Autumn is an ideal time to overseed tall fescue lawns in the southeastern U.S. Tall fescue is often thinned by the disease brown patch during the summer. To get the proper density, tall fescue lawns need to be overseeded.
Tall fescue decline occurs in the southeastern U.S. during mid-July. The primary cause is brown patch (Rhizoctonia solani). Be on the watch for this disease. TechNotes Volume III, Issue 29, July 20, 2000 Go to Top Listing »
Tall fescue contamination in cool season turfgrass lawns is apparent in early spring. Tall fescue has a much more rapid vertical shoot growth rate than Kentucky bluegrass which makes the patches stand out in lawns during that time of year.
One turfgrass that is well adapted to the transition zone is tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb). Tall fescue as a species is well adapted to hot droughty conditions. Its good shade tolerance makes it an excellent general use turfgrass for homelawns in the transition zone. Breeding efforts over the last few decades have led to cultivars that have a finer leaf texture and greener color. Also, the introduction of endophyte containing tall fescue reduces the likelihood for insect pest problems. The number of diseases are few for tall fescue. The single most devastating problem on tall fescue, however, is brown patch (Rhizoctonia solani, Rhizoctonia zeae). Brown patch is the most severe during periods of hot humid weather where the turf is growing succulently.
Tall fescue has a bunch-type growth habit that requires overseeding in the fall to reduce "clumping". Tall fescue, compared to Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, begins growth sooner in the spring. Thus mowing needs to be initiated earlier in the spring. Although tall fescue requires little water and fertilization, maintaining a high quality lawn requires fertilization and water similar to Kentucky bluegrass (The downside is brown patch, which is more likely to be severe).