Fescue Lawn Establishment in Tidewater Virginia

The comments below will explain the importance of each of the steps involved in lawn establishment.

These steps or principles are similar whether planting seed, sod, sprigs, or plugs. They are also important in renovating a lawn of poor quality or in just repairing isolated areas. Any total lawn renovation where grass and weeds are killed completely using a non-selective herbicide like Roundup should begin in August.

 

Turf Grass Selection

Proper fescue turf grass selection is one of the most important factors to be considered in the success of a home lawn. It is not a task to be taken lightly since all species and varieties will not perform equally when placed in the wide diversity of climates, soils and management programs that are found in Virginia.  To help combat our diverse soils, Ken Matthews Garden Center carries a grass seed blend of four tip performing fescue seed varieties.  Using a seed blend vs a single seed ensures germination in most soil conditions.

 

Deciding When to Plant

Turf grasses are best established under the right growing conditions. There are certain periods of the year when temperature, moisture, and day-length are most favorable for establishing cool season grasses.  In our “transition zone” seeding  is recommended for the fall.

 

The Soil Test

Soil testing will determine whether the soil pH and nutrient (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) levels are in a range that favors turf growth. If soil pH is outside of the 7.0 “comfort zone” grass blades are unable to drink up fertilizer and fight off disease.  The soil test report will indicate how much fertilizer or lime needs to be applied.

 

Controlling Perennial Grasses and Broadleaf Weeds

Undesirable perennial grasses should be controlled prior to tilling the soil. This is essential in order to eliminate their competition with new grass plants as well as to enhance the quality of the new lawn. If left uncontrolled, they detract from the appearance of the lawn and cannot be selectively removed with herbicides after the turf is established.

 

Soil Grading and Core Aeration

It is advisable to core aerate the soil where: 1) soil compaction is severe; 2) large amounts of phosphorus or lime are recommended; 3) surface drainage is inadequate; or 4) the soil is to be modified.

In certain instances where the physical properties of the available topsoil are not adequate for plant growth, soil modification may be advisable. Most commonly, sand or organic matter is used to modify soil in Virginia. Organic matter is used to improve soil aeration, water retention and nutrient holding capacity. Sand is used to improve water infiltration and aeration and reduce compaction problems.

 

Soil Modification

Organic matter materials that can be used include composted sludge, sawdust, composted leaves, farm manure, and sphagnum or hypnum peat moss. The most critical factors for successful use are amount and proper incorporation. All materials should be incorporated to a 4- to 6-inch depth.

 

Fertilization and Mag I Cal

When adjusting soil pH, separate your fertilizer and Mag I Cal applications from each other by at least two weeks.  If applied together, the Mag I Cal will “lock up” some of the nitrogen in the fertilizer.

 

Final Soil Preparation

The best soil condition for seeding has a granular texture with small clods of soil varying from 1/8 inch to ¾ inch in size. However, if the area is to be sprigged the soil should remain loose in the upper 2 to 3 inches so a portion of each sprig can be set (pushed) into the soil.

 

Planting Seed, Sod, Sprigs, And Plugs

Seeding

Turf grasses used for lawns should be sown at the following rates:

8-10 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet for new lawns

4-6  pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet for over seeding

Insure good seed-soil contact by lightly raking and then rolling the seedbed

Sodding

Sod of cool-season grasses can be installed anytime during the year as long as the soil is not frozen. However, during the hot summer days, the soil should be dampened just prior to laying the sod to avoid placing the turf roots in contact with excessively dry and hot soil. Before ordering sod be sure you are prepared to install it and have adequate irrigation capability.

 

Seed vs. Sod

A quality lawn containing recommended blends and varieties can be established with either seed or sod.

Initially, seed is less expensive than sod. However, when reseeding areas where erosion is likely, overall expense may be less with sod. Sodding nearly eliminates the chances for failure where erosion is a concern.

Sodding saves establishment time and provides an immediately functional and aesthetic turf. Sod offers less time limitations in that it may be established during any season, even in summer, if irrigation is available.

 

Post Planting Care

Watering

Turf grass seed needs 4-5 inches water a week , either in the form of irrigation or natural rainfall, to survive. Water lightly and frequently so the seed or sprigs do not dry out. The goal is to water often enough to keep the seedbed moist but not saturated, until the plants can develop sufficient root systems to take advantage of deeper and less frequent watering.  The best time to water is in the morning after the sun is up.  Avoid watering after sunset as this may lead to disease problems.

 

Weed Control

There are two basic types of weeds (broadleaf weeds and grassy weeds) that invade newly seeded turf that can be selectively controlled with herbicides.  After the turf has matured enough to have been mowed three times, broadleaf herbicides can be used without damage to the young turf. Annual grasses such as crab grass, can be effectively controlled with the pre-emergence herbicide applied in the early spring.  Always follow product labels for rates and timing of treatments.

 

Mowing

Allow the turf grass plant to reach 4 inches in height before beginning to mow. The recommended mowing height for tall fescue turf grasses is 3 inches. Higher mowing heights usually benefit cool-season grasses during summer stress periods.  Sharp mower blades are essential. Dull blades can dislodge young seedlings from the soil.  Alternate your pattern of mowing each time to ensure a more even cut.

 

Fertilization

Begin a maintenance fertilization program in September.

 

Information obtained from Virginia Cooperative Extension

 

For more information on caring for your lawn year-round, check out the KMGC Lawn Care Recommendations.