Tall fescue is a popular cool-season turfgrass known for its ability to withstand more heat and drought than other cool-season varieties. It is a reliable choice for lawns in the transition zone of the United States due to its durability and moderate shade tolerance. Its robust nature and relatively low maintenance requirements appeal to homeowners seeking a resilient, green lawn.
Preparing the Planting Area
Proper soil preparation begins with correcting the soil’s chemistry and ensuring good physical conditions. Submit a soil sample to a local extension office to determine the current pH level and nutrient composition. Tall fescue thrives in a slightly acidic to neutral range, ideally between a pH of 5.8 and 6.5, although it can tolerate up to 7.5.
If the pH is too low, apply lime; conversely, use sulfur to lower an overly alkaline pH. Existing weeds and debris must be completely cleared from the area, as they will compete with the new seedlings for water and nutrients. After clearing, lightly till the soil or perform core aeration to break up compacted areas and improve the movement of air and water into the seedbed.
Seeding the Lawn
The most opportune time to seed tall fescue is in the late summer or early fall, typically from mid-August through September, when soil temperatures are between 50°F and 65°F. Seeding during this period allows the grass to establish a deep root system before the stress of summer heat arrives. Spring seeding is less successful because the young grass does not have enough time to mature before facing the high temperatures and drought conditions of summer.
Select a high-quality blend of “turf-type” tall fescue cultivars, as these newer varieties offer a finer texture, darker color, and better disease resistance than older types. The recommended seeding rate is approximately 6 to 8 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet. Apply the seed using a broadcast spreader or, for more precise placement, use a slit seeder or core aerate the area beforehand.
After applying the seed, lightly rake the area or use a lawn roller to firm the soil, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact just beneath the surface. This contact is paramount for successful germination and maximizing the seed’s access to available soil moisture. Following seeding, apply a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus to encourage rapid root development in the young seedlings.
Establishment Care
The period immediately following seeding requires a specialized watering regimen to ensure successful germination, which typically occurs within 5 to 10 days. The soil’s top inch must remain consistently moist, necessitating light and frequent watering, often two or three times per day. The goal is to keep the seed damp without causing runoff, which could wash the seeds away.
Once the new grass seedlings reach a height of approximately 2 inches, transition the watering schedule from frequent, light applications to less frequent, deeper ones. This change encourages the tall fescue’s characteristic deep root growth, which is essential for drought resistance. Water deeply enough to soak the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches, typically providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.
The first mowing should occur when the seedlings reach a height of 3 to 4 inches, which is generally two to three weeks after germination. Set the mower blade high, never removing more than one-third of the total blade height in a single cutting. Mowing with a sharp blade is important, as a dull blade can tear the tender new grass, causing stress and potential damage.
Seasonal Maintenance and Feeding
For an established tall fescue lawn, the annual care schedule centers on maintaining density and deep root structure. Maintaining a higher mowing height of 3 to 4 inches is optimal, especially during the summer, as the taller blades shade the soil, keeping the roots cooler and improving drought tolerance. Always adhere to the one-third rule, removing no more than a third of the grass height in any single mowing session.
Fertilization is most effective in the fall, which aligns with tall fescue’s peak growth period. The most crucial application of nitrogen should occur in the fall, around September and again in November, providing nutrients for recovery from summer stress and preparation for winter. A secondary, lighter application of nitrogen in the early spring, around March or early April, helps with green-up and growth without promoting excessive top growth that could be damaged by summer heat.
Integrated weed management requires careful timing, particularly with pre-emergent herbicides, which are used to control annual weeds like crabgrass. These products should be applied in the early spring, before soil temperatures reach 55°F, to prevent weed seeds from germinating. Since pre-emergent herbicides can also prevent grass seed from establishing, they must not be applied if new seeding or overseeding is planned for the spring.