Showing posts with label laying sod. Show all posts
Showing posts with label laying sod. Show all posts

Thursday, June 24, 2010

All About Fescue Grass

Used all around the world for its durability and resilience, fescue grass is an amazing thing. Fescue grass actually refers to a group of types of grass used for ornamental landscaping because they can handle being in either direct sun or complete shade - which makes them perfect for areas needing smooth and even grass surfaces such as golf ranges.


When in very extreme temperatures, fescue simply goes dormant until the weather improves. Originally taken from Europe in 1800, the two oldest varieties of fescue are Kentucky-31 and Alta. Fescue grass is generally grown and kept at two inches tall. It flourishes in heavy rainfall climates and survives harsh dry spells with ease. Deep roots and thick growth help fescue survive and maintain its color. Its thick stems will often smother weeds such as dandelion.


Fescue works well as pasturing or turf grass as it is thick and easily cared for. You can choose from many varieties of fescue, but the most commonly used types are simply tall fescue and turf-type fescue which is shorter and even more durable. You can buy fescue as plain seed, in a blend or even as sod ready to be laid down to make that perfect lawn.


If you start with seed, remember to plant the seed in softened soil and gently cover it with a light sprinkle of soil. Fescue is best when planted in the fall and spring in warm soil at a rate of 4 pounds of seed per 1000 square feet.


Laying sod is very simple. Choose the area you want to cover with grass and level it. Keep the ground wet as you lay down the sod and water it often to make sure the ground stays moist until the sod takes hold. Dry ground will make it hard for the sod to grow and may even kill it.