Garden Column for the Salisbury Post

Darrell Blackwelder

November 4, 2004

 

     Abundant rain and mild temperatures over the past few days create the perfect environment for newly seeded cool season fescue lawns. Emerging seedlings need to be handled very carefully this fall to ensure maximum growth and establishment.

     It’s often impossible to have complete coverage when over-seeding so there may be gaps or bare spots in the newly seeded areas. There is still time to add more seed to areas that need reseeding for gaps or bare areas. Fescue seed will germinate quickly if our pattern of warm weather continues.

     Mow newly emerging turf when it reaches a height of 4 inches. Make sure the mower blade is sharp because dull blades have a tendency to yank new seedlings out of newly seeded or wet soils.

     Germinating fescue seedlings must have full sun to obtain maximum growth. Falling leaves and excess straw impedes light producing weak, frail growth. Removal can be somewhat tricky with young plants. Using a blower or use a   bagger on the mower to remove leaves or excess straw without damaging roots.

     Broadleaf weeds are emerging along with the fescue. Often, it outgrows the young turf, so control is often necessary to help fescue become established. Broad leaf turf herbicides easily kill winter weeds, but may also damage newly seeded turf. Don’t use these herbicides until the grass is well established.  Well established means the turf is actively growing and has been mowed at least 3 or 4 times.

     Since fescue grows best in the fall and early winter, its best to maintain an ongoing fertilization program. The root system continues to grow as top growth slows during cold weather. Fescue turf needs about 2 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet to maintain constant growth. Split applications in September, October and November are recommended to supply growing turf constant nutrition.  

 

Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. For archived garden columns or other information, visit the Rowan County Master Gardener web site at www.rowanmastergardener.com , e-mail Darrell_Blackwelder@ncsu.edu