Fescue Lawn Seed

A complete guide to establishing a beautiful lawn grass for a third of the cost of sod! For information on which lawn grass variety will best fit your application please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to assist you!


Fescue Lawn Grass Seed - Fescue seed is used in parks, lawns, pastures and athletic field applications throughout the northern climates. Fescue is adapted to well-drained loams and heavier soil types of medium and better productivity. Fescue will be dominant in pastures only if the soil has a salt pH of 5.3 or higher and at least a medium level of phosphorus. Although Fescue often becomes dormant during dry weather, it will survive severe droughts.

  • Turf-Type Tall Fescue Lawn Grass Seed

  • K-31 Tall Fescue Lawn Grass Seed

  • Creeping Red Fescue Lawn Grass Seed
 
Seeding a New Fescue Lawn

Seedbed Preparation: Till the soil approximately 6 inches deep. Level with garden or landscaping rake. Surface may be firmed by rolling or soaking, then re-raking till level. Leave top ½ inch loose to allow seed to be worked into soil.

Fertilization: Prior to or right after seeding, apply a starter fertilizer to help proper root development. Continue using a systematic fertilizer program to maintain a healthy lawn.

Seeding: Sow seeds evenly at 7-10 lbs/1,000 square feet. Rake lightly into soil. No more than 1/8 inch of soil should cover seed. Roll with a water roller.

Covering: Use blankets, pelletized or paper mulch, or straw to hold soil moisture and hasten germination. Baled straw may bring in unwanted weeds; use with caution.

Watering: Do not allow soil to dry out. Keep soil moist with frequent light watering until seedlings are visible. After lawn is established, water as necessary.

Mowing: Maintain mower height between 2 to 3 inches, never remove more than 1/3 of the grass plant with each mowing.

Weed Control: It is very common to see new weeds when planting a new lawn or disturbing the soil. For new lawns, wait 6-8 weeks before using any herbicide. For existing lawns, the best weed control is to maintain a healthy lawn by regular fertilization, proper mowing, and watering as necessary.

Overseeding An Existing Lawn

Lawn Preparation: Mow lawn to 1 inch and remove clippings. Dethatch with a power rake or hand rake smaller areas.

Seeding: Sow seed evenly at at 4-6 lbs/1,000 square feet. Work seed into existing turf by raking.

Watering:
Keep soil moist with frequent, light watering until grass is established.

Mowing:
Follow normal mowing practices when grass reaches 3 to 4 inches in height.

Table 1. Comparison of lawngrasses available for use
Environment Bahia Fescue Carpet Centipede Seashore Paspalum St. Augustine Zoysia
Area Adapted Statewide Statewide Wet Areas Statewide Statewide Statewide Statewide
Mowing Height (inches) 3-4 .5-1.5 1.5-2 1.5-2 1-2 1.5-4 1-2
Soil Acid, Sandy Wide Range Acid, Wet Acid, Infertile Wide Range Wide Range Wide Range
Leaf Texture Coarse-Medium Fine-Medium Medium Medium Fine-Medium Coarse-Medium Fine-Medium
Drought Tolerance Excellent Good Poor Medium Good Very Poor Medium
Salt Tolerance Poor Good Poor Poor Excellent Good Good
Shade Tolerance Poor Poor Fair Fair Poor Good Good
Wear Tolerance Excellent Good-Excellent Poor Poor Good-Excellent Poor Good-Excellent
Nematod Tolerance Very Good Poor Poor Poor Good Good Poor
Maintenance Levels Low Medium Low Low Medium Very High High
Uses Lawns Athletic Fields Wet Areas Lawns Lawns, Atlethic, Golf Lawns Lawns
Establishment Methods Seed, Sod Seed, Sod, Sprigs, Plugs Seed, Sprigs Seed, Sod, Sprigs, Plugs Seed, Sod, Sprigs, Plugs Sod, Sprigs, Plugs Seed, Sod, Sprigs, Plugs
- Courtesy of http://turf.ufl.edu/