Fescue is one of the most popular varieties of grass in the U.S. and is used here in Central Texas as a winter grass along with rye.
Classified as a genus of the plant in the Poaceae family (Pooideae subfamily), this evergreen grass variety is generally easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance. This makes it a popular choice among homeowners.
But like all grasses, even fescue needs a little TLC on occasion. Here are some tips to keep your fescue grass green and healthy.
Watch Where You Step
After spreading fescue seeds throughout your lawn, use caution not to step on it. While this may seem harmless enough, stepping on immature fescue grass can hinder its ability to germinate; thus, slowing or completely halting its growth. You should wait several weeks before walking on newly planted fescue to avoid damage such as this.
Don’t Overwater it
I know this probably sounds like common sense to most seasoned residential landscapers and green thumbs, but it’s still worth mentioning that you should avoid overwatering fescue grass.
Fescue is a drought-tolerant species, meaning it typically holds up well in dry spells. Granted, it still needs water – just like every other plant and grass – but overwatering is a serious problem that can spell disaster for your lawn.
Mow at the Right Height
It’s important to mow fescue at the appropriate height, which varies depending on the climate. In the fall and winter months, it’s best to mow fescue at 1.5 to 2 inches.
In the warmer spring and summer months, you should raise the blade setting on your mower to 3 inches. This keeps your fescue at a desirable height where it can still absorb nutrients without sustaining stress.
Aerate When Seeding
When seeding your lawn with fescue, aerate the soil beforehand to encourage healthier development.
Ideally, you should make multiple passes with a broadcast spreader, spreading the fescue seeds about ten feet apart from one another. For tighter areas around driveways and flowerbeds, use a drop spreader.
Remove Debris
As with most varieties of grass, yard debris can hinder fescue’s ability to develop and grown. A couple stray leaves isn’t going to cause any serious damage.
If your yard is blanketed in a sheet of leaves and downed tree limbs, however, it will block out sunlight – sunlight that fescue needs to thrive.
To protect your fescue from such damage, it’s recommended that you remove leaves and other debris from your yard.
The Woodsman Company offers tree planting, tree pruning and shrub trimming, tree removal and stump grinding as well as a tree wellness program.
If we can help with any of your tree care needs give us a call at 512-846-2535 or 512-940-0799 or
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