Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) in Grass Nebraska

Description

Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is a cool-season grass species known for its durability, drought tolerance, and adaptability to a wide range of soil types.

Description:

• Appearance: Tall Fescue forms dense, clumping tufts of coarse-textured, deep green foliage. It has a bunchgrass growth habit, with upright stems that can reach heights of 2 to 3 feet or more.
• Growth Habit: Tall Fescue spreads primarily through tillering rather than by rhizomes or stolons. It forms a deep root system, making it resilient to drought and heat stress.
• Adaptability: Tall Fescue is well-suited to a variety of growing conditions and is commonly used in lawns, parks, pastures, and erosion control applications.

Planting Instructions:

1. Timing: Tall Fescue is best planted in late summer to early fall or early spring when temperatures are cooler and soil moisture is adequate. Avoid planting during hot, dry periods.
2. Site Selection: Choose a planting site with full sun to partial shade exposure and well-drained soil. Tall Fescue is more shade-tolerant than some other grass species but still prefers ample sunlight.
3. Soil Preparation: Prepare the planting area by removing weeds, rocks, and debris. Loosen the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches to promote good root growth.
4. Soil pH: Tall Fescue prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Amend the soil as needed to achieve the optimal pH level.
5. Seedbed Preparation: Rake the soil to create a smooth, level surface. Remove any large clumps or debris that may interfere with seed germination.
6. Seeding Rate: Tall Fescue is typically seeded at a rate of 6 to 8 pounds of pure live seed per 1,000 square feet for new lawns.
7. Seed Distribution: Divide the seed into two equal portions and broadcast half of the seed in parallel rows in one direction. Then broadcast the remaining seed in rows perpendicular to the first.
8. Covering the Seed: Lightly rake the soil to cover the seed to a depth of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Avoid burying the seed too deeply, as it may inhibit germination.
9. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the germination period, which typically takes 7 to 14 days.
10. Establishment: Once the grass reaches a height of 2 to 3 inches, gradually reduce watering frequency to encourage deep root growth.
11. Mowing:Begin mowing when the grass reaches a height of 3 to 4 inches. Set the mower to a height of 2 to 3 inches and mow regularly to maintain the desired height.

Maintenance:

• FertilizationTall Fescue benefits from regular fertilization to maintain its vigor and color. Apply a balanced fertilizer according to soil test recommendations.
• Watering: Provide supplemental irrigation during dry periods to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.
• Weed Control: Tall Fescue establishes quickly and competes well with weeds. Hand-pull or spot-treat any weeds that may emerge.
Thatch Control: Tall Fescue lawns may develop thatch buildup over time, especially in high-traffic areas. Core aerating and dethatching can help improve soil aeration and water infiltration.