Here is a quick little guide:
- Use 1 inch of water every week if your tall fescue is within normal conditions
- If the soil your using is a bit on the sandy side, you’ll want to use about a half-inch of water every 3 days
- If you’ll be having your tall fescue in the warmer months, you’ll want to use about half an inch of water every 4 days
How often should I water my new fescue lawn?
This typical watering practice promotes deeper root development and is meant to keep your lawn healthy through the heat of summer. After your newly seeded fescue Lawn is completed we recommend watering three times a day every day of the week, but only long enough each time to keep the seed wet.
How deep should you water fescue grass?
If you can easily push it in 6 inches deep, you have watered your lawn enough. Tall Fescue should always be mowed high, no matter the season, between 3- 4 inches tall. The shorter your grass, the more water it needs to remain healthy.
How do you take care of a tall fescue lawn?
9. Lawns These suggested management practices will help you care for your tall fescue lawn throughout the year. Location, terrain, soil type and condition, age of lawn, previous lawn care, and other factors affect turf performance, so adjust the following management practices and dates to suit your particular lawn. Mow to 21⁄2 to 31⁄2 inches.
How high should you Mow fescue?
After watering, stick a long screwdriver into your soil. If you can easily push it in 6 inches deep, you have watered your lawn enough. Tall Fescue should always be mowed high, no matter the season, between 3- 4 inches tall.
Should I water fescue every day?
Fescue has a deep root system, but it will discolor, thin, and eventually die under drought conditions. In general, a fescue lawn will need about an inch of water every 7-10 days, whether from rain or irrigation. Try to water deeply and infrequently.
How often should you water tall fescue grass seed?
Proper watering is critical to seed success. Irrigate newly seeded areas frequently, so the top 1 inch of soil remains moist. This may require several waterings per day as tall fescue seed germinates over seven to 21 days. With seedlings up and growing, lengthen the time between waterings.
How much water does a tall fescue lawn need?
Watering is a big commitment in both time and money. Tall Fescue requires a significant amount of water during the summer. Your grass needs 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Whatever does not come from natural sources like rain, will need to be made up with supplemental irrigation.
Can you overwater fescue?
Yes, it can, and the consequences for that smooth carpet of green are not pleasant. Overwatered grass is not just the result of too-eager homeowners. Water on the lawn can come from humidity and showers, as well as sprinkler hoses.
How long does it take to water 1 inch?
To determine how long you need to water to get one inch, place a plastic container in your yard and set a timer. On average, it will take 30 minutes to get a half inch of water. So, 20 minutes, three times per week will give a lawn about an inch of water. This formula works best with healthy, well-cultivated soil.
How long does tall fescue take to establish?
In general, plant tall fescue at least 45 days before your region's typical first fall frost date. This allows time for the 7- to 21-day germination period for turf-type tall fescue plus adequate time for roots to establish before winter comes. For Upper Midwest lawns, mid-August may bring ideal conditions.
How long can fescue go without water?
Lawns with a lot of tall fescue and fine fescue stay greener for longer. A plot of fine fescue grass stays green while other grasses turn brown due to drought stress. Tall fescue and fine fescue can remain green for at least 28 days without water in Minnesota. Tall fescue is known for its heat and drought tolerance.
Is it better to water grass everyday or every other day?
You might think that watering a little bit every day is a smart approach, but you'd be wrong. It's better to water “deeply and infrequently,” Cutler says. About a third of an inch every two to three days is a good goal.
How long should I water fescue?
Normally during the warm season, fescue lawns need one to one and a half inches of water a week in addition to average rainfall. A typical irrigation system can put this amount of water down when set to run every other morning for usually, but not always, 10-30 minutes a zone depending on coverage and water pressure.
Can you water fescue at night?
By watering your plants at night. Some homeowners water their lawns based on a common misconception: that our hot summer days make daytime watering useless. If water evaporates before it gets to the roots, you would only assume you should change to night watering. The truth is: watering at night is a bad idea.
How do I know if my lawn needs water?
When to Water the Lawn. If you find your lawn has taken on a grayish cast or appears to be dull green, it's telling you that it needs water. You can also check your lawn by walking on it: If your footprints don't disappear quickly, it's because the grass blades don't have the needed moisture to spring back.
How can I tell if I'm overwatering my lawn?
5 Signs You're Overwatering Your LawnDepressions in the Lawn. We completely understand a property owner's desire to leave his or her mark, but if your foot is leaving a soggy, mushy, or matted imprint when you walk across your lawn, you've been going a bit too heavy on the H2O.Wilting Grass. ... Fungus. ... Root Rot. ... Runoff.
How long does it take tall fescue to grow from seed?
Fescue seeds can take 10–14 days to grow. Perennial ryegrass—While not as aggressive a grower as KBG, perennial ryegrass germinates quickly (about 5–10 days) and establishes well, but it spreads slower.
When should I stop watering new grass seed?
Do not allow the top ½ inch of the soil to become dry until the grass is 1 inch tall. Once the grass is 1 inch tall, water the grass every other day until grass is established (approximately three weeks). Once the grass is established, revert to watering 1-2 times a week for a total of approximately 1 inch of water.
How often does grass seed need to be watered?
Normally a lawn should be watered deeply but infrequently, but when you are watering for new grass seed, you must water every day. Set automatic timers for about 5 to 10 minutes, early in the morning, and again at mid-day. Watering done by hand or hose-end sprinklers must be consistent and evenly applied.
How long does Scotts tall fescue take to germinate?
6 - 14 daysScotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Tall Fescue Mix Seed will begin to grow in 6 - 14 days. You can mow the seedlings when they reach 3 inches in height.
How Much Water Does Fescue Need?
Let’s get things straight. Fescue grass needs about one inch of water every week. For best results, you shouldn’t give it all at once. That is especially true if you live in a dry and warm area, where much water can get lost by evaporation. As a rule of thumb, you should water your grass until the soil feels wet to a depth of four to six inches.
Fescue Grass Care
While watering your grass is crucial, you need to pay attention to other aspects. For starters, you must commit to a regular mowing schedule. For your lawn to be healthy, you must maintain it at heights between two and three inches. Usually, mowing once per week or every five days will give you the best results.
How Much Water Does Fescue Need?: The Bottom Line
Proper watering is a crucial step in ensuring your lawn grows healthy. Plus, it contributes to brighter lawn coloration, especially if you live in a dry region. We know that watering can be a considerable commitment of time and money.
What Is Fescue Grass?
Renowned for its climate tolerance, fescue grass (on Amazon) is a perennial shade grass popular among American homeowners. The genus Festuca has hundreds of grass species, each with distinct benefits and uses. New cultivars and improved fescue grasses are disease-, pest-, drought-, and temperature-resistant.
Types of Fescue Grass
There are various types of fescue grass, each with distinct features and benefits. Here are the broad classifications of fescue:
How Often Does Fescue Grass Need to Be Watered?
Fescue watering frequency depends on various factors such as the climate and soil type. If your lawn has loam or clay soil, water fescue with 1-1.5 inches of water, or to a depth of 4 to 6 inches, weekly.
How Long Should You Run Your Sprinklers?
The easiest way to determine how long you should water your fescue lawn is by using a can. Place a clean, empty can near your running sprinkler (on Amazon). Time how long it takes to fill the can with 1/2 inch of water. You can now calculate how long your sprinkler should run based on how many watering sessions you’re planning to have.
How to Tell if Your Fescue Grass Is Getting Enough Water
Lush green lawns look great and boost your home’s curb appeal. However, achieving this is challenging without enough watering. Common signs your grass needs more water include:
How to tell if fescue grass needs water?
Fescue has longer roots than KBG, so it can go for longer periods without water. I would watch the grass to determine when it needs to be watered. If it starts to look stressed (gray color, stays down when walked on are two signs of stress) it's time to water. Water long enough to provide an inch of water and wait until it starts to show signs of stress again. If it's starting to show signs of stress, but there's rain in the forecast in the next day or two, I usually try to put off watering.
When do fescue and KBG go dormant?
Fescue and KBG both go dormant when it's too hot and dry. If they don't get any water at all, they can die, but it has to be no water for about a month for that to happen. I had a section die last summer when a sprinkler head died in early July and I didn't notice until early August.
How to tell if you have applied an inch of water?
One way to tell if you've applied an inch of water is to put some tuna cans around the lawn where the sprinkler is running. You want to take a couple of samples so you see whether the sprinkler spreads the water evenly in case you need to adjust accordingly.
How do I re-seed my lawn?
Rake it hard to remove the layer of thatch (dead grass) and expose the dirt in any areas that may need re-seeding. If you have the time/cash rent a coring machine and run it over the yard - this aerates the soil and loosens it up so that the fresh seed will take root better. It also spreads around some grass that is rooted with the cores so your yard won't look as bare while the seed takes root. You can also take advantage of this to take a soil sample to your local extension office and find out if your soil needs any supplements like lime to help the turf. Buy quality grass seed of the variety you want - you said Bermuda which is good for your zone, although it's a warm weather grass so it turns brown in the winter. You could get a mix of warm weather and cold weather seed so your yard would be green year round but that's up to you. I don't like mowing in the winter myself. Spread the seed. Don't bother with the stuff that has "fertilizer" built into it - that stuff's mostly filler. Since you already fertilized this season you don't need to add any more of that. Water sparingly once a week. Don't water more often or the grass will develop roots too close to the surface and will die if the heat gets too strong. A good way to know if you've watered enough is the tuna can test. Just get a tuna can, which is 1” tall, (eat the tuna out of it, first) and place it where your sprinkler is hitting. Run your sprinkler and see how long it takes to get a half inch of water in the can – just like a rain gauge. Usually it’s about 30 minutes. Depending on the severity of the heat and whether or not you get natural rain you should water between 1/2 to 1 inch per week. More than that can cause fungus and other diseases to kill your turf. For Bermuda grass, set the height your mower cuts at anywhere from 1/2 inch to 2 inches. The longer you cut it the healthier it will be. Leave the trimmings on the lawn to shrivel up and compost it - if there are clumps that might kill the grass you can pick those up or spread them out so they won't. The trimmings provide the nitrogen and reduce the amount of fertilizer you need. Here's a link for more info on growing turf in Texas: https://aggieturf.tamu.edu/texas-turfgrasses/
How deep does grass grow?
Grass will grow roots only as deep as the water is, so if there's water only an inch deep, the grass will only grow roots an inch deep. If it's not running off and you're only getting water an inch deep, your sprinkler must not be applying much water.
How to tell how much water you're applying?
The best way to tell how much you're applying is to set out some empty tuna cans (any can will work, but tuna cans are a convenient size) to measure how much water is being applied. One thing to be careful of is that sometimes some of the symptoms of too much water can mimic some of the symptoms of too little water.
Why does my grass look like it's drying out?
If you're only getting water an inch deep, that explains why the grass looks like it's drying out. it's because the grass is drying out. Some plants will grow deep roots under any circumstances. Grass will grow roots only as deep as the water is, so if there's water only an inch deep, the grass will only grow roots an inch deep.
How to tell when to water fescue?
The best way to gauge when to water a fescue lawn is to let the lawn itself tell you! You can tell when a fescue lawn requires watering by the color, it will tend to start having a slightly gray color to it and will also slightly crush when you walk on it, leaving visible prints behind you.
What is the best fertilizer for fescue?
Lime. Lime is recommended for Fescue lawns, both when starting a new lawn and as part of a maintenance schedule. The best time to lawn is when you have aerated as it gives the lime (as well as fertilizer) a chance to work it’s way into the soil.
Does tall fescue respond well to a feeding schedule?
An interesting note on Tall fescue is that it responds well to a feeding schedule. Following a schedule should reward you with a lush green lawn.
Can fescue be over watered?
A caution for fine fescues is that they don’t tolerate over watering. Being in the shade makes is more susceptible to fungus and mold, All watering should also be done by noon so that the surface grass has a chance to dry before nightfall.
Can you use pre-emergence fertilizer on a new lawn?
My inclination is not to use these unless I know there is a specific problem for my lawn and even then, I prefer to spot treat the problem if at all possible. Pre-emergent’s do work well but it is not advisable to use them if you plan on seeding a new lawn or over seeding any sections.
When is brown patch on fescue grass?
It most commonly occurs in June, July, and August but may be seen as early as March and as late as September. For more information on symptoms and control measures for brown patch refer to HGIC 2150, Brown Patch Disease of Lawns.
When to check for grubs in grass?
Insect Control: Check for grubs in August and control if necessary. For more information on grubs refer to IIS/TO-9, Whitegrub Management in Turfgrass.
What is aerating lawns?
Aerification: Core aerify lawns subject to heavy traffic or on clay soils to minimize compaction and improve rooting. Break up plugs. For more information on aerating lawns refer to HGIC 1200, Aerating Lawns.
What is grass cycle?
Practice “grass-cycling” which is simply leaving the clippings on the lawn. Grass clippings decompose quickly and can provide up to 25 percent of the lawn’s fertilizer needs. If prolonged rain or other factors prevent mowing and clippings are too plentiful to leave on the lawn, they can be collected and used as mulch.
How much nitrogen is in 16-4-8 fertilizer?
For a 16-4-8 fertilizer, divide 100 by 16. The result, 6.25 pounds, contains 1 pound of nitrogen and should be applied over 1000 square feet of area. Irrigation: A dark bluish gray color, footprinting, and wilted, folded, or curled leaves indicate that the turf needs water.
Do you fertilize tall fescue after March 15?
Grass clippings decompose quickly and do not contribute to thatch. For more information on mowing lawns refer to HGIC 1205, Mowing Lawns. Fertilizing: Do not fertilize tall fescue after March 15.
How to determine nutrient needs for lawn?
Fertilizing: The best way to determine your lawn’s nutrient needs is by a soil test. Samples can be taken to your local county extension office. Results will also indicate if lime is needed to adjust the soil pH. In the absence of a soil test, use a complete turf-grade fertilizer with a 4-1-2 ratio, such as 16-4-8.
What is tall fescue?
Tall fescue is a moderate- to coarse-bladed grass that can be grown in the shade and in many soil types. It tolerates heat and drought. It is subject to brown patch, especially in prolonged periods of warm, wet conditions. Tall fescue grows rapidly and requires frequent mowing but does not tolerate close mowing. It does not recover well from excessive wear or pest injury, so it must be re-seeded if damage is excessive. Many “turf type” tall fescues are available at many home and garden centers. Improved fescues tolerate more shade and closer mowing. They have a finer leaf texture, better shoot density, and a darker green color than the old standard, Kentucky-31.
When to treat white grubs?
Preventive treatments for white grubs can be used in June, when adults are flying and starting to lay eggs. Curative treatments for white grubs are applied after the larvae have hatched from the egg stage. The best time to apply curative treatments is about 24 hours after significant rainfall, when grubs are actively feeding near the soil surface. See the NC State Extension publication White Grubs in Turf for specific recommendations.
How to divide fertilizer?
Divide 100 by the FIRST number on the fertilizer bag. (The first number always represents N content.) For example, if you’ve got a 10-10-10 fertilizer, divide 100 by 10 and you get 10. That means you need to buy 10 pounds of fertilizer for every 1,000 square feet of lawn.
What is the brown patch on fescue?
Disease Control. Tall fescue is highly susceptible to brown patch disease, which appears as irregularly shaped patches of dead or dying turf. Brown patch develops under high humidity and when ambient temperatures are above 85°F.
When to apply white grubs in NC?
Make note of areas with white grub activity and plan to apply a preventive application in the following spring or early summer. Specific timing will vary depending on white grub species, so plan to make an application when adult flight is at its peak. See the NC State Extension publication White Grubs in Turf for specific recommendations.
When is the best time to mow grass for a slug?
Typically, the disease is most active in July through October. It can be challenging to control and requires multiple approaches for successful suppression. Keep mowing heights at 3 inches or taller and mow consistently. Removing grass clippings can limit the spread of the disease.
When to apply grub treatment?
Curative applications applied in early fall may control some white grubs, but efficacy will vary depending on the size of grub. Later instars (larger grubs) are harder to treat than early instars. Identify and make note of problem areas for preventive applications in late spring/early summer.
Why is it important to water fescue?
Additionally, it is important to continue watering throughout the germination process so the seedlings don’t become too dry. Improper watering, missed days, or having no irrigation system can delay your germination. Your newly seeded fescue lawn needs to get properly rooted, and water is vital to that process.
How long does it take for fescue to grow?
Once all of your seed has germinated and the newly seeded fescue lawn has reached a height of about two inches, which occurs approximately 28 days after your aeration and seeding service depending on how quickly your seed begins germinating, it is safe to return to the normal watering routine described above. Do not stop watering all together until the end of the growing season when it is time to winterize your irrigation system. Water is still necessary to the health of your lawn for as long as the grass wants to grow.
How long does it take for grass to grow after aeration?
A good lawn care company that, like PPLM, provides mowing services in addition to aeration and seeding services will not be back to cut your lawn until all of your seed has germinated and had a couple of weeks to develop, which could take up to three to four weeks or more . The same rule of thumb applies if you maintain your own lawn. It’s vital to let your new grass develop soundly after aeration and seeding before putting it through the stress of a mow service. This takes time and is why we recommend prepping your yard for aeration and seeding by mowing lower than usual, as explained in our article here.
Why do you leave cork plugs on your lawn?
These clumps of earth will dissolve over time with rainfall and watering. Since each plug of soil contains nutrients from your yard, it is best to leave them on the lawn to allow them break down and return to the turf rather than try to collect and remove them.
Why is it important to turn off water when planting seeds?
It is important to turn the water off as soon as you begin to see it pool on the surface because watering to the point of creating run off can shift or flood your new seed. The ground should be saturated with water just enough for the seed to stay damp, but it should not reach the point of running off.
Does aeration stop with seeding?
The aeration and seeding process doesn’t stop with the service itself, though. Proper care of your new grass seed for the next couple of months is just as important as the quality of the service itself. Any investment that you make as a homeowner, whether it’s in your roof, new furniture, or your lawn, should have a strong return and achieve ...
Do you need to water fescue grass before planting?
Sloped or bare areas in your yard may need to be watered a bit more than the rest of it; this includes underneath large trees. When estimating how much to water, it is useful to run your system prior to your newly seeded fescue lawn being put down so you know how long it takes for your ground to get wet, but not puddling.
