Tall
fescue is an unsightly, objectionable plant which frequently invades turfgrass,
areas. It is often referred to as "bunch grass" because of the
scattered tall clumps which appear above the more desirable grass in bluegrass
lawns.
The Plant:
Tall fescue is a very coarse cool-season perennial bunch grass. The leaf veins arc strongly fibrous. When mowed, fibers show on the cut edge, especially if mower blades are not well sharpened. Mature leaf blades are about 1-1/2"wide, ribbed above and shiny smooth below. The lower portions of the stems are reddish-purple, particularly in the spring and fall.
Tall fescue invades lawns due to a number of reasons. The primary factor is poor soil preparation during initial planting which allows the weedgrass weds to germinate. Low mowing height and stressed, thin turf also allows tall fescue to invade turf areas.
Because tall fescue is a grass, care must be taken when trying to control it in the lawn area, so that adjacent desirable grass is not damaged.
Proper fertilization in the lawn can help keep desirable grasses thick and healthy. Tall fescue is not easily established in a well-maintained lawn. Tall fescue can be controlled by spot treating with a non-selective type herbicide such as Round up. This kills the whole plant, including the root system. (Because non-selective herbicides will kill any plant they contact including desirable grass plants, extreme care must be used in applying this control.) Control may require multiple treatments. After tall fescue has died out, treated areas will need to be re-seeded or re-sodded.
Cultural Practices for Control:
Digging out the areas of tall fescue is an optional method of control. This method often fails due to root fibers left behind. For best results, remove as much of the root system as possible. Rare areas left behind should be re-seeded or re-sodded afterwards. Maintain a 2" to 3" mowing height throughout the season to allow desirable lawn grasses to compete more successfully with tall fescue.
Pro Care Practices for Control:
The Pro Care staff is always ready to assist you with your lawn. Please call if we may provide any information to enhance your lawn's health or appearance.
Tall fescue is a very coarse cool-season perennial bunch grass. The leaf veins arc strongly fibrous. When mowed, fibers show on the cut edge, especially if mower blades are not well sharpened. Mature leaf blades are about 1-1/2"wide, ribbed above and shiny smooth below. The lower portions of the stems are reddish-purple, particularly in the spring and fall.
Tall fescue invades lawns due to a number of reasons. The primary factor is poor soil preparation during initial planting which allows the weedgrass weds to germinate. Low mowing height and stressed, thin turf also allows tall fescue to invade turf areas.
Because tall fescue is a grass, care must be taken when trying to control it in the lawn area, so that adjacent desirable grass is not damaged.
Proper fertilization in the lawn can help keep desirable grasses thick and healthy. Tall fescue is not easily established in a well-maintained lawn. Tall fescue can be controlled by spot treating with a non-selective type herbicide such as Round up. This kills the whole plant, including the root system. (Because non-selective herbicides will kill any plant they contact including desirable grass plants, extreme care must be used in applying this control.) Control may require multiple treatments. After tall fescue has died out, treated areas will need to be re-seeded or re-sodded.
Cultural Practices for Control:
Digging out the areas of tall fescue is an optional method of control. This method often fails due to root fibers left behind. For best results, remove as much of the root system as possible. Rare areas left behind should be re-seeded or re-sodded afterwards. Maintain a 2" to 3" mowing height throughout the season to allow desirable lawn grasses to compete more successfully with tall fescue.
Pro Care Practices for Control:
The Pro Care staff is always ready to assist you with your lawn. Please call if we may provide any information to enhance your lawn's health or appearance.