Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is one of the most popular grasses in North Carolina, an area that extends as far south as Atlanta. Its popularity relates to its ease of establishment through sodding and its green color during spring and fall, when warm-season turfgrasses are dormant and brown. Tall fescue is a perennial bunch-type grass that grows rapidly during spring and fall. Because of its bunch-type growth, spring pre emergence herbicides generally are needed to keep a lawn relatively free of weeds.

Tall fescue is adapted to a wide range of soil conditions but grows best on fertile, well-drained soils with a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5. It often needs irrigation to remain attractive during the summer.

Kentucky 31 (K-31) is the old, common cultivar. Most of the new and more attractive cultivars are referred to as "turf-type" tall fescues. These newer grasses have finer leaf blades, lower growth habit, darker green color and greater density and shade tolerance than K-31.

Maintenance

Fertilization

A fertilization program should be based on soil tests and desired appearance. Tall fescue will tolerate low fertility levels, but 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year is generally recommended in Georgia. A complete fertilizer is normally applied at the rate of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet two or three times in the fall and winter (September to February) at four- to six-week intervals. Additional nitrogen can be applied at a similar, monthly interval if you want more color and growth, but take care not to over-fertilize. If you use a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer, follow label recommendations or use this rule of thumb: If 50 percent or more of the nitrogen is in a slow-release form, apply twice the recommended amount of fertilizer half as frequently. A summer application of 1/2 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet may improve color, but avoid over-fertilization during summer months because this only adds to heat and drought stress.

Mowing

The new turf types will grow better when mowed at 2 inches but may need higher mowing during dry periods, in the summer, and under heavy shade. Use a rotary mower with sharp blades and mow often enough so no more than 1/3 of the leaf height is removed. In other words, if tall fescue is being cut at 2 inches, it should be mowed when it reaches 3 inches.

Irrigation

Proper irrigation is very important to maintain a quality lawn, and tall fescue generally requires more water than other lawn grasses in Georgia. Irrigate only when the grass shows signs of moisture stress, such as off color, wilting or rolling leaves. Then apply enough water to wet the soil to a depth of 4 to 8 inches. This generally requires about 1 inch of water, which should last 7 to 10 days. Early morning is the best time to irrigate.

Weed Control

A dense, healthy turf provides the best defense against weed invasion and other pest problems. It is very difficult, however, to maintain a nice tall fescue lawn without using a herbicide to control crabgrass. Fortunately, many pre emergence and post emergence herbicides are available to use on tall fescue lawns, and pre emergence herbicides applied in early spring are the preferred method of crabgrass control. Common bermudagrass invasion of tall fescue lawns is a common problem that is difficult to overcome. In some cases, an application of a non-selective herbicide that kills all vegetation is needed. The treated area then needs to be completely renovated and re-sodded. For more specific weed control recommendations, contact your county extension office.

Diseases

Tall fescue is relatively tolerant to most turfgrass diseases if it is properly maintained. Disease problems can often be related to lack of or excess irrigation and too much nitrogen. Seedling diseases and brown patch are the most common disease problems associated with this grass. Contact your local county extension office for consultation and appropriate publications if you suspect a problem.

Insects

Many insects live in turfgrasses, but those most commonly troublesome to tall fescue are armyworms, sod webworms and white grubs. Contact your county extension office for assistance and appropriate publications if your suspect insect problems.