According to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, Raleigh, N.C., there are some maintenance tips lawn care operators and landscape contractors should follow when tending to tall fescue turf in August. These should help the turf remain lush and healthy during the hot months.
First, when mowing, the extension service said contractors should raise their mowing height to 3½ inches and mow before the grass reached 5 inches in height. Also, fertilization and aeration is not recommended during July and August.
When it comes to watering, contractors have two options - either water as needed to prevent drought or allow the lawn to go dormant. About 1 inch of water per application each week is adequate for irrigated lawns, the extension service said. Sandy soils often require more frequent watering or about ½ inch of water every third day. Contractors should not discontinue irrigation in midsummer. With dormant lawns, water them every three weeks in the absence of rain.
In terms of lawn pests on tall fescue turf in August, LCOs should watch for brown patch disease and check for grubs.
The author is managing editor, Lawn & Landscape, and can be reached at nwisniewski@lawnandlandscape.com.