FESCUE TURF SPECIFICATIONS
 

CHARACTERISTICS:
Cool-season grass - deep green color - finest grass blade of any lawn grass - upright growth habit creates a pleasing uniformity - has rapid germination and seedling establishment.


RECOMMENDED USAGE:
Well adapted to cool summers and high altitudes - can do well even in cold and arid climates - often used in mixtures with other grasses because of an ability to blend - frequent component of bluegrass mixtures because it grows well in shade or drought-dry soil - used with a warm-season grass in the South, it provides green winter color.


TEMPERATURE TOLERANCE:
Good - tolerates hot and cold weather well - has good winter hardiness - can be used in areas that are subject to widest temperature fluctuations.


DROUGHT TOLERANCE:
Very good drought tolerance for a cool-season grass can go dormant in summer if irrigation is withheld, upon return of moisture supply it will green up again.


SHADE TOLERANCE:
Moderate - most shade tolerant of all grasses but needs some sun - best cool season grass for dry, shady lawns.


WEAR RESISTANCE:
Moderate - grass blades are non-succulent and hardy making an ideal play surface - does not recover well from severe injury


Consult your local Turfgrass Producers International Grower if more information is needed on this or other turfgrass species.


FINE FESCUE MAINTENANCE

Taking good care of your lawn often requires no more work overall than taking poor care of it. A lawn that is properly watered, fertilized and mowed has far fewer problems with weeds, diseases and insects. A well kept lawn also remains lush and attractive, giving you much more enjoyment.


WATER NEEDS:
Low to moderate - water thoroughly (at least 1 inch) once or twice a week during most summer conditions - can enter summer dormancy if no water available.


MOWING & THATCHING:
Mow regularly with a reel or rotary mower - slow growth habit results in a uniform response to mowing - does best with a mowing height of 1 - 2 1/2 inches - will tolerate close mowing in cool climates. Clippings from frequent mowings can be left on the lawn, as Fine fescue does not develop thatch. Fine fescue can be left unmowed for a "meadow look."


SOIL & FERTILIZER NEEDS:
Tolerates acid soil well, growing within a soil acidity range of pH 5.0 to 6.5 - has the lowest fertilizer requirements of any cool-season grass - apply a high nitrogen fertilizer with 1 lb. of actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. per year split between spring and fall application.


DISEASE, WEED & INSECT CONTROL:
Most varieties have good resistance to many turfgrass diseases. Mixed with other grasses, fine fescue adds disease resistance to the turf. It has occasional susceptibility to summer diseases in hot climates, especially in moist, fertile soil.


All information is based on average/normal conditions; individual sites and situations may differ. Therefore, contact your local nurseryman or county Extension Office if more detailed information is needed on specific maintenance questions.


 

Grass types:  Fescue | Bluegrass | Zoysia