The ultimate guide for how to grow fescue grass
Do you want to know how to grow fescue grass? Sod is the best way to add green to your lawn. Fescue grass is easy to work with, so seed is an option. It is essential to test your soil before you start seeding. This will ensure that there are no issues with the ground. In this article, you’re going to read the ultimate guide of cheap yard work phoenix about how to grow fescue grass.
How to Choose a Fescue Seed
There are wide varieties of fescue grass. Before you begin growing it, make sure you have the right seed. You must also consider the amount of light, water, and foot traffic your lawn will get. Due to their deep root system, some fescue varieties will do better in high-traffic areas.
There are subtle differences between fescue grasses. You may need to compromise depending on where you plant the fescue grass. While wide varieties of fescue are drought-tolerant, you may still see brown spots in the middle of summer.
Your turfgrass could also thin out if it gets too much shade. You should carefully consider which fescue grass types you will use and whether you oversee or put in a new yard. Fescue is relatively low-maintenance, but it can be challenging to choose the right seed.
Fescue Grass Seed Types
- Tall Fescue Grass - If you've ever spent a day at a park or community park, Kentucky Bluegrass 31 tall fescue likely was what you saw. The deep root system gives high fescue strength even in the dry months.
- Creeping red fescue: This shade-tolerant grass requires very little fertilizer. It has a deep, green color. Many homeowners love the appearance of advancing red.
- Chewings Fescue Grass - It can be challenging to distinguish tall fescue from chewing fescue due to their similar appearance. However, chewing fescue has a thinner blade that is more resistant to drought.
- Hard Fescue: Many golfers are familiar with the term fescue. It can be challenging to hit a shot from, so hard fescue is often used in roughs on golf courses.
- Sheep Fescue Grass - You may see sheep fescue grass on hills or slowed areas to help with erosion. Overall, fescue grass is very tolerant to both wet and dry conditions.
The timing of optimal growth
Fescue can be planted in the fall when it is most productive. Many homeowners plan to start the reseeding process and germination in spring when the grass begins to turn green.
However, spring is not the best time to plant fescue. This is where it's essential to monitor the soil temperature, not the air temperature.
Cool-season grasses thrive when they are planted between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This is where the grass grows and thrives.
The turf's strength will be affected if it is produced in the summer. The fall and spring are great for getting rain to help your grass grow.
Test the soil
It's time for a soil test. Many homeowners who tried to seed a fescue lawn without success found insufficient soil problems. You can get soil testing results that reveal the soil's pH and organic matter.
You can add fertilizers or soil amendments to your soil test if it comes back with problems.
To ensure that fescue seeds get the best start, most homeowners aim for a pH of around 6.5. Although your soil pH will change over time, it is within an acceptable range.
Before preparing your lawn, use a tiller to mix any soil amendments like lime into the soil. It will not be as effective to spread it directly on the ground.
Lawn preparation
Before preparing the lawn, ensure it is free of weeds and has been cleared from any other grass.
It is unnecessary to have zoysia or bent grass mixed in with fescue. This can negatively impact the health and growth of new seeds. It is essential to allow the fescue to grow.
It is possible to pull weeds and other grasses, depending on your lawn's size. You can use a non-selective herbicide or weed control, but you must wait before you plant your seeds.
The non-selective herbicide will remain in the soil and prevent anything from growing, even your new lawn grass.
After clearing the area, it is important to rake and level the land. Puddles can form if water is not diverted. This can lead to fungus and uneven mowing.
How to plant the seed
Once your soil has dried and you purchased high-quality seeds, it is time to plant. It is essential to plant the seed in spring or fall to get the best results.
You'll need about twice the amount of origin for a new lawn. Most recent properties will require an initial seeding, followed by an overseeding.
Follow the instructions on the seed bag you purchased when planting the seeds. The spreader's dispersion rate will vary depending on whether you plant tall fescue or finer fescue.
A 1/4 inch of topsoil is best for seed. After seeding, you can lighten the raking. If you own a roller, it's a brilliant idea to roll the roller across the entire surface after seeding is complete.
This helps prevent seeds from blowing around and accumulating in certain areas.
Calculating the square footage, you will need for your lawn is easy. You can easily measure the area of your lot by looking at its size and subtracting the driveway, home, and any flower beds or plantings.
You don't have to get the exact number; the leftover seed can be used later for overseeding.
Fescue Care and Maintenance
Maintaining and caring for your fescue lawn is essential once it has been established. This will ensure that it doesn't need to be seeded again. Fescue grass is easy to maintain.
If you want green grass and perfect landscaping, you need to know how fertilizer is applied, weeding, and watered.
You can learn more about your turf's needs by conducting soil tests.
Mowing
The spring and fall will see a lot of growth in fescue grass. Fescue grass will grow slightly slower if exposed to full sunlight throughout the summer.
Fescue grass should not be cut shorter than 4 inches when you mow it. Every time you mow, leave 1/2 to 1 inch. Overtaking the recommended amount can cause turf shock and stunted growth.
Herbicide
You can keep your turf weed-free with a herbicide, but it is essential to ensure you use a suitable herbicide.
Some herbicides can kill fescue grass. Pull weeds when they start to grow. In the summer, pulling weeds is the best way to get rid of them.
Watering
All year, it is essential to water your turf. Even though it is cooler outside, your grass still requires water.
Your fescue turf should be receiving approximately one-and-a-half inches of water per week. Adjust the sprinklers to adjust for rain. A rain sensor will automatically adjust the sprinklers to accommodate.
Aerating
Fescue turf can be aerated to allow oxygen, fertilizer and water to reach the soil. Aerating fescue turf in the fall is a good idea.
We also recommend overseeding and fertilization. This will ensure that your turf remains healthy and thick throughout the winter.