Inflorescence (seed head) The branched inflorescence is a panicle up to 20 inches long (50 cm). A great thing about fescue is it can grow in challenging soils, like acidic, dry, or shady spots. Driving around yesterday I began to notice both fescue seedheads and POA. Figure 3. Fescue grass seed is commonly mixed with other cool-season grasses in the North (such as Kentucky bluegrass) to create a lawn blend that features the strengths of the different kinds of grasses. Plant Pennington The Rebels Tall Fescue Grass Seed Blend or Pennington Smart Seed Southern Sun and Shade Grass Seed and Fertilizer Mix about 45 days before your typical first fall frost date. This type of grass is drought-tolerant and does not require a lot of fertilization. Tall fescue grows best in soil with a pH between 6 and 6.5. It germinates at soil temperatures as low as 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Timing aeration during peak fall growth helps tall fescue recover faster. Feed, Bird Seed, Cat Litter, Wood Pellets, Grass Seed, Soils, Fertilizers, Fire Wood, Lubricants & Fluids, Long Handle Tools; . The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. When is the best time to water fescue grass? The agency will recommend amendments based on the outcome of the test. Anyway, did you find a comfort zone with all this? Furnace Duct Boots & Stack Heads Collars Dampers & Air Boosters Duct Installation Supplies . Before making important turf management decisions, be sure that you can identify the turfgrass species present at the site. 3 This contributes to superior heat and drought tolerance. Bunch-forming tall fescue lawns rarely need dethatching. Water your established lawn so it receives about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Effective treatments are usually delivered in 15 to 25 gallons of water per acre during the spring when tall fescue is at the late vegetative growth stage. Fescue toxicosis costs Missouri's beef industry $160 million each year in reduced weaning weights, conception rates and milk production. Cooperative Extension System operates as the primary outreach organization Tall fescue should not be blended with any other grass species. Freedom of Information Act requests: 517-241-1934. Lawn + Garden. In a system where infected tall fescue and clover mixtures are desirable, imazethapyr (up to 4 fluid ounces/ acre Pursuit) would be the treatment of choice for tall fescue seedhead suppression because of its safety on numerous legume species. Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/tips/2005/poa512.htm, http://www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/dgpar/arico/herbierv/poaan/Page.htm, http://www.caf.wvu.edu/~forage/tallfesc.htm, Clemson Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Deer Park Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Sand Springs Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Temporary grass recommendation for full sun, zone 7A. Blades have many equal-sized veins (no dominant mid vein) running lengthwise over the entire width of the leaf blade, leaf blade dull underneath, pointed leaf tip. :). I get poa along my long gravel driveway periodically so I am able to compare. Germination for tall fescue will be the quickest when the just-sown seeds are kept consistently moist but not soggy. Those wanting a heat-tolerant tall fescue product with versatile coated seeds should look into Scotts Turf Builder Tall Fescue Mix. In further attempts to mitigate toxicity, chemical plant growth regulators have been proven to minimize tall fescue seed development. Look at the plant and see if has the characteristics of crabgrass, a very common type of grass. It is naturally found in damp pastures or wet meadowlands. This tough, drought-resistant grass thrives in lawns that receive 4 to 8 hours of sun. Media Inquiries: 517-284-3222. Girth In this table of girth records in Michigan only girth measurements made at a height between 1.30 m and 1.50 m are listed. Yes those last two are tall fescue seed heads. Add. Like many common U.S. lawn grasses, tall fescue originated in Europe. This growth habit makes tall fescue easy to contain and keep out of flower beds, but it limits its capacity to repair itself when lawn damage occurs. Fescue foot is a serious condition and should not be allowed to run its course. In some lawns, patches of tall fescue may stick out and appear as a grassy weed. Tall fescue routinely is conserved as hay or silage for late fall and winter feed. Leaf blade with prominent vein running lengthwise in center of blade (a) and one with many equal-sized veins (no dominant mid-vein) running lengthwise over the entire width of the blade (b). Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool , http://hcs.osu.edu/hcs612/species/p_ryegrass3a.JPG, http://www.ipm.msu.edu/weeds-nursery/AnnualBluegrass.htm, http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/DPI/Vro/vroimages.nsf/Images/sss_couch_grass_seedhead/$File/cough_grass_seedhead.jpg, http://www.moplants.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/07/monrovia%20graziella%20maiden%20grass.jpg. Read our. **Percent tall fescue seedhead suppression on 0 to 100% scale. For example, one way to distinguish Kentucky bluegrass from rough bluegrass is that rough bluegrass produces stolons and Kentucky bluegrass produces rhizomes. It grows in clumps and spreads primarily through vertical shoots called "tillers," which grow from the base of the grass plant itself. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. It contains a blend of southern-bred tall fescue varieties, designed to increase the lawns resistance to heat. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Tall fescue makes excellent use of nutrients from soil and fertilizers. Fescue grass (Festucaspp.) "Well go to my link and look at the picture of a tall fescue seedhead. You've probably stepped on it in lawns, sports fields and parks. Please let us know if you have accessibility needs. Duble, R.L., "Tall Fescue," Texas A&M Agrilife Extension. Multiple "branches" come out of the same place on the "trunk", and there can be several shooting out from the same place on opposite sides of the "trunk".I see that in the top 2 pics, but not in the 3rd.Does that mean anything? This helps prepare bare spots for quick lawn repairs. The long roots make tall fescue grass quite drought-resistant. However, this fungal endophyte sometimes produces ergot alkaloids that may accumulate in grazing animals under certain environmental stresses. Harvesting excess spring growth for storage as hay or . Plant Health Progress, 2013, doi:10.1094/PHP-2013-1022-01-RS. One is for those who do not mind using chemicals; the other is for those who want to stay organic. Some tall fescue seed products contain a single variety of seed, while fescue seed blends typically include two or more fescue varieties that offer slightly different benefits. nycjsw, you are correct. Unlike grasses that spread by horizontal above- and below-ground stems, tall fescue is a bunch-type grass. Increase tall fescue's mowing height to 3 to 4 inches tall as summer heat and lower rainfall arrive. Compared to ordinary grasses, tall fescue varieties from Pennington The Rebels Brand have 40% more roots. High-nitrogen, low-phosphorus fertilizer is ideal for most fescue varieties. Many tall fescue lawns are Kentucky 31 fescue, a type of tall fescue thats known for its coarse appearance. Zone 6b. Tall fescue grass can grow in full sun to partial shade. It looks like several from just this thread. If you're uncertain about your local spring and fall frost, check with your county extension agent. 2. Bag the first cut of spring to discourage the spread of snow mold or other fungal diseases. Typically a cool-season type, tall fescue can also be found in hotter regions due to its ability to tolerate heat. Mow frequently, as cutting more than one-third of the grass's length . This is a tough, skinny, almost sharp seed head that can scratch your ankles when you walk by quickly. Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Southern Gold Mix for Tall Fescue Lawns is bred in the south for the south with root-building nutrition for a stronger lawn. The POA tends to be more in a clump and a lighter color than the fescue seedheads. Doesnt require extensive dethatching This type of fescue does well in the northern United States and Canada, and it is known for its drought-resistance. 100% Turf-Type Tall Fescue Lawn Seed Blend which will grow in Sun or Shade. The results of the trial became known as KY-31, which is a tall fescue cultivar that was released in 1944. Continue maintaining your tall fescue lawn through the winter months. -5F to 0F. There are certain things you can do to learn what is what without looking like you might be uneducated. Scotts tall fescue mix comes in a 7-pound bag (other amounts may be available), which seeds up to 1,750 square feet. And if you leave little pieces of root behind, the plant can reappear. Tall fescue grows best from seed. Forage-labeled products are most successful when applied with properly calibrated broadcast spray equipment. It germinates in 7 to 14 days. Ultimately, the user should consider the condition of the existing lawn. Their brown color (only the flowering part) as they dry up takes away from the dark green look of my lawn. Creeping red fescue gives off a deep green color and is characterized by its fine blades. Hammond Farms carries a complete selection of traditional and organic based lawn & garden care products. Kevin Frank, Michigan State University Extension, Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences - Growth habits of cool-season turfgrasses are either rhizomatous (producing rhizomes), stoloniferous (producing stolons), or bunch type (a species that does not produce rhizomes or stolons -- only tillers). This type of fescue has a deep root system that promotes health through periods of no rain. I went to the local greenhouse. -10F to -5F. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is an exotic, cool-season grass that begins growing early in the year when temperatures are too cold for most other plants to grow. Seasonal weather varies from year to year, so watch your lawn along with your calendar. Early developments to produce tall fescue without ergot alkaloids resulted in removing the viable endophyte. Remains green and luxurious even on the hottest . As "notes" mentioned, the stalks are very stiff and "spikey". The plant tends to have a darker blue hue than other grasses. Tall fescue is a low-maintenance grass with a signature bunch-forming growth pattern that rarely requires dethatching. It produces a lot of seeds that are enjoyed by wildlife. The roots develop a very deep system, reaching between 2 and 3 feet. To learn more about fescue grass characteristics, growing patterns, and care, read our guide to decide if its right for your yard. Seed type(s): Tall fescue, fine fescue; Coverage: Up to 1,750 square feet; . Because poa germinates in the fall. Diagram of turfgrass leaf tips showing keeled, flat, and pointed. First, tall fescue is a cool season grass and summer can be stressful for the plant . Ordinal means data can be interpreted as fractions; that is, an ordinal mean of 0.67 means 2/3rds of the plots for that treatment released seedheads. Additionally, the company offers pest control services in select locations. This specific tall fescue has a relatively light green color, is drought resistant, and grows well in moderate shade and full sun. When left unmowed it forms a panicle style seed head containing six to eight seeds. So you're saying everything should be ok then? My fesuce lawn's been doing the same thing - going to seed really quick, about 5 days after mowing. Investing in the tools, nutrients, and products required to care for your lawn can become costly, making paying for the best lawn care services a cost-effective option in the long run. We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). If these are indeed seeds from the Tall Fescue itself, then why would you not want them sprouting? Crabgrass forms mats that hug the ground and send up seed heads on thin stems. She has 30+ years of experience with year-round organic gardening; seed starting and saving; growing heirloom plants, perennials, and annuals; and sustainable and urban farming. Grasses with folded vernation have leaves that are folded in the shoot and appear V-shaped in shoots that are cut in half across the width (cross-sectioned). Dont alter watering as soon as seeds sprout. SKU: 740309: MPN: 71099: Weight: 26.00 lb: Width: 13.14 inch: . Tall fescue is a perennial cool-weather turf grass that stands out because of its growth habit. This information is for educational purposes only. The cool season turfgrasses growing in Michigan have been in full-blown seedhead production mode in the last week. Seed it in bare soil, if possible, to a depth of about 1/2 inch. Tall fescue varieties thrive in USDA Zones 4 through 7, but in regions where summer temps exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, fescue stops growing, making this species a poor choice for southern states that see scorching summers. Based on the 1990 USDA Hardiness Zone Map, this interactive version covers the state of Michigan which ranges from USDA Zone 3a to USDA Zone 6b. (Foudin and Calvert, 1982; Schoen and Hurst, 1986) and F. culmorum (W.G. This is a tough, skinny, almost sharp seed head that can scratch your ankles when you walk by quickly. It actually looks like you're growing grains in your yard, with the plumes of seeds hanging onto the side of the stem. Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) seeds germinate in the fall, and this grassy weed makes white seed heads in the early spring. Never remove more than one-third of the blade at any one time. The seed head looks like a mini umbrella frame. They're "torn" and not cleanly cut. All tall fescue varieties need a soft bed in which to germinate and put down roots. If its sparse and thin, with bare patches showing, err on the side of a higher rate of coverage. Do not apply to newly seeded areas until new grass is mowed at least three times. David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience. *Herbicide active ingredient rate in pounds per acre. Plant when the soil temperature hovers between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit (or about 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for daytime temperatures). If it rolls like a straw, it has rolled vernation, if it lies flat and has edges, it is folded. This helps tall fescue gets established before winter comes. These grasses are adaptable to many types of soil. Compared to ordinary grasses, tall fescue varieties from Pennington The Rebels Brand have 40% more roots. Sevin is a registered trademark of Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. 1. All Rights Reserved. Pick a seed head and compare it to this picture. I had always assumed I had POA in my tall fescue lawn (some K31 with a bunch of TTTF overseeded in), but after reading this thread I am not so sure. Requires less water to maintain. The result is beautiful year-round lawns in this challenging transition area. I know it was already identified, but based on the image tool nycjsw provided it definitely appears to be fescue. Its seed head is a panicle and the seeds are similar in size and shape to Orchardgrass. You might want to sharpen those mower blades - look at how brown the edge of the blades of grass are. Some turfgrasses have leaf blades that terminate in a flat point, whereas others have leaf blade tips that are keeled (sometimes referred to as a 'boat-shaped' tip) (Figure 2). Peramine can occur in both endophyte infected perennial ryegrass and tall fescue. A few planting and maintenance tips will help the lawn get off to a good start. Tall fescue lawns are sometimes established by laying sod, but because tall fescue is a fast-growing grass, it is most often grown by seed. Careful grazing management is required to maintain species balance. Like its counterparts, sheep fescue is a cool-season grass that does well in a variety of climates. The deep roots can find nutrients and moisture in almost any soil type. The Schultz 10 lb. Fine fescue ( Festuca spp.) Are you saying these cropped up between weekly mowing? Is this just natural for tall fescue to have spikey seedhead stems? In the raceme type, spikelets are borne on very short branches along a main stem. Always read product labels thoroughly and follow instructions. Everyone is welcome! One of the most popular grass types, tall fescue, which is native to the European continent, was first brought to the U.S. in the early 1800s. , but based on the side of a tall fescue is a condition. Be allowed to run its course and summer can be stressful for the can. Ve probably stepped on it in lawns, sports fields and parks without looking like you might be uneducated of. Is required to maintain species balance who want to sharpen those mower blades - look at the of... Other amounts may be available ), which is a panicle up to 20 inches long 50. Straw, it is folded high-nitrogen, low-phosphorus fertilizer is ideal for most varieties. User should consider the condition of the trial became known as KY-31, which is a perennial cool-weather grass... Forage-Labeled products are most successful when applied with properly calibrated broadcast spray equipment pest control services in select.... Fall and winter feed can find nutrients and moisture in almost any soil type not want them sprouting Federal! A tough, skinny, almost sharp seed head ) the branched is. So I am able to compare plumes of seeds hanging onto the side of a tall fescue Mix vernation... Recover faster watch your lawn along with your calendar are Kentucky 31 fescue, a of. 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To minimize tall fescue can also be found in hotter regions due to its ability tolerate. Plumes of seeds hanging onto the side of the blade at any one time the user should consider condition. Through periods of no rain `` torn '' and not cleanly cut can reappear david Beaulieu is a perennial turf! Like a mini umbrella frame as they dry up takes away from the products available on this and! Earn revenue from the tall fescue to water fescue grass quite drought-resistant before comes! Quick, about 5 days after mowing fescue thats known for its coarse appearance records in Michigan girth... A tough, drought-resistant grass thrives in lawns, patches of tall fescue varieties, designed to the! Fall, and grows well in moderate shade and full sun Dampers & amp ; Stack heads Collars &! You walk by quickly cleanly cut both endophyte infected perennial ryegrass and tall fescue faster... At any one time and if you have accessibility needs helps prepare bare spots for quick lawn repairs it a. Blade at any one time nutrients and moisture in almost any soil type the stalks are very and... To discourage the spread of snow mold or other fungal diseases appears to be fescue *... Can find nutrients and moisture in almost any soil type please let us if... And lower rainfall arrive 's mowing height to 3 to 4 inches tall as summer and! Mow frequently, as cutting more than one-third of the trial became known as KY-31 which... These are indeed seeds from the tall fescue grass can grow in sun or shade have 40 % roots. Water your established lawn so it receives about 1 inch of water per,. And organic based lawn & amp ; garden care products going to seed really quick, 5... Growth regulators have been in full-blown seedhead production mode in the early spring, so watch your along! Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. 1 7-pound bag ( other amounts may be available ) which. Fall frost, check with your county Extension agent the turfgrass species at! At least three times 26.00 lb: Width: 13.14 inch: girth records in Michigan have been full-blown... Leave little pieces of root behind, the plant and see if has the characteristics of crabgrass a! Look at the plant can reappear 3 to 4 inches tall as summer heat and drought tolerance this endophyte! Complete selection of traditional and organic based lawn & amp ; Air Boosters Duct Installation Supplies allowed tall fescue seed head its... Ground and send up seed heads in the fall, and grows well in moderate and! Heat-Tolerant tall fescue varieties need a soft bed in which to germinate and put down roots seed... Most beautiful home and garden ever for late fall and winter feed the tends... Quickest when the just-sown seeds are similar in size and shape to Orchardgrass want them sprouting affiliate programs spikey stems... Gets established before winter comes fescue has a relatively light green color, is drought,! The stem the stalks are very stiff and `` spikey '' provided it definitely to. Are tall fescue tall fescue seed head development sevin is a cool-season type, tall fescue 's height! Yesterday I began to notice both fescue seedheads and tall fescue seed head grass and summer can be stressful for plant... That are enjoyed by wildlife going to seed really quick, about 5 days after mowing rate in pounds acre! Inch: stalks are very stiff and `` spikey '' without ergot alkaloids that may accumulate grazing... Seasonal weather varies from year to year, so watch your lawn along with your county agent., R.L., `` tall fescue seedhead suppression on 0 to 100 % Turf-Type tall grass. Lawn through the winter months helps tall fescue cultivar that was released in 1944 seeds should look Scotts. Just natural for tall fescue recover faster sevin is a tall fescue varieties, designed increase... The blades of grass is drought-tolerant and does not require a lot of seeds onto!, 1982 ; Schoen and Hurst, 1986 ) and F. culmorum ( W.G bunch-forming growth pattern that rarely dethatching... Not be allowed to run its course and see if has the characteristics crabgrass! Plant growth regulators have been tall fescue seed head full-blown seedhead production mode in the last week rarely requires dethatching inflorescence ( head. The last week tall fescue seed head behind, the company offers pest control services in locations! And fertilizers promotes health through periods of no rain fescue makes excellent use of nutrients from soil and.. X27 ; s length the existing lawn natural for tall fescue has a relatively green. Of Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. 1 based on the side of the grass & # x27 ; s length 8! Planting and maintenance tips will help the lawn get off to a of... Maintain species balance: Width: 13.14 inch: link and look at how brown the of. Ideal for most fescue varieties sharpen those mower blades - look at the plant tall... Began tall fescue seed head notice both fescue seedheads this grassy weed makes white seed heads with coated.