Tall Fescue Lawn Calendar
T. P. Riordan, Turfgrass Plant Breeder
Roch E. Gaussoin, Extension Turfgrass Specialist
John E. Watkins, Extension Plant Pathologist
Fred P. Baxendale, Extension Entomologist
Roch E. Gaussoin, Extension Turfgrass Specialist
John E. Watkins, Extension Plant Pathologist
Fred P. Baxendale, Extension Entomologist
- Mowing
- Fertilizing
- Watering
- Herbicides
- Insect Control
- Disease Control
- Thatch Removal
- Aerification
- Overseeding
MOWING |
|
|---|---|
| March 20 to April 10 | Clean lawn of debris (i.e. rocks, sticks, etc.) Mow lawn at 2 inches and remove clipping debris. |
| April 10 to June 15 | Mow lawn at 2.5 to 3 inches (2.0-2.5 for dwarf type). Mowing frequency should be dictated by growth rate. Mow at least on a weekly basis when actively growing. |
| June 15 to August 30 | Raise mower height to 3 to 3.5 inches (2.5-3.0 for dwarf type) and maintain mowing frequency. |
| September 1 to November 15 (or last mowing) | Gradually lower mowing height to 2.5 inches. Mow on a weekly basis. |
| Alternative Mowing Schedule | To maximize rooting and stress tolerance maintain height at 3.0 to 3.5 inches for the entire growing season. |
FERTILIZING |
|
| April 20 to May 10 | Fertilize with 1.0 lb. of actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. Slow release fertilizer carriers are preferred. Apply combination product with preemergence weed control. |
| August 20 to August 31 | Fertilize with 1.0 lb. of actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. Slow release fertilizer carriers are preferred. |
| October 15 to November 15 | Fertilize with 1.0 lb. of actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. Slow release fertilizers are preferred. |
WATERING |
|
| April to November | Water to prevent wilting and drought. Tall fescue is drought tolerant and can be grown in most years without irrigation. |
HERBICIDES |
|
| April 20 to May 10 | Apply preemergence herbicide for crabgrass, goosegrass and foxtail control, if necessary. |
| May 1 to May 20 | Control dandelion and other broadleaf weeds if they are a serious problem. Fall is preferred time for control. |
| September 20 to October 31 | Apply perennial broadleaf weed control if necessary. This is the preferred time for controlling dandelions and clover. |
INSECT CONTROL |
|
| June 15 to June 30 | Insects are seldom a problem in tall fescue lawns. Sod webworm and white grubs are occasional problems. Check for sod webworm larvae and control if necessary (see NebGuide G75-231, Sod Webworm). |
| August 1 to September 30 | Check for white grubs and control if necessary (see NebGuide G92-1085, White Grubs in Turf). |
DISEASE CONTROL |
|
| April 1 to June 15 | Diseases are seldom a problem. Leafspot susceptibility is often related to early spring fertilization (i.e. March and April) with quick release fertilizer carriers. |
| June 1 to August 15 | Susceptibility to brown patch is often related to heavy shade or overfertilization with nitrogen (see NebGuide G84-688, Brown Patch Disease of Turfgrass). |
| August 15 to October 15 | Leaf and stem rust may be a problem on susceptible cultivars (see NebGuide G92-1119, Rust Diseases of Turfgrass). |
THATCH REMOVAL |
|
| Thatch is rarely a problem on tall fescue lawns. | |
AERIFICATION |
|
| April 1 to April 30 and/or September 5 to September 30 | Tall fescues are very tolerant to wear, but are susceptible to compaction stress. Aerify lawns that are on clay soil or subject to heavy traffic to minimize compaction and improve rooting. |
OVERSEEDING |
|
| April 15 to June 15 and/or August 20 to September 20 | Overseed tall fescue lawns that have been thinned by winter injury. Use a blend of improved turf-type tall fescue cultivars, and seed at 4 to 6 lbs/1,000 sq. ft. When seeding, use a starter-fertilizer applied at 1.0 lb. N/1,000 sq. ft. Spring overseeding can be accompanied with an application of siduron to prevent crabgrass competition (see current Recommended Turf Cultivars NebFact). |
