3 Tips For Maintaining Your Fescue Lawn
With its lush green color and thick texture, it is easy to see why so many people prefer the look and feel of fescue grass. Unfortunately, this cool-season grass is not suited for every type of lawn. It is not heat or drought tolerant, so planting fescue in an area that is hot and sunny is not ideal. However, fescue lawns thrive in cooler weather with shade. In addition, fescue lawns require a good amount of maintenance to keep them looking great and growing well. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your fescue lawn.
Water
Again, fescue does not do well in extreme heat and sun. Therefore, you will need to ensure it is properly watered, especially in the spring, summer, and fall seasons when temperatures are hotter in some parts of the country.
If you have not had any rain, make sure to apply 1 to 2 inches of water per week to your fescue lawn in the summer season. This will ensure the fescue does not turn brown or yellow before eventually dying.
During the cooler seasons, you can decrease the amount of water you apply to your lawn.
Fertilize
Fertilizing your fescue with lawn fertilizer is also important for strengthening the roots so the grass grows and survives through the intense changes in temperature.
Fescue grows most during the months of September and June, so consider fertilizing your lawn in the fall, late winter, and spring seasons. Do not fertilize in the summer. The combination of the fertilizing chemicals, the intense heat, and the dry weather can actually burn the grass, preventing it from growing. In most cases, fertilizing in the summer season can actually kill your lawn.
Applying lime is also important when you are fertilizing. Lime should be applied in the fall and in the spring seasons. Lime will reduce the acidity in your soil. This encourages new growth.
Weed Control
No matter how well you care for your lawn, weeds may sprout. Pulling a few weeds out by hand can be beneficial, but if your lawn has developed numerous weeds, herbicide treatments may be necessary.
The type of herbicide you use will depend on the type of weeds growing in your yard.
Preemergence herbicides should be applied in the early spring before the growing season begins. These herbicides are meant to prevent weeds from germinating. The herbicides can be applied throughout the growing season, as well.
Postemergence herbicides kill existing weeds. If you have any weeds in your fescue, apply these herbicides to your yard to control common weeds, such as crabgrass.