If you want to achieve a beautiful, green lawn in Northwest Arkansas, consider fescue. This family of cold-season grasses is growing in popularity among homeowners in many areas of Arkansas due to its ability to stay green year-round and its shade tolerance. It thrives under shade trees compared to warm-season lawns, making it increasingly popular.
However, just like any grass type, proper upkeep of a fescue lawn is crucial to ensure it remains green, healthy, and thriving despite the challenges of the Arkansas climate. Fescue in NWA stays green year-round but struggles during the warm summer months. It is one of the higher maintenance turfs, requiring multiple fungicide applications during the summer, more water than warm-season grasses, and needs to be mowed much higher than Bermuda and Zoysia. Additionally, it requires over-seeding every fall.
This article provides an overview of fescue, its maintenance, and some key considerations to ensure this attractive grass flourishes in your Arkansas yard.
Understanding Fescue Grass
Fescue is a genus of perennial grasses native to temperate and cold regions worldwide. Experts estimate that there are over 400 species of grasses within the genus Festuca. That number continues to grow due to the creation of new cultivars with traits like improved disease tolerance and pest resistance.
A handful of fescue species are currently used in lawns, such as creeping red fescue, chewing fescue, and sheep fescue. The tall fescue is the most commonly planted fescue species in Arkansas lawns.
Appearance of Tall Fescue Grass
Tall fescue can be identified by its medium-to-dark green color, broad, ribbed blades, and moderately fine-to-coarse texture. Unlike other grass types like Zoysia Grass and Bermuda Grass that creep, tall fescue grows in upright bunches. While fescue generally won’t spread to flower beds or other areas you don’t want it to be, there is a possibility that seeds might occasionally end up in landscape beds during aeration and overseeding services. However, removal of any clumps that end up in beds can be done by simply pulling them out by hand.
Characteristics of Fescue Grass
The fescue seed blends sold for lawn planting are usually composed of several cultivars with lawn-friendly characteristics. This is done to help ensure greater success in planting. It is a highly popular choice for lawns in Arkansas for the following reasons:
- Heat and Drought Tolerant: Tall fescue is generally more heat and drought-tolerant than other cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, though it can still be challenging to maintain in NWA during the summer. While some varieties are more heat and drought-tolerant than others, all fescue types will struggle without proper maintenance. They require fungicide applications, proper irrigation and mowing schedules, and an appropriate mowing height to thrive in this area.
- Adaptable to Colder Months: Tall fescue tolerates cold weather well. It stays green through spring and fall, allowing Arkansas lawns to stay attractive for longer.
- Maintenance: Compared to warm-season turfgrasses, maintaining a fescue lawn requires similar amounts of mowing, potentially more watering, and the same amount of fertilization. The fertilization and mowing are just done on slightly different schedules compared to warm-season lawns.
- Shade Tolerance: Tall fescue can handle some shade. This can benefit yards with many trees or structures that cause parts of the lawn to receive less direct sunlight.
- Durable: Tall fescue is moderately resilient and can withstand some foot traffic, but it may struggle with heavy use, especially during warmer months.
Climate Considerations in Arkansas
Arkansas lies in the transition zone, which refers to the land belt between warm and cool growing regions. Its location can make maintaining lawns in Arkansas more challenging than other regions in the U.S.
This is because cool-season grasses that grow well in places further north might not survive in both Arkansas’s hot and dry periods. Meanwhile, Arkansas’ cold to freezing winter temperatures could damage or even kill warm-season grasses.
However, with proper care, fescue can be an excellent option for lawns in certain areas. Northwest Arkansas experiences a slightly cooler and more moderate climate compared to the rest of the state, which makes it a more suitable environment for fescue lawns.
Additionally, there are fescue cultivars that are more tolerant of heat and drought, making them more adaptable to Arkansas’ climate.
Tips for Maintaining a Fescue Lawn in Arkansas
Soil Preparation
Conducting a soil test to determine nutrient and pH levels is essential. The results can help you make informed decisions about soil amendments, like lime or sulfur, to achieve the appropriate pH level.
Adding organic matter, like compost or aged manure, improves soil structure and fertility. Tilling may also be necessary for compacted or clay-rich soils to break up the ground for better water infiltration and root growth.
Seeding and Overseeding
While overseeding to repair a thin and damaged lawn, remember that fescue grows in clumps, so it won’t spread and cover bare patches of lawn without overseeding.
The ideal time for seeding fescue grass in Arkansas is early fall when temperatures are cooler and soil moisture is adequate for germination. Additionally, choose a high-quality, region-appropriate fescue seed blend and follow label instructions for seeding.
Watering Practices
Water your lawn deeply and infrequently, about 1 to 1.5 inches per week. Be sure to increase watering during hot and dry periods to keep your lawn hydrated.
Mornings are the most suitable time to water your lawn while temperatures are cooler, and wind is minimal, reducing evaporation loss.
Fertilization
For a well-nourished fescue lawn that can better withstand disease, pests, and weed invasions, apply fertilizers based on soil test results and recommendations from your lawn care provider. It’s ideal to fertilize in the fall, with a lighter application in spring. Be sure to use a slow-release fertilizer that will provide the necessary nutrients to your lawn without causing excessive growth.
Mowing Techniques
Maintain a mowing height between three and four inches. This height encourages deep root growth and better drought tolerance. Keep the mower blade sharp to avoid tearing the grass.
Weed Control
A thick and healthy fescue lawn can effectively crowd out most weeds. Maintain proper watering, fertilization, and mowing practices.
Use selective herbicides according to label instructions for treating existing weeds.
Disease and Pest Management
A healthy fescue lawn is less susceptible to diseases and pests, so proper lawn care practices like watering, mowing, and fertilization are essential. In hot and humid weather, fescue may develop Brown Patch, a fungal disease. If left unchecked, brown patches can spread and cause the grass to die.
Preventative applications of fungicides help keep this disease at bay. However, they should only be used following a proper diagnosis and according to label instructions.
Contacting a professional like Ace of Blades for help maintaining your lawn is a safer option. We offer a comprehensive approach to lawn health, with a customized plan that tackles the root causes of brown patch susceptibility.
Achieve Your Dream Lawn With Help From Experts
While fescue is lower-maintenance than many other grass types, keeping a fescue lawn lush and healthy can still be challenging, especially in Arkansas’ climate. There’s a lot to consider, from proper soil preparation and watering techniques to choosing the right fescue blend and managing weeds and pests.
However, don’t let maintenance prevent you from enjoying a beautiful green lawn. Ace of Blades is here to help. Our team of lawn care professionals has extensive experience working with fescue lawns in Arkansas. You can rely on us for expert advice, comprehensive lawn care services, and exceptional customer service.
Visit our FAQs page to learn more about our services, or message us for a quote.