conditions. Therefore, t's usually necessary to overseed fescue lawns in the fall - sometime between mid-September and mid-October. Start by mowing the lawn to a height of 2 inches before broadcasting seed. Rake the lawn to remove grass clippings and other debris. Aerate with a core aerator making two to three passes over the area to be reseeded. Apply seed at 2 to 3 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft and then broadcast a starter fertilizer. These steps are usually adequate to rejuvenate the lawn. After seeding, keep the soil moist for 2 to 3 weeks.