Do you long for a lush grass that stays green all year? Fall is the perfect time to establish a beautiful new tall fescue lawn. This popular grass variety adapts well to diverse environments, including damp or shady areas and colder climates. And unlike warm season varieties, fescue maintains its rich green color year round.
About Tall Fescue
A cool season turfgrass, tall fescue grows best in areas north of I-20, which runs east to west from Birmingham through Atlanta to Augusta. Of the cool season grasses, fescue is one of the most heat tolerant and drought resistant varieties, while still capable of surviving the freezing winter temperatures of North Georgia and far beyond.
Many landscapers choose fescue for lawns with varied conditions, since it tolerates sun and shade as well as damp soil fairly well. It is also a preferred choice among landscape architects for use in historic neighborhoods, prized for its more traditional look.
Rebel® Supreme, a premium fescue, was cultivated for a denser root system that resists drought better than other fescues—a necessary feature for our sometimes harsh summers.
Fescue does not tolerate close mowing, however, so if you prefer a more compact grass, Bermuda or zoysia may be a better choice.
Tall Fescue Care and Maintenance
Mowing
Tall fescue grows best at a height between two and three inches, but in hotter weather raise the mowing deck half an inch to help protect the roots.
Watering
Like most grasses, fescue requires one inch of water per week, including rainfall. Remember, over- or under-watering and watering at the wrong time of day can harm your lawn.
De-thatching
Unlike some warm season varieties, fescue does not usually require de-thatching.
Aerating
Tall fescue grows best at a height between two and three inches, but in hotter weather raise the mowing deck half an inch to help protect the roots.
Fertilization
Apply general lawn fertilizer twice per year during early spring and early fall. Test your soil every other year for specific recommendations to detect nutrient deficiencies and maintain balanced pH.
Controlling Weeds and Pests
Use products recommended by NG Turf or your local Extension Service office.
If you’re in the market for a fescue lawn, contact our Certified Turfgrass Professionals at 770.832.8608 or email at info@NGTurf.com.
