Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) in Grass New Mexico

Description

Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is a cool-season grass species widely used for its durability, adaptability, and lush appearance. It’s commonly utilized in lawns, parks, athletic fields, and other high-traffic areas.

Description:

• Foliage: Tall Fescue features deep green, coarse-textured foliage with a wide blade. The leaves are long and broad compared to other fine fescue species.
• Growth Habit: It forms dense, upright clumps, providing a lush appearance to lawns and landscapes. Tall Fescue typically grows in bunches rather than spreading by rhizomes or stolons.
• Adaptability: Tall Fescue adapts well to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It also tolerates a wide range of environmental conditions, including heat, cold, and drought.
• Traffic Tolerance Tall Fescue has good wear resistance, making it suitable for high-traffic areas such as sports fields and parks.
• Year-round Greenness :While it is considered a cool-season grass, Tall Fescue maintains its green color throughout the year in mild climates, making it an attractive option for lawns in regions with moderate winters.

Planting Instructions:

1. Timing:

• Plant Tall Fescue in the late summer to early fall or early spring, depending on your region’s climate. These times provide favorable conditions for seed germination and establishment.
• Avoid planting Tall Fescue during the peak summer heat, as young seedlings may struggle to establish in hot, dry conditions.

2. Site Selection:

• Choose a planting site with well-drained soil and adequate sunlight. Tall Fescue performs best in full sun to partial shade, although it tolerates shade better than some other cool-season grasses.
• Prepare the soil by removing debris, weeds, and rocks from the planting area. Loosen the top 4 to 6 inches of soil using a garden fork or tiller to improve soil aeration and root penetration.

3. Seeding:

• Prepare the seedbed by raking the soil surface to create a smooth, level surface. Broadcast Tall Fescue seeds evenly over the prepared area using a seed spreader or by hand.
• Sow the seeds at a rate of 5 to 8 pounds per 1,000 square feet for new lawns or overseeding existing turf. Lightly rake the seeds into the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
• Water the newly seeded area thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the seeds into the soil.

4. Watering and Maintenance:

• Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination and establishment period, which typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. Water lightly and frequently to prevent the soil from drying out.
• Once established, gradually reduce watering frequency, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Deep, infrequent watering encourages deep root growth and drought tolerance.
• Mow Tall Fescue at a height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches for optimal health and appearance. Avoid mowing too short, as this can weaken the grass and promote weed growth.
• Fertilize Tall Fescue in the fall and spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and color. Follow soil test recommendations for fertilizer application rates.