Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) in North Carolina

Description

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is a cool-season grass known for its durability, drought tolerance, and adaptability to a wide range of soil types and climates. It’s commonly used for lawns, parks, sports fields, and pasture grass in regions with cold winters and moderate summers.

Description:

Appearance:

• Tall fescue has medium to coarse-textured, dark green blades that form a dense, upright turf.
• It has a lush, uniform appearance and can tolerate a wide range of mowing heights.

Growth Habit:

• Tall fescue forms a bunch-type growth habit, with individual plants growing in clumps or bunches.
• It spreads slowly through tillering (growth of new shoots from the base of existing plants) rather than spreading through above-ground stolons or below-ground rhizomes.

Climate:

• Thrives in cool, temperate climates and performs best in regions with mild summers and cold winters.
• Tall fescue is well-suited to the transition zone of the United States, where both cool-season and warm-season grasses are grown.

Sun Requirements:

• Tall fescue prefers full sun to partial shade but can tolerate moderate shade, making it adaptable to various light conditions.
• Performs best in areas with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Drought Tolerance:

• Tall fescue exhibits good drought tolerance once established, thanks to its deep root system and ability to withstand dry conditions.
• Requires less frequent watering compared to some other cool-season grasses, making it suitable for water-wise landscapes.

Planting Instructions:

1. Site Preparation:

• Choose a planting site with well-drained soil and ample sunlight. Tall fescue prefers fertile, loamy soil but can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay and acidic soils.
• Prepare the planting area by clearing the site of any existing vegetation, weeds, rocks, and debris.
• Loosen the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches using a garden fork, tiller, or similar tool to improve soil structure and promote root growth.

2. Seeding:

• Tall fescue is commonly established from seed. Choose a high-quality tall fescue seed blend suitable for your climate and site conditions.
• Sow the seed evenly across the prepared area using a broadcast spreader or by hand. The recommended seeding rate is typically 5 to 8 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet for new lawns.

3. Seed-to-Soil Contact:

• Ensure good seed-to-soil contact by lightly raking the seeded area or gently rolling it with a lawn roller. This helps the seeds make contact with the soil, enhancing germination rates.

4. Watering:

• Keep the seeded area consistently moist until the grass establishes, usually within 2 to 3 weeks.
• Water lightly multiple times a day to prevent the soil from drying out. Once the grass is established, gradually reduce watering frequency but increase the amount of water applied to encourage deep root growth.

5. Fertilization:

• Apply a starter fertilizer at the time of planting to promote root development and establishment.
• After the grass has established, follow a regular fertilization schedule based on soil test recommendations or general guidelines for cool-season grasses.

6. Mowing:

• Begin mowing tall fescue when it reaches a height of 3 to 4 inches. Set the mower blade to a height of 2 to 3 inches and mow regularly to maintain the desired height.
• Avoid mowing too short, as this can stress the grass and increase susceptibility to pests, diseases, and drought.

7. Maintenance:

• Tall fescue requires regular maintenance to keep it healthy and attractive. This includes watering during periods of drought, occasional mowing to maintain a uniform height, and periodic overseeding to fill in bare spots and maintain density.
• Monitor the lawn for pests, diseases, and weeds, and take appropriate action as needed to preserve turf health and appearance.