Dwarf Fescue Grass is a great choice for homeowners who are looking for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant grass. This type of grass is also resistant to disease and pests, making it a good option for those who live in areas that have hot, humid summers.
In this article, we will discuss the care and maintenance of Dwarf Fescue Grass, as well as some of its benefits.
Ideal for lawns, golf courses, backyards, and stadiums; this cool-season turfgrass is what you need. So if you are thinking about adding this Grass to your lawn, read on!
Dwarf Fescue Grass Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Festuca
About
Dwarf Fescue Grass is a cool-season turfgrass that is best known for its heat, drought, and disease resistance. It is a low-maintenance grass that does not require a lot of water or fertilizer.
It is also resistant to pests and can tolerate heavy foot traffic. This type of grass is a good choice for those who live in areas that have hot, humid summers.
One of the world’s most popular grass species is Poaceae, which includes Dwarf Fescue. Despite being a native of North America, it may be found almost anywhere except Antarctica. Introduced in the 1980s in the United States, this grass is hot-favorite now in the entire US.
Appearance
Dwarf fescue is a short, bright green grass that grows to 10–200 centimeters in height. There is a wide diversity of texture in this genus’s flat and conduplicate leaf blades.
The leaves are arranged in a basal rosette and are mostly hairless. The inflorescence is a dense, cylindrical spikelet that is up to 15 centimeters long.
Dwarf Fescue sod, like bluegrass, has an even structure and a dark green tint with a hint of cool-winter blue. As a result of its narrowness and delicate texture, this type of grass is ideal for use in gardens and lawns alike.
Types of Fescue Grass
There are three main types of fescue grass: tall, fine-leaved, and dwarf.
Tall fescue is the most common type of fescue grass. It is a hardy grass that can tolerate cold winters and hot summers. Tall fescue grass is resistant to drought and disease.
Fine-leaved fescue is a type of grass that has thin, delicate blades. It is not as tolerant to cold weather as tall fescue, but it can tolerate hot summers. Fine-leaved fescue grass is drought-tolerant and resistant to disease.
Dwarf fescue is the least common type of fescue grass. It is a low-growing grass that is best suited for small spaces like lawns or gardens. This grass is also drought-tolerant and resistant to disease.
Features Dwarf Fescue Grass
Height:
Native to Western U.S, this dumping grass grew up to 4 to 12 inches in height and width if left unmowed for days.
Leaves:
The leaves of this grass are quite unique, as each individual leaf is rolled in the shape of a tube. The length of these leaves can be up to 2 feet long, but they’re usually much shorter. The color of the leaves is a deep green.
Drought Tolerance:
The Dwarf Fescue is a very drought tolerant grass, meaning it can withstand long periods of time without water. This is due to the deep root system that this grass has. The roots can grow up to 6 feet deep, which allows the grass to access moisture and nutrients that other grasses cannot reach.
Heat Tolerance:
It can also tolerate high temperatures, making it a perfect grass for those who live in hot climates.
Shade Tolerance:
This grass can also tolerate shady conditions, which makes it a good option for areas that do not get a lot of sunlight.
Durability:
Dwarf Fescue is a very durable grass, meaning it can withstand a lot of wear and tear. This grass is often used in areas that see a lot of foot traffic, such as parks and playgrounds.
Dwarf Fescue Seeds
Dwarf Fescue seeds are small and can be difficult to find. The best way to get these seeds is to buy them from a reputable dealer.
You can also find them online, but make sure you buy from a trusted source. The 500 lbs of dwarf fescue seeds cover 500 sq ft. while 10 lbs can cover up to 1,000 sq ft of area.
Dwarf Fescue Grass Care
Temperature
Dwarf Fescue grass can tolerate both hot and cold weather conditions and can thrive in harshest weather easily, compared to other fescue types.
Watering
To keep this grass healthy during the summer months, water it twice a day. At 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., water it for 15 to 20 minutes each time to keep it healthy.
Then cut back to once or twice a week for a few days. The soil will be able to dry out after these two days of water restrictions. This prevents the grass from becoming overwatered and prone to mold.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing a lawn with a spreader is the most common method. Set up the spreader on the lawn once a month and apply a balanced fertilizer to your grass.
Because nitrogen is required for grass growth, it must be included in the fertilizer. The spreader should be set to a setting that distributes 2-3 pounds per 1000 square feet of surface area.
Soil
Dwarf Fescue prefers well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. The ideal pH for this grass is 6.5 to 7.5.
Weeding
Weeds can compete with Dwarf Fescue for water and nutrients, so it’s important to remove them when they appear. The best way to remove weeds is to pull them by hand.
Pests
There are no major pests that affect this grass. However, you may see occasional grubs in the soil. These grubs will not harm the grass, but they can be a nuisance.
Mowing
Compared to existing Fescue grasses, this new species requires 40 percent less mowing. This grass needs to be mowed and trimmed at least once every fourteen days. Because It is a grass that grows slowly, it is unlikely to object if the grass was chopped too soon. A rotary mower should be adjusted to cut 1 12 to 2 12 inches at its cutting settings.
How To Lay Dwarf Fescue Sod On Ground?
Preparation:
The first thing you need to do is make sure the ground is level. You can do this by using a garden hose to mark the perimeter of the area you want to sod.
Then, use a shovel to remove any rocks or debris from the area. Next, use a lawn roller to compact the soil. This will help the sod to stay in place.
Laying the Sod:
Once the ground is prepared, you can start laying the sod. Start by unrolling the sod and placing it against the edge of the area you are working.
Make sure the sod is touching the ground and that there are no gaps between the pieces. Continue to lay the sod until the entire area is covered.
Watering:
After you have laid the sod, you need to water it. This will help the roots to take hold and will also prevent the sod from drying out.
Water the sod twice a day for the first week. After that, you can water it once a day. Be sure to water the sod deeply so that the roots have enough moisture.
Fertilizing:
You should fertilize the sod after it has been watered for the first time. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Down The Edges:
Once the sod has been applied, you need to down the edges. This will help to keep the sod in place and will also give it a nice finished look.
You can use a garden hose or a piece of string to mark the edges. Then, use a shovel to dig a trench around the perimeter of the area. The trench should be about 6 inches deep.
Common Problems And Their Solutions
Disease:
If you see brown patches on your sod, it is probably due to a disease. The most common diseases that affect sod are brown patches and dollar spots. These diseases can be treated with fungicides. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the fungicide.
Pests:
Pest attack is one of the common issues with dwarf Fescue grass sod. If you see holes in your sod, it is probably due to pests. The most common pests that affect sod are grubs and chinch bugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticides. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the insecticide.
Fungus:
The fungus can also be a problem with dwarf Fescue grass sod. If you see white patches on your sod, it is probably due to a fungus.
The most common fungi that affect sod are powdery mildew and rust. These fungi can be treated with fungicides. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the fungicide.
Conclusion
Dwarf Fescue grass is a new type of grass that is becoming popular among gardeners. This grass is low maintenance and easy to care for.
It is also drought tolerant and does not require much fertilization. If you have a small space and are looking for low-maintenance grass, Dwarf Fescue grass is a pretty good option.
