tall fescue

Tall fescue plants need regular watering throughout the growing season. Water them deeply at least once a week if there is no rainfall. Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged. It is best to water the plants in the morning before the heat of the day, so the foliage can dry out quickly. Avoid wetting the leaves and crown of the plant, as this can lead to fungal diseases. Once established, tall fescue plants are fairly drought tolerant, but will benefit from additional water during periods of extreme summer heat or drought.

Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea (mix)) will do best when planted in a location where it will receive full sun. This means that it should get direct sunlight for at least 8 hours a day. While it is tolerant of some shade, it will be less productive when only getting 2-4 hours of sunlight a day. In full sun, Tall Fescue should get between 10-15 hours of sunlight a day, depending on the season. During the summer months, when the sun is strongest, the full hours of sunlight may safely be decreased to 8 hours or so during the hottest part of the day.

Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea (mix)) should be pruned in late fall or early spring, not during the summer months. Pruning should begin by cutting off dead or diseased foliage. This helps to keep the grass healthy and vibrant. After that, only minor trimming is necessary to maintain the desired size and shape of the plant. Up to a third of the foliage can be removed, but avoid removing more than that as it can damage healthy, growing shoots. Pruning should also focus on areas that will encourage dense, hardy growth rather than spindly, weak growth. With careful pruning, tall fescue can easily maintain its desired shape and size.