|
TALL FESCUE TURF SPECIFICATIONS
CHARACTERISTICS:
Cool-season grass - medium to dark green color, moderate density - more
extensive root system than any other cool-season turfgrass. Texture ranges from
coarse to medium for newer turf-types. A bunch-type grass.
RECOMMENDED USAGE:
Very good transition zone grass - adapted to moderately cold winters and warm
summers - good tough play lawn - recommended for a wide variety of uses,
including residential and commercial landscapes, roadsides, parks, recreation
areas, and sports fields.
TEMPERATURE TOLERANCE:
Good heat tolerance for a cool-season grass - grows in a wide range of
temperatures in the transitional climatic zone between cool and warm climates -
less cold hardy than most cool-season grasses.
DROUGHT RESISTANCE:
Good - one of the better cool-season turfgrasses, fairly deep root system helps
avoid drought. Can go into summer dormancy, with brown leaves, when irrigation
is withheld; upon return of moisture supply, will green up again. Some varieties
have better tolerance to heat and drought.
SHADE ADAPTATION:
Good in transition zone - prefers full sun - moderately tolerant to partial
shade. Of the cool-season grasses, only fine leafed rescues rank higher in shade
adaptation.
WEAR RESISTANCE:
Good - suitable for moderate recreation and foot traffic areas exhibiting good
initial wear recovery, especially in spring and fall when growth is rapid.
Consult your local Turfgrass Producers International Grower if more
information is needed on this or other turfgrass species.
TALL 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 mowed, fertilized and watered has far
fewer problems with weeds, diseases and insects. A well kept lawn also remains
dense and attractive, providing you much more enjoyment and environmental
benefits.
WATER NEEDS:
Moderate - apply 0.5 to 1 inch of water as a deep soaking every 3 to 7 days to
encourage a deep, healthy root system during dry or hot periods. Avoid frequent,
shallow watering that results in shallow roots, permitting weed germination and
growth.
MOWING & THATCHING:
Optimum mowing height of 2 to 3 inches for a high quality lawn. Mow regularly
with a sharp rotary or reel mower, allowing clippings from frequent mowing to
remain on the lawn. Never remove more than 1/3 of the shoot growth at one
mowing. Tall fescue forms very little thatch.
SOIL & FERTILIZER NEEDS:
Adapts to a wide range of soil conditions - has rather deep extensive root
system for a cool-season grass that makes excellent use of soil moisture and
mineral nutrients - good tolerance to saline soil conditions. Fertilize twice a
year, spring and fall, with a complete fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphate
and potassium - apply N at 2 to 4 lbs. per sq. ft. per year. Will respond well
to high nitrogen applications to achieve a higher quality turf. Water thoroughly
after fertilization.
DISEASE, WEED & INSECT CONTROL:
Varieties are available that are resistant to net blotch, brown patch and crown
rust. For weeds, chemical controls are most effective during fall and spring.
All information is provided by Turfgrass
Producers International
Spring 2006 installation of Tall Fescue Big-Rolls for a wedding
site
| 
