Horticulture News
By: Scott Eckert, Harvey County Extension Agent, Horticulture
Current Date: 8/28/20
Care and Management for Established Tall Fescue Lawns
Homeowners love their lawns! Tall fescue is a popular choice for Kansas lawns. It turns green early in the spring and maintains color late into the fall. As a cool season lawn grass it is the most drought tolerant grass for the homeowner. It grows well under a variety of conditions — sunny or semi-shady and wet or dry. When seeded at the correct rate and managed properly, tall fescue makes an attractive lawn that holds up during Kansas summers.
The following information is a calendar to properly care for tall fescue lawns.
Mowing-
Turf-types: 2 to 3 inches. K-31: 2 1⁄2 to 3 1⁄2 inches. Raise mower height to the upper end of the range during the summer.
Fertilizing-
September, November, May.
Watering-
In the Spring, water minimally. During the Summer: 1 to 1 1⁄2 inches per week. Try to get as many days between watering as possible. In the Fall, only water as needed to prevent wilting.
Planting-
September or March through April, using 6 to 8 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet.
Dandelions-
Herbicides are most effective in the fall.
Crabgrass-
Use Pre-emergence herbicide before redbud trees reach full bloom.
Grubs-
Treat May through July depending on when grubs are present.
Aerating-
Early spring or fall, as needed.
K-State Research and Extension, Harvey County, PO Box 583, Newton, KS. 67114
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