Tall Fescue

Botanical name

Festuca arundinacea

Position

Best grown in full sun to part shade. Will tolerate up to 70% shade.

Mowing

Mow every 2-3 weeks.

Mowing height: 50-70mm if grown in full sun, 70-80mm if grown in part shade.

Sharpen mower blades frequently.

Allow to grow to maximum length during the cooler months to maintain colour and vigour.

Watering

It is essential that instant turf is laid on moist soil. Then it’s important to water the turf in soon after laying to prevent it from drying out. Watering should wet the sod and the top 30-50 mm of soil. The turf needs to be kept moist over the first few days after laying.

After the root system is fully established, water thoroughly only when required: Once every 7-10 days during warm or hot summer weather (more often on sandy soils), and much less in cooler months.

Remember that infrequent, deep watering promotes a healthy lawn by encouraging the knitting of the turf sod to the soil. Over-watering can be a problem because it encourages excessive growth, disease and root rot.

Guide to watering your new lawn

Root initiation and development – typically the first week

The turf may require watering three times a day for the first week, depending on the temperature, relative humidity and wind. Do not let Fescue dry out during the first 4 weeks. If the sods open up and cracks appear then you are not watering correctly.

Soil/root system establishment – typically the second week

Water every second day, and every day if hot and dry, to keep the turf moist.

Third and fourth weeks

Water less frequently, reducing to twice a week by the fourth week. Only water more on hot and dry days.

Fertilising

For best results use a slow release fertiliser three times per year (early spring, mid summer and late autumn). In the heat of summer avoid over-fertilising or using manure-based products.

If you need a quick green up, use a liquid fertiliser high in nitrogen to promote a lush green lawn.

Spraying

Tolerant to many off-the- shelf weed, pest and disease sprays. See manufacturers’ instructions for full details.

Availability

Tall Fescue is offered for sale all year round.

Leaf structure

Leaf width: 6.4mm average.

Leaf length: 20.2mm average.

Leaf colour: vibrant green all year round.

Broad leaf structure, soft to the touch.

Root Structure

Extremely deep rooted.

Will tolerate minimal salt levels.

Maintenance

Mow your Tall Fescue higher than warm season grasses like Kikuyu, Couch and Buffalo.

Thickness of sod

Approx 20mm