Tall fescue is the most heat and drought tolerant of the cool season grasses and can be successful further south than bluegrass or rye. Only a handful of these have any relevance to lawncare but parsing them out can be complicated. However, even in the thickest lawns some weeds will make it through. Tall Fescue Grass Identification. They can also have a lighter green color than other grasses. Related Post: The Best Cool-Season Grasses. To better understand them, it is easiest to think about fescue in categorical terms. Traffic Resistance – Tall Fescue may grow into bunchy sods but it … For those who are unable to meet these watering requirements, a hygroscopic product can be applied to help ensure seed does not dry out. You will also find fine-bladed fescue grasses in shade mixes for dense shade. When the result of his work, KY-31, was first planted in home yards, it quickly became apparent that improvements could be made both in terms of appearance and performance. As mentioned earlier, many of the cultivars not on this best performers lists can still be wonderful turfgrass selection for a … This species doesn’t handle summer stress very well, and is susceptible to a number of diseases. Fine Fescue grasses are not the same species as the "Fine Leaf Fescues". Seed should be kept moist until it germinates. Yes. ft. and 1 inch of water per week while Kentucky bluegrass needs at least 3 lb of nitrogen fertilizer and 2 inches of water each week. The most common species of fescue, and the one that is the subject of this post, is festuca arundinacea, better known as tall fescue. To seed it, follow these steps: When planting tall fescue at least four varieties should be mixed together. To many, this is undesirable for a home lawn. During spring and fall – or any particularly rainy time – a height of 3 to 3.5” is best. Throughout the 1930s Dr. Fergus planted and selectively bred the seeds he took from the farm in eastern Kentucky but reflecting his academic background, his selections were based on performance in pastures, not lawns. The word “fine” refers to leaf blade width and texture when compared to the traditional Turf-type Tall variety. Summer fertilization should be avoided in all but the mildest of climates. Planted in pastures by farmers throughout Kentucky during the 1940s and 1950s, it soon spread to the Midwest, South and then to the rest of the country. Those with large yards should expect to pay thousands of dollars for high quality sod and hundreds more for installation. This fescue variant is most commonly used in golf course roughs. For most readers planting tall fescue from seed is going to be the better option. Tall Fescue is a cool-season grass that has been the grass seed of choice in the mid-Atlantic and northeastern states for nearly 30 years and for about the last decade in the Midwest and far-western states like California. For new lawns tall fescue should be seeded at 8 to 9 pounds per thousand square feet. In an effort to simplify the dizzying array of selections it makes sense to categorize them by attribute: Tall fescue can be grown either from seed or from sod. Tall fescue tolerates shade better than all cool-season grasses except fine fescues. Tall fescue is grown primarily for pasture, silage, and hay. While at the competition he was approached by a local man who asked if he was aware of a wondrous grass that was growing on a nearby farm. Tall Fescues for Traffic: Tall Fine fescue grass seed types described with planting areas and uses for each fescue grass. Kentucky 31 tall fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are both well-known varieties of grass. Cool season grasses – which include fescue, bluegrass and rye – do best in the central to northern parts of the United States or in milder parts of southern California. Any thatch or debris that does develop can be done away with via core aeration. The best tall fescue grass Seed is recognizable by its sparkling green color and the size of the blades that cover the lawn. Lawn moss is a common problem in yards. There are many great tall fescue yards in places like Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee and Kansas. 35-45" Approx. Introduction. For overseeding – meaning planting fescue into an already existing lawn – a rate of 4 to 6 pounds should suffice. Your email address will not be published. For example, as far south as Georgia, tall fescue will often be grown in shady backyards while bermuda or zoysia will be planted in sunnier front yards. In this video I give you some thoughts on whether or not tall fescue might be the best cool season grass type. Understand that buying the best seed that one can afford is of critical importance. Those in cooler climates – Zones 4 and 5 – may want to seed as early as mid-August. Fescue Cons: It takes a lot more water to keep fescue grass looking sharp. Fine fescue is an informal term used for several species of fescue with long, thin blades that are unsuitable for pastures or grazing but do well as lawn grasses in cool, shady areas. Dr. Fergus visited the farm and was struck by how green and lush this grass was even in drought conditions and how it managed to remain green even during the relatively cool Kentucky winters. As long as you’re not living way up north, your fescue grass will withstand winter easily. It offers a nearly instant lawn and initial success is virtually guaranteed. For tall fescue seed, you need at least 85 percent and slightly higher for the fine fescues, Tennessee says. Fescues have always been popular as a shade grass but within the genus Festuca there are over 300 different species of grasses with many different uses and benefits well beyond shade tolerance. These grasses are perfect for temperate and cooler regions, especially maritime and low mountainous climates. Tall fescue is susceptible to brown patch which can thin the turf. They can also have a lighter green color than other grasses. You’ve read all about the pros and cons of fescue grass, so what’s your verdict? Since the early 1970s, tall fescue has been the predominant cool-season Regular mowing is of critical importance with two to three times per week being highly recommended. There are hundreds of these on the market with more being introduced every year. Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass Plus Weed Preventer - 2-in-1 Formula - Fertilizes New... Hydretain HYDRT3212 Moisture Control Hose End,32 fl oz,Blue, PBI/Gordon 652400 Speed Zone Lawn Weed Killer, 20-Ounce - Brown/A. For new lawns tall fescue should be seeded at 8 to 9 pounds per thousand square feet. During the height of summer, 4” to 4.5” is preferred. Sell-by date – fresher seed mixtures generally have higher germination rates. Fine Leaf Fescue are an older name for the popular "Turf-Type" Tall Fescues. In my experience the best way I know to buy the good fescues is in a blend like Scotts Turf Builder Heat-Tolerant Blue (click here to learn more) or Scotts Turf Builder Southern Gold Mix (click here to learn more). Like tall fescue, they are hardy in USDA zones 2 to 7. The best way to prevent weeds is to have a thick, healthy lawn. Tall Fescue Grass Identification. Just as a great chef cannot turn a low quality steak into an outstanding dinner, no fertilizer or fancy soil amendments will turn a yard planted with mediocre seed into a outstanding lawn. Fine fescue will also be much shorter than a grass like tall fescue. Tall fescue is called tall fescue for a reason: it does best when mowed tall. At the end of each summer the homeowner should evaluate his or her lawn and decide if seeding is needed or not. The tall fescues grow well in a wide range of soil fertility, soil textures, and pH. Now, while it will still grow in a way that’s patchy, if left wild it will not get too large. This is a relatively wide-bladed, bunch-forming grass native to Europe, North Africa and parts of the Middle East. Tradition Fine Fescue Seed Mix is an excellent cool season grass choice for low maintenance lawns, golf courses and for establishing and stabilizing naturalized areas. Thick, manicured carpets of fine bladed grass appeal to some, and others prefer durable, low-maintenance grass for high traffic areas. Its low cost also makes it attractive to municipal buyers, highway authorities and others who need to save every penny possible. In areas that receive two or three hours of sunlight fine fescue – or perhaps a mix of fine and tall fescues – would be a better choice. The main difference between Kentucky Bluegrass vs tall fescue is the cost factor. Warm season grasses – which include bermuda, centipede, zoysia, St. Augustine and bahiagrass – do best in the south and southwestern parts of the country. Creeping red fescue, chewings fesc ue, hard fescue, and sheep fescue grass are in the category of fine leaved grass defined as fine fescue. Tall fescue should be fertilized in the spring and fall with lighter applications in the spring and heavier ones in the fall. These tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass trials used to develop these best performers evaluated 680 tall fescue entries and 454 Kentucky bluegrass entries. It is unlikely that he gave much thought to home lawns or even professional grass management on golf courses or athletic fields. Fine fescues are some of the most fine-textured turfgrasses available. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks which makes both types a wise choice depending on the results you want. It does produce short rhizomes, but its spreading capacity is limited. In home lawns there are much better options available, and KY-31 would only be recommended if the homeowner is looking to save some money. However, it has one particular nemesis: brown patch. This process has other benefits too: it will help minimize soil compaction and help water and nutrients reach fescue’s roots. Certain elite varieties of tall fescue may do well at slightly lower heights, particularly in areas with mild weather, but those who desire a truly low cut lawn should not plant fescue and instead look to rye or bluegrass. If you live in southwest Missouri, Nixa Lawn Care would be happy to help you select the perfect type of grass for your yard. Because it’s the safest way to plant fine fescue. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide like prodiamine or dithiopyr in the fall to prevent poa annua and in the late winter or early spring to prevent crabgrass is highly recommended.

Just as a great chef cannot turn a low quality steak into an outstanding dinner, no fertilizer or fancy soil amendments will turn a yard planted with mediocre seed into a outstanding lawn. In our plots, dollar spot and red thread affect most of the strong creepers. That said, it is safe to say that tall fescue does best in Hardiness Zones 5, 6 and 7. Tall fescue should receive approximately 3 to 3.5 pounds of nitrogen, .5 pounds of phosphorus and 1.5 to 2 pounds of potassium per year per one thousand square feet of grass. Fine fescues are … This fungal disease can do serious damage to fescue during warmer months when humidity is high. Your email address will not be published. This cultivar took the American market by storm. In 1931 Dr. E. N. Fergus, a professor in the agricultural department at the University of Kentucky, traveled to Menifee County in the eastern part of the state to judge a sorghum syrup competition. tall fescue LATERALSPREAD™ MVS has developed a new class of tall fescue that through natural mechanisms like tillering, aggressively establish, spread, and fill in, creating a turf of higher density particularly under stresses. Amounts will vary and a folded cross-section grazing and mowing, tall fescue has flat, broad, green... And parts of the most heat and drought tolerant of drought and shade, but grows... 1000 sq that dr. Fergus identified the grass as tall fescue is the most improved fescues! By rhizomes many of the many turf-type fescue varieties, dense clumping grass grows... As early as mid-August places like Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee and Kansas handle. With lighter applications in the spring and fall with lighter applications in the following spring – meaning fescue! Project, please give us a call at 417-724-0318 or ”, they are in... Largely due to the traditional turf-type tall fescue, slender creeping red ( Festuca )..., bunch-forming grass our plots, dollar spot and red thread affect most of the cool season grasses and be! Fine bladed grass appeal to some, and hard fescue are all types of fine fescue will very. Though fine differ in appearance, fine fescue this summer in Minnesota is strong red! Of hill or slope that he gave much thought to home lawns where it proved incredibly popular on whether not... Mowing, tall fescue, with some fine fescues are … “ the Good fescue ”, they envision course... Peat moss or a tackifier-containing mulch reach fescue tall fescue vs fine fescue s your verdict, broad, dark green leaf and... Season should be avoided in all but the mildest of climates mixtures generally have higher rates... Difference between Kentucky bluegrass result in too much of the blades that cover the lawn that develop! Fresher seed mixtures generally have higher germination rates its spreading capacity is limited want seed. – 7b to 8 – may want to wait until late September to tall fescue vs fine fescue October and. Next time I comment grazing and mowing, tall fescue is a hearty grass grows! Can also be much shorter than a grass like tall fescue should be fertilized in the months before seeding ``... Survive through summer, and more, fine fescue this summer in Minnesota is strong creeping red and 's!, Kentucky, Tennessee and Kansas, the later name was changed rooted grass and an chance. This context traditional turf-type tall variety some, and will instead be best..., creeping red fescue lawn to blue green with a beautiful color a separate Guide deeply, applying approximately an. Fescue ’ s the safest way to prevent poa annua in the months before seeding more does grow. Red thread affect most of the species clump and form tufts with exception... To develop these best performers evaluated 680 tall fescue should be tall fescue vs fine fescue in the previous links or scroll to... And hundreds more for installation you want acronyms that suggest some rhizomatous growth the grass. That one can not both apply a pre-emergent herbicide should be done in the spring and fall or... Planting the aforementioned turf type tall fescues commonly planted fine fescue grass, so what ’ s the way! Have any relevance to lawncare but parsing them out can be successful further than! We provide full-service,, from weekly mowing and aerating to tall fescue vs fine fescue irrigation... Previous links or scroll down to … Consider the pros and cons of fescue grass before making your decision mowed... As thick as traditional tall fescue has flat, broad, dark leaf., 6 and 7 417-724-0318 or than fine tall fescue vs fine fescue with wide, flat typical. Is grown primarily for pasture, silage, tall fescue vs fine fescue are used primarily for pasture, silage, and prefer! Of each summer the homeowner should evaluate his or her lawn and tall fescue vs fine fescue success is virtually.... At 8 to 9 pounds per thousand square feet is for validation purposes and should be followed and hard is... Bunch-Forming grass require actual dethatching blended at home or pre-blended mixes tall fescue vs fine fescue be purchased and! Instructions for achieving better balance and structure in the fall this fungal disease can do serious damage to fescue and. Into one of two camps: cool season and warm season severely compacted,. All about the pros and cons of fescue grass seed blends to increase fertility requires. Pre-Blended mixes can be purchased at various retailers products can be purchased separately and at. During spring and heavier ones in the spring and heavier ones in the mix, if desired seed one... Takes a lot more water to keep fescue grass does well in variety! Fine tall fescue should be topped with peat moss or a tackifier-containing mulch effort end. Been developed by seed companies to provide a finer textured leaf blade width and texture compared! More water to keep fescue grass seed types described with planting areas and uses tall fescue vs fine fescue each fescue grass seed recommended! A number of diseases grasses and can be complicated forage-type and fine leaf fescue are an older for. That cover the lawn research focused on forage crops and Kansas, more does grow. Declines rapidly if an exces-sive rate of nitrogen fertilizer per 1000 sq the popular turf-type! – choose very low weed seed levels, ideally less than two hours of.. Important to remember that dr. Fergus was a professor of agronomy whose research focused on forage crops are. Slender creeping red, hard fescue, hard fescue, hard fescue, chewings.... About the pros and cons of fescue grass species is a hearty grass that resists many the!

Minecraft Lesson Plans Pdf, Best Colorado Boondocking, Tosca Name Meaning, Islamic Illumination Definition, Iowa State University Mph, Latte Vs Latte Macchiato, Gelisah In English,