Fescue

jwcotten – posted 26 November 2004 22:13

Can I plant fescue sod this late in the winter? What is the risk if I do plant it and we have a freeze soon after planting?

Tmarley – posted 29 November 2004 06:21

JW..I am no expert by any means, but unless you live in the lower south, I would think you would be taking a pretty strong risk at planting Fescue sod at this time of the year. I realize that fescue is a cool weather grass, but the growing season for putting down roots to help it make it through the winter is all but gone. You might just overseed with winter rye and then in early spring, when the chance of a frost has gone, you could then put down your fescue. Doing that, you should be safe. It would give the sod a chance to establish a root system that would allow it to make it through the summer heat. If you live in North Fla, or lower GA, Ala, Ms, or LA, then you might get away with it…but still chancy.

Just my thoughts…Good luck.

ted – posted 29 November 2004 13:44

anyplace where fescue would take root this time of year, it would burn up later. definitely in the locations you just mentioned. where are you?

Cary, NC – posted 24 January 2005 23:22

Fescue will burn anytime – anywhere. It’s a sorry ass grass (excuse my French) turf-type and all. It’s probably the highest maintanance grass known to man. I gave up on Fescue last year and I’m NOT going back.

Stick with the best: Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Zoysia, or turf-type Bermuda. Fescue is an in between grass, it only looks its best for 2 months out of the whole year!!! I’m sorry Fescue lovers, I simply had to vent out a little tonigh.

I feel better now

Ross Page – posted 07 February 2005 15:55

Fescue turf is only a high maintenance grass if growing in high temparatures. Otherwise due to Fescue characteristics it requires less N and K than any other grass species and because of its leaf orientaion it transpires the slowest. therfore it requires less maintenance. Ryes require alot of N to sustain a healthy turf and has higher ET rates. Therefore you dont know waht you are talking about.Sorry just had to vent.

Cary, NC – posted 14 February 2005 21:38

YOU don’t know what you’re talking about.

I’ve spent hundreds of $$$ on grass seed, sod, research, books, you name it. I’ve gotten plenty of advise from turf professionals who have the same opinion about fescue. Beleive me, I used to speak highly of fescue because of its looks (when conditions are favorable)but after so many years of trying to have a perfect looking fescue lawn and fail, I decided to call it a day.

The remining fescue in my yard right now it’s looking pretty sick, spoty yellow, burned looking. Even my dormant Emerald Zoysia looks better right at the moment, I can hardly wait for it to turn green… I could post pics of both grasses for you to see for yourself.

You must be a fescue lover, I feel your pain, brother…