Chewings fescue germinates well but turf quality establishes slowly, often requiring 6 months. Plant 1/8 inch (3 ml.) All rights reserved. The fertilizer will feed the weeds and both can damage the dormant grass. Seeding Rates: 25 – 35gm Per square metre. ... WATER is the single best thing you can do for your lawn at this time!! Taller grass shades out some weeds and forms deeper roots, making it better able to compete with weeds and more drought and pest tolerant. Fescue lawns are easier to care for. For example, hardy zoysia grass (Zoysia), which grows in USDA zones, can take 10 to 21 days to germinate. Here’s what you need to know about choosing, installing, and living with a tankless water heater. With a blend of upright fine fescue, such as Chewings fescue, and low-growing fine fescue, such as creeping red, your Northeast lawn benefits from improved shade tolerance, cold resistance and durability. Fescue Grass 101: What It Is and How to Grow It. deep and keep mowed at 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm.) Lawn care professionals provide the expertise and skill set necessary to produce a healthy fescue lawn. Raise the mowing height of your lawn mower if you haven’t already done so. Feb. 3, 2021 The common fine fescues now used in shade and low-maintenance lawn mixes contain chewings, as well as creeping red and hard fescue. Houseplant Pests Never fertilize lawns when the ground is frozen. Once you let your lawn go dormant, leave it dormant until the weather cools and rains return. But when the dust (and fiberglass) settles, you'll enjoy a fatter bank account and more comfortable indoor temps year-round. It remains dark green throughout most of the season. When to Plant Fescue Grass Seed - … Houseplants - Tips for Success Growing Herbs Indoors Chewings fescue has long been used as a pasture grass. If you’re looking for a customized quote from TruGreen, call 1-866-817-2287 or fill out this simple online form. Occasionally, you can find "shade" sod with some fescue in the mix. Water early in the morning, if possible, and thoroughly when footprints are left behind. Chewings Fescue is mostly utilized as a turfgrass for overseeding greens, but is also well-suited for lawn applications across North America. A healthy lawn is your best defense against weeds. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com. Also, fescue species will require slightly warmer temperatures of 10 degrees plus for successful germination. With a lawn care provider, your lawn’s maintenance is taken care of so that you can get a full, green lawn without the headache. Soil temperature, outdoor temperature, oxygen soil levels and water all affect how quickly the seeds germinate. It will make all the difference even this late in the season. Fescue is known as cool-season grass with heat, cold, and drought tolerance. ORDER NOW VISIT OUR E-COMMERCE SITE 801.768.4422 ... compare labels and buy the blend with the highest percentage purity and germination ratings. Yes, it's a messy job. How long for fine fescue to germinate? Leave clippings on the lawn. Chewings can be allowed to grow long when used in a no-mow lawn mix or mowed shorter for a more traditional lawn. There are some new tools on the market that make this easier. PACIFIC MEADOW™ - Fine Fescue Mixture An elite blend of three types of fine fescues (Hard, Chewings and Creeping Red) specifically designed for special landscape situations. If you choose to go with a lawn service, consider the following cost factors: With a variety of annual programs, a la carte services, and organic options, TruGreen is the This Old House Reviews team’s recommended lawn care company. Here’s how we flooded our coastal Idea House with an abundance of natural light and fresh air. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. High-nitrogen, low-phosphorus fertilizer is ideal for most fescue varieties. Red Fescue seeds germinate in about 12-22 days. Hard fescue is used in grass seed blends to increase fertility and requires little mowing. It can be mowed or left unmowed to produce a very appealing ground cover or meadow. It germinates best when the soil temperatures are between 50 and 65 degrees. Sod - Most sod is bluegrass. This fescue variant is most commonly used in golf course roughs. Privacy Policy  | Strong creeping red fescue type - rubra rubra Festuca rubra commutata has no rhizomes (bunch grass) but the highest density of shoots of the three types. Strengths Learn More, © 2020 Melinda Myers   All rights reserved  |   Creeping red fescue gives off a deep green color and is characterized by its fine blades. This prevents excessive evaporation while ensuring that your yard doesn’t stay wet for too long. The typical seed germination time is 5 – 14 days. Freezing: Hard fescue has medium cold hardiness with a lethal temperature of -21oC (-5.8oF) (Bhowmik et al. Chewings is much like creeping red fescue, but it tends to grow more as a bunch grass than a spreader. Many factors affect the germination period, including the temperature, your soil’s oxygen level, and its watering schedule. This type of fescue has a deep root system that promotes health through periods of no rain. Spot treat weeds using the most eco-friendly products available. 250 – 350kg Per Hectare Register today A perennial species. Like its counterparts, sheep fescue is a cool-season grass that does well in a variety of climates. Optimum Planting Time - Late August-September (mid October in South) is best or early spring before soil reaches 50°F. Germination Time - 14-24 Days; Seeding Rate per 1000sq ft - 4-5lb Don’t over-fertilize your lawn as this causes the grass to grow too fast and require excessive mowing. Additionally, the company offers pest control services in select locations. Don’t apply herbicides or quick release fertilizer to dormant lawns. When weeds occur it usually means the growing conditions are better for the weeds than your grass. Tired of running out of hot water? 3 Things to Look For in a Zero Turn Mower, Is susceptible to brown patches during hot and humid summer months, May require overseeding during summer months. Suited for … Fescue grass is a species consisting of multiple seed varieties, including tall fescue, creeping red fescue, hard fescue, chewings fescue, and sheep fescue. Letting the (Natural) Light In | 2020 Cottage on the Cape. Fine fescue is not going to form a giant patch overnight. Chewings fescue germinates in about 14 days. While red fescue will grow fine on its own, it does much better when mixed with other grass seeds. Acidity Salinity Competition Wear Low Fertility Freezing Drought This fescue can be mown low at 1½" making it even more popular if grown alone or in mixtures. Jan. 20, 2021 Fescue has its preferred temperature range for germination. 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. Red Fescue Planting. Tall fescue grass (Festuca arundinacea) is a cool-season grass that grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our experts–straight to your inbox. Roots should fill containers Although fescue lawns don’t require heavy maintenance, there are a few simple tasks you’ll need to complete in order to grow a healthy, full fescue lawn: It takes most fescue seeds 14 to 21 days to germinate and show signs of growth. Tall fescue grass is used in high-traffic areas like baseball fields and commercial sites because it’s durable and shade tolerant. observed hard fescue turf quality to be lower than sheep fescue, equal to chewings fescue and higher than tall fescue, perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass in a Minnesota study comparing 17 turfgrass species. Its drought and shade tolerance mike it suitable for use in home lawns. high. Planting Tips Seeding Guidelines Soil temp and watering are key components in new seed germination. Select a lawn seed mix that includes this and other fine fescues. Make sure the blade is sharp for healthier and better-looking grass. It is best to plant chewing fescue grass seed in the Spring or Fall. Tall fescue is a low-maintenance grass with a signature bunch-forming growth pattern that rarely requires dethatching. Webinar It is distinguished from creeping red fescue by its absence of creeping rhizomes. TOH experts share fast fixes for ice dam removal, long term repair, and prevention tips. Read our guide to learn what you can expect when you grow a fescue lawn. It is an excellent variety for shaded, sandy and low fertility areas. In Massachusetts, lawns comprised of “turf-type tall fescue” grasses (chewings, hard, creeping red, and sheep) are a better choice than bluegrass lawns. Webinar Webinar Often, creeping red fescue is added to other grass seeds to promote shade tolerance and reduce fertilization needs. Always sweep grass clippings and fertilizer residue off the walks and drives. The fescue grasses, when planted properly, germinate within 10 to 14 days. Low Maintenance Houseplants Purchasing the tools, nutrients, and products necessary to get the job done can add up, so paying for a lawn care service may save you money in the long run. Register today Using a mixture of fescue species and varieties provides greater diversity in the lawn. 2008). Lawns and Landscaping. That’s not a problem with one of these compact, ultra-efficient units that heat water as you need it. In general, plant tall fescue at least 45 days before your region's typical first fall frost date. The highest quality turf grass for shady areas are Fine Fescues (Creeping Red Fescue, Hard Fescue, Chewings Fescue, Sheep Fescue). Many tall fescue lawns are Kentucky 31 fescue, a type of tall fescue that’s known for its coarse appearance. The best time to water fescue, and most grass types, is early in the morning. The amount of fertilizer your lawn needs should be based on the quality of lawn desired and the time you want to spend managing your lawn. Germination Time - 7 to 10 days. It’s best to use a slow-releasing fertilizer to ensure your grass receives necessary nutrients over the course of a few months. Occasionally, you can find "shade" sod with some fescue in the mix. Sod - Most sod is bluegrass. Fertilize on Memorial Day, Labor Day and Halloween. Normal Days to Germinate 7-10 days (September) Normal Days to First Mowing 40-45 NTEP Quality Ratings (1999 - 2002 Data) Excellent—5.7 Genetic Color Dark green—6.9 Leaf Texture Very fine—7.0 Turf Density (Summer) Dense—6.1 Shade Tolerance Good Winter hardiness Good pH Range 4.6-7.7 Red Thread Resistance Very good—6.6 One of the biggest things ground temperatures affect is seed germination. When left unmowed it will grow to a full mature height of 12 - 18 inches. Eliminate the first two if you are following a low maintenance plan and add a light summer feeding if you are watering and going for a high quality lawn. Proper watering helps keep your lawn healthy and enables it to out-compete the weeds. Be patient. For best results and to make the most of your investment, select cultivars recommended on the Turffiles website. Other fine fescue grass varieties such as chewings and hard fescue grass are generally used in lawn mixtures or planted with wildflowers. If you have any questions about germination time or planting, please don’t hesitate to call us at (877) 309-7333. Germination: Approximately 14 days (climate dependent). Water the soil thoroughly after planting, keeping the top 1/2 inch of soil moist until the creeping red … Optimum Planting Time - Late August-September (mid October in South) is best or early spring before soil reaches 50°F, Jan. 13, 2021 Persistence. Seed is surface-sown into containers containing standard potting mix and seeds germinate within 15 days after planting. Fine fescue is a cool-season grass, which means it needs cooler temperatures to really thrive. It may take weeks or even a month for the seeds to grow. Chewings fescue is a type of bunch grass that grows upright with a fine textured leaf blade. Again refer to individual seed products for planting rates on these varieties. Water: Grown on non-irrigated sites, Chewings Fescue will eventually go dormant and revive when the rains return. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. To learn more about fescue grass’ characteristics, growing patterns, and care, read our guide to decide if it’s right for your yard. This type of fescue does well in the northern United States and Canada, and it is known for its drought-resistance. This encourages deeply rooted drought and pest tolerant grass. Shady areas are generally seeded with 100% Fine Fescue (less than 2 hours of direct sunlight per day). In the UK, 10 degrees temperatures are experienced in a mild spring and warmer summer, which might help speed up germination. Fescue’s deep roots are efficient in drawing nutrients out of your soil, and as a result, the grass typically requires less fertilizer than other cool-season grasses. Plus, watch past webinars on demand Uses. I Don’t “Fallow”… Download Our Printable Grass Planting Guide, With Seeding Rates The experts at This Old House explains how to choose the best gas fireplace for your home and how much it’ll cost. Red fescue plugs are easy to propagate in a greenhouse.  Register today For Upper Midwest lawns, mid-August may bring ideal conditions. This makes it even slower to fill in bare areas and recover from wear. It’s good for the waistline and the environment. Copyright © 2020 This Old House Ventures, LLC. Increase success and decrease the risk of damage by using. Germination normally occurs within 7 to 21 days under suitable moisture and soil temperatures conditions. Chewings fescue is only fair in its tolerance to soil salinity and cold temperatures. Sheep fescue grass improves soil conditions and is used to curtail erosion. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. There are a few signs to look for when you suspect you’ve overwatered your lawn: When is the best time to water fescue grass? Recent droughts and efforts to conserve water may mean a change of habit. The grass is a popular selection for homeowners in the northern part of the country but is well-suited for areas that experience both warm and cool seasons. Fescue - Fine Chewings Radar 50lb A Chewings fescue that is excellent in overall turf performance under both normal and reduced fertility inputs. Sandpiper, Intrigue, Ambassador, Tiffany - good for low maintenance lawns, Banner III, Shadow II, Treazure - low maintenance, resistant to or tolerant of Helminthosporium Leaf Spot, Shadow E - seed contains endophytic fungus that increases the plant's vigor as well as drought and stress tolerance. The Ryegrass will germinate within a week, while the Bluegrass portion will take at least two weeks to sprout. If you are planting a new lawn, you will need about 4 pounds of seed per 1000 square feet (93 m). Be patient with your fescue lawn, as it might require overseeding and a proper mowing for you to see a full, healthy lawn. Drought and heat negatively affect turf quality. Webinar Be patient with your fescue lawn, as it might require overseeding and a proper mowing for you to see a full, healthy lawn. BETWEEN 60 & 75 DEGREES: Cool season grass such as Fescue, germinate best when the soil temperatures are between 50° and 65° degrees F. These soil temperatures usually occur when the daytime air temperatures are between 60° and 75° degrees. Overseeds well into other lawns for better diversity and problems solving. Consider using a push or electric mower. Hand dig small populations of weeds. It takes most fescue seeds 14 to 21 days to germinate and show signs of growth. This simple step keeps unwanted nutrients out of our waterways and eventually drinking water. Planting Tips Seeding Guidelines Soil temp and watering are key components in new seed germination. Also known as chewings fescue, this is a fine leaved, tufted grass. Limited use in approximately 3 weeks. That means the grass will withstand extremes in weather and growing conditions while having better pest resistance. Chewings Fescue is commonly mixed with other seed types to improve durability and sun tolerance. It can also be found along roadsides and in athletic turfgrass mixes. A typical tall fescue seeding rate is 5 to 6 pounds of seed per 1000 square feet. Optimal Planting Time: We recommend that you plant Chewings Fescue in Spring and Autumn when soil temperatures are 15ºC and climbing. This is generally used in the amenity sector for lawn and landscape projects. Short clippings DO NOT cause thatch and break down quickly, adding moisture, organic matter, and nutrients to the soil. Site Map, Trees, Shrubs, Roses, Vines & Groundcovers, Suitable for no-mow and low-maintenance lawns, Endophyte types available for pest resistance. Start with a soil test so you apply the proper amount of fertilizer for your lawn.