How to Take Care of a Fescue Lawn
Fescue lawns are popular in the southwest and southeastern part of the United States, especially since the development o water-conserving fescues that are currently on the market. Fescue is a clumping grass that stays green all year round with no dormancy in the winter months in the southern regions of the United States. This grass is not made for high traffic because it does not regenerate quickly. However, a new fescue has come out in California that spreads by stolons, like Bermuda grass. Some varieties tolerate shade better than others. This grass is also hardy enough to take the desert heat. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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During the summer months cut your tall fescue weekly to a height of 1 1/2 inches to 3 inches. Dwarf fescues require a mowing height of 1 1/2 inches to 2 inches. Use a rotary mower with a grass catcher.
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Cut your fescue grass every other week in the winter months, and cut shorter to a height of 1 1/2 inches. Use a rotary mower with a grass catcher.
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Water your lawn three times a week for at least 10 minutes during the summer months if you have an automatic sprinkler system. Do not water during the night if possible. Watering times differ if you don't have an automatic sprinkler system. Make sure you water long enough to soak the roots, which are at least 3 inches down.
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During the winter water your fescue lawn once a week for 10 minutes using automatic sprinklers.
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Fertilize your lawn four times a year with a fertilizer spreader. Apply fertilizer in the early spring, early summer, late summer and late fall. Use an NPK ratio (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) of 21-21-21. For the late fall application change to a 22-3-14 blend to give the grass enough nitrogen in the winter and potassium for root development during the winter.
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Rake your lawn weekly during all seasons to keep leaf debris off the lawn. Leaf debris keeps the blades of grass from getting sunshine.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not mow below 1 1/2 inches; scalping can kill a fescue lawn. Apply all fertilizer with a spreader so you do not concentrate fertilizer in one area, which will burn your lawn.
