Tall Fescue Turf Blend

Our Tall Fescue Turf Blend is perfect for high traffic areas that need less water than typical varieties. It is a drought tolerant turf blend suited to lawn and turf situations. It should not be used for livestock.

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General Description:

Looking for a water efficient lawn grass? Then look no more. Our Tall Fescue Turf Blend is a blend of several types of turf type fescues. The Tall fescue tuff type has been bred over 30+ years to be more drought tolerant, have a softer, finer blade than the forage type fescues and has a better cold tolerance than varieties 30 years ago. Originally the fescue tuff types were bred to be both warm and cool season making the best planting conditions very specific for good success. Over the years it has become more cold tolerant but has a higher heat tolerance than other lawn varieties. These varieties are also moderately shade tolerant, performing well in full sun and partial shade.

The nature of drought tolerant species is that they have root systems that grow deep to reach more water. Since the fescue blend is more drought tolerant it has a root system that grows deeper than other traditional lawn varieties so don’t be surprise when it begins growing and you see small bunches. Planted at a higher seeding rate (see seeding rate below) they will grow closer together, filling in more of the gaps creating a more uniform appearance.

Uses:

Our Tall Fescue Turf Type is great for areas that receive high traffic. It is commonly used for lawns, parks, and sport fields. This blend can be used to inter-seed or “fill-in” bare spots in your existing lawns.

Planting Conditions:

The Turf Type Tall fescue blend grows in a wide range of soil types, from clay soils to sandy loam. It does prefer a more well-drained soil that has good fertility. This blend does perform best in full sun but does well in partial shade. If planted in area that gets heavily shaded areas it may thin out over time. It is ideal to plant in soils that have a pH between 5.5 to 7.5. Tall fescue is “durable” and thrives better than kentucky bluegrass in hot summer conditions or high traffic.

When planting this blend prepare the soil by clearing any rocks, weeds, old grass or debris. If weeds are present try to control weeds with either removing or spraying with herbicides, following the instructions provided on product label. After clearing the area loosen the soil to improve the aeration, root penetration and water absorption. It is always advised to incorporate organic matter, such as compost to enhance soil health. Level the soil to create a smooth surface to ensure seed is distributed evenly and good seed to soil contact. For best results minimize foot and equipment traffic on newly seeded areas to prevent soil compaction and damage to young seedlings.

Distribute seeds evenly over prepares soil either hand spreading or using a broadcast spreader. For uniform coverage sow half of the seed one direction and the other half at another direction preferable 90 degree rotation from first direction. Lightly rake the seeded area to ensure good seed to soil contact. Avoid burying the seeds to deeply, aim for no deeper than 1/4″

Establishment:

The best time to plant is early fall (late August to early October). During this time soils temperatures are still warm promoting fast seed germination and root development. The cooler tempuratures during this time reduce heat stress on young seedlings and there is usually more rainfall during this time. This blend can also be planting early spring (Late March to early May). Spring time planting can come with some risk of summer heat stress and potential competition with weeds.

Our blend grows fast, germinating in approximately 21 days.

Seeding Rate:

Suggested seeding rate is 5-9 pounds per 1000 square feet

Watering:

After planting keep the soil consistently moist until the grass is well established. Lightly water the area 2-3 times daily to maintain moisture in the top inch of soil until seeds germinate. This varies depending on location, soil type and weather conditions. Don’t let the soil dry out is what you are trying to achieve.

Once the seedlings have reached about 2-3 inches tall reduce watering frequency but increase the amount of water to encourage deep root growth.

Watering while grass is germinating and establishing is most important. Again try to avoid the soil from drying out until grass is established.

Long Term Care:

For the first mowing wait until grass is 3-4 inches tall. Set the mower to a high setting (2.5-4 inches). For future mowing, avoid cutting more than one third of the blade length at a time. If you wish to add fertilizer wait until after the grass has been mowed a few times. Put a balanced, slow release fertilizer suitable for established turf.

When watering water deeply but infrequently. Apply between 1-1.5 inches of water per week either from rainfall or irrigation. Adjust frequency based on weather conditions, soil type and shade. Water early in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation and allow grass blades to dry out during the day to minimize disease risk. During drought periods allow the grass to go dormant (turn brown) rather than watering lightly. Once moisture returns tall fescue will recover.

Additional Information:

For warm season turf options please see our Sundancer Buffalograss.

The name “tall fescue” can be misleading. There are “forage type” varieties bred specifically for traits that make them well suited to grazing for livestock. “Turf type” varieties are bred for traits that make them suited to lawns and turf situations. Our Tall Fescue blend is comprised of “turf type” varieties.

More information about Tall Fescue can be found on the USDA website.