Growing A Tall Fescue Lawn in New Zealand

Tall Fescue Grass Guides

Our series of expert guides provide all the information to grow Tall Fescue grass well in New Zealand. Enjoy!

Understanding Tall Fescue Grass

Tall fescue grass is a cool-season grass that thrives in regions with moderate temperatures. It is known for its broad blades and deep green colour, providing for a robust and attractive lawn. Tall fescue is drought-tolerant and resistant to many pests and diseases. This makes it a practical choice for homeowners looking to minimise lawn maintenance whilst also wanting a highly aesthetic lawn.

Growing A Tall Fescue Lawn

Tall Fescue is a highly aesthetic variety of lawn that can handle some minor foot traffic. It is not suited to areas where the kids or dog will be on it daily, but every now and then is okay. Please see the article, Selecting The Right Lawn Variety to determine which variety to use if you are unsure.

Let’s assume you have followed the instructions given in the sections, Preparing The Soil For A New Lawn and How To Seed A Lawn, and now you have a newly struck, Tall Fescue lawn. After the Tall Fescue lawn has been actively growing for 3-5 weeks, put on the broadleaf herbicide, Turfix, and follow the label instructions. It is vital that over-spraying is avoided and label rates are followed to avoid injuring the young seedlings. This needs to be repeated in spring, summer, and autumn for good control of broadleaf weeds. Keep an eye out for grass weeds such as Paspalum and manually remove any of these seedlings as soon as they show. Just use a screwdriver to ease them out and drop a little more seed into the hole if the grass is a bit “thin” in that area. If you followed the recommendations in the article, Preparing The Soil For A New Lawn, there should be few, if any.

Fertiliser is essential to growing a Tall Fescue lawn well and fertiliser for established lawns should be applied during spring, summer, and autumn at low rates to keep the lawn growing actively. Do not use urea or any ammonium-based fertilisers as they are a common cause of “burning” in lawns.

Tall Fescue lawns benefit immensely from being watered during dry periods. If the lawn is left to dry out, it will brown off and go dormant until soil moisture levels increase again. Remember, the goal is to produce a lush lawn as quickly as possible to suppress weeds. Anything that can help the grass grow will help towards achieving a better lawn overall. Please refer to the following articles for advice on: Rolling The New Lawn and Mowing The New Lawn.

Caring for Your Tall Fescue Lawn

After planting, proper care is essential to ensure your tall fescue lawn thrives. Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy lawn:

Watering

• Tall fescue grass requires consistent moisture, particularly during its early growth stages. Water the lawn deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall, to encourage deep root development.

Mowing

• Regular mowing helps maintain the appearance and health of your lawn. Set your mower to a height of 5-7 cm to avoid cutting the grass too short, which can stress the plant and make it susceptible to pests and diseases.

Feeding

• Apply [lawn fertilizer] in spring and again autumn to provide essential nutrients and keep the lawn healthy. This practice helps promote vigorous growth and improves the overall resilience of your lawn.

Weed and Pest Control

• Monitor your lawn regularly for signs of weeds and pests. Early intervention is key to preventing infestations and maintaining a pristine lawn.

Choosing The Right Time To Plant Tall Fescue

In New Zealand, the ideal time to plant tall fescue grass is any time from early spring until mid to late-autumn. These seasons provide optimal growing conditions, allowing the grass to establish strong roots before winter cold sets in. The Plant Company does not recommend planting during winter as seedlings will be slow to establish and the weeds can become more problematic. Planting during summer is also fine, provided irrigation is available.

Preparing the Soil

Before planting tall fescue, it is crucial to prepare the soil properly. Begin by clearing the area of weeds and debris, then till the soil to a depth of about 15 cm. This process improves aeration and encourages root growth and plant establishment. Adding organic matter such as compost can enhance soil fertility to provide a nutrient-rich environment for your new lawn.

Planting Tall Fescue Grass

Once the soil is prepared, sow the tall fescue seeds evenly across the area. Aim for a seeding rate of approximately 2-3 kg per 100 square meters for optimal coverage. Lightly rake the seeds into the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact, and water the area gently to keep the soil moist during germination.

Tall Fescue Lawn Benefits

A lush and vibrant lawn is a dream for many homeowners, and choosing the right grass can make all the difference. Tall fescue grass, known for its versatility and resilience, is a popular choice among gardeners, especially in New Zealand. It offers many benefits:

Durability and Resilience

Tall fescue is renowned for its durability. Unlike some other grass types, tall fescue can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it an ideal choice for families with children and pets. Its deep root system enhances its resilience, allowing it to recover from stress caused by drought or wear and tear more effectively than many other grass species.

Climate Adaptability

One of the standout benefits of tall fescue grass is its adaptability to different climates. It thrives in a variety of conditions, from the cool, damp regions to the warmer, drier areas in New Zealand. This adaptability makes it a versatile choice for homeowners who face fluctuating weather patterns.

Low Maintenance

Another key advantage of a tall fescue lawn is its low maintenance requirements. Tall fescue grass requires less frequent mowing compared to other lawn grasses, thanks to its slower vertical growth. Additionally, its deep roots mean it requires less frequent watering, which is beneficial for conserving water and reducing your garden maintenance time.

Aesthetic Appeal

Tall fescue lawns are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The grass has a fine texture and a rich green color that can enhance the visual appeal of any garden. Its ability to form a dense canopy helps in suppressing weeds, ensuring your lawn maintains its pristine appearance throughout the growing season.

Disease and Pest Resistance

Tall fescue is naturally resistant to many common lawn diseases and pests. This resistance means fewer chemical treatments are needed, making it an environmentally friendly choice for eco-conscious gardeners. By choosing tall fescue, you can enjoy a healthier lawn with less reliance on pesticides and fungicides.

Cost-Effectiveness

Finally, investing in a tall fescue lawn can be cost-effective in the long run. Its low maintenance nature and resistance to common lawn issues mean reduced costs associated with lawn care and treatments. Over time, the savings on water, fertilizers, and pest control can make a significant difference in your gardening budget.