With summer coming to an end soon, your lawn may require some proactive steps to have that perfect Georgia manicured landscape. Here is some important information to know about your Fescue Grass.
What is Fescue Grass?
“Fescue is a deep-rooted bunch grass that is productive during fall, late winter, and spring. More than half of the total yearly production occurs in spring. It does not grow well in mid-summer unless moisture conditions are favorable,” explains University of Georgia.
Seedland reports that “fescue grass types are a variety of cool season grasses that are adapted to the transition zone of the USA and into Canada. The fescue grass species are easily planted with grass seed”.
Benefits of Fescue
There are many benefits of having a fescue lawn in Georgia. Here are just a few:
- Drought tolerant
- Heat tolerant
- Cold tolerant
- Shade tolerant
- Require less fertilizer
- Rarely need dethatching
- Develop a deep root system
- Eco friendly
- Suited to all but the southernmost U.S.
- Improved insect and disease resistance
- Rich, healthy color throughout the growing season
- Attractive, fine-textured, thick, uniform lawn
- Low growing, low maintenance lawn
- Boundaries and bed lines are also much easier to maintain
- Landscape looks cleaner and more finished with less edging work
Steps to Take in the Fall
With your Fescue grass, there are a few steps to take in the Fall season to achieve the goal of a beautiful lawn all year round.
Aerating
Fescue is a non-spreading grass, which means it needs to be aerated and over-seeded in the fall. When over-seeding fescue, aeration is essential, because it gives these seeds a safe place to germinate and grow.
Seeding
Best time to plant fescue is during its peak growth period which is in the Fall. Grass seeds germinate better if they are below the surface of the ground and have enough moisture. To improve germination, aeration allows more seeds to get under the surface for a thicker and healthier lawn. Overseeding keeps the fescue dense and avoids a clumpy appearance.
The warm soil temperatures mixed with the cool air temperatures enhance seed germination, speed establishment and aid quick recovery. Planting in the Fall presents the highest reward for cool season grass. Plant Fescue grass seed when the fall temperatures reach 75° and are dropping as winter approaches. High summer temperatures can cause fescue grass to go dormant. Planting during summer is not recommended. Avoid planting when night time temperatures are above 70°.
Soil Test
For best results with your existing grass, conduct a soil test to check the pH and acidity levels. This will help you determine if and what type of grass seed, lime and fertilizer to put down. Your local Pest and Lawn Control Company can perform a soil test for you.
Mowing
Fescue matures quickly after seeding and requires frequent mowing. It is finely textured and fast-growing. It is recommended that you not remove more than one-third of the height of the grass blade in a single cutting. Refer to the recommended mowing height for grasses in Georgia. Remember to keep your blade sharp. A dull blade shreds grass and causes the top of the grass to turn brown.
Watering
The goal is to water your lawn properly so that it will grow longer, deeper roots and will be more drought tolerant. Grass needs about one inch of water per week to thrive. It is suggested to water your lawn in the morning once a week so it has a chance to dry between soakings. If you overwater, it increases the possibility of disease for your root system.
Weeding
For a healthy lawn, you’ll need ongoing lawn care that includes using a weed control. To determine what specific weed-control plan is right for your lawn, you’ll need to determine what type of grass and weeds you have. Your lawn expert can tell you and recommend the ongoing lawn care that will give you that incredible manicured green thick lawn that you want.
Contact Us
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