Fescue
Maintenance
The
following suggested management practices
are designed as a guidline to assist lawn
care professionals and homeowners in the
maintenance of a Fescue grass lawn. Location,
terrain, soil type and condition, age
of the lawn, previous lawn care, and other
factors affect turf performance. For these
reasons, the following management practices
can be adjusted to suit your particular
home lawn conditions.
Mowing
In
the south, mow Fescue on an as-needed
basis throught the year. A rotary-type
mower set to cut at approximately 3 to
4 inches in height is recommended: three
inches during the cool season and a minimum
of 4 inches during the warm season. Never
remove more than 1/3 of the leaf at any
one cutting. Always use a sharp blade.
Mow before grass gets taller than 5 inches.
Catch and remove clippings unless using
a mulching mower.
Fertilization
Spring
- In February, apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer
such as 20-4-10, preferrably containing
a weed preventer such as Barricade to
prevent the emergence of crabgrass and
other weeds. NOTE:
Do not use a weed preventer if you plan
to overseed. Broadcast fertilizer using
a rotary-type spreader following spreading
rates recommended on bag.
Mid
to Late Spring - Apply a
high-nitrogen fertilizer such as 20-4-10,
preferably containing a weed preventer
such as Barricade. Broadcast fertilizer
using a rotary-type spreader following
spreading rates recommended on bag.
Fall
- When temperatures begin to cool in early
to mid fall, apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer
such as 20-4-10, preferably containing
a weed preventer such as Barricade.
NOTE: Do not use a weed
preventer if you plan to overseed. Broadcast
fertilizer using a rotary-type spreader
following spreading rates recommended
on bag.
Irrigation
Though
drought tolerant, Fescue requires infrequent
deep watering during periods of drought.
Do not over-water (avoid standing water
for any period of time). A gray-green
color, and wilted, folded, or curled leaves
indicate that it is time to water. NOTE:
Always water during the early to late
morning hours and never at night. Watering
at night will often lead to fungal development.
Weed
Control
Preemergence
herbicides may be applied any time of
year so long as you are not planning to
overseed.
To
kill weeds that have emerged postemergence
herbicides can be applied. Apply postemergence
herbicides only when weeds are present.
Spot treament is recommended during the
warm season. Be sure the product is labeled
for use on Fescue and always be careful
to follow mixing and applications instructions
on product label.
Thatch
Removal
Thatching
is generally not necessary.
Insect
Control
We
don't see too many problems with insects
in Fescue lawns. Consult with your local
nursery and garden center professional
if you think you have a problem with insects.
Fungus
Occasionally,
during wet and humid summer months, we've
seen fungus develop in Fescue lawns. Most
common is dollar spot. If you think you
have a problem with fungus in your fescue
lawn consult with your local nursery and
garden center about available remedies. |