Tall fescue is a cool-season grass that is incredibly common in lawns throughout the United States. While beautiful and lush in the spring and cooler months, it can become invasive and unsightly during the summer. Many homeowners struggle with controlling tall fescue once it becomes established. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about tall fescue control and how to get rid of tall fescue grass.

What is Tall Fescue?

Tall fescue is a cool-season grass that grows vigorously in the winter and spring months. It is commonly found in lawns, golf courses, and parks, and it is highly resistant to drought and disease. Tall fescue has a deep root system, making it difficult to remove once it becomes established.

Why Get Rid of Tall Fescue?

While tall fescue can be beautiful and lush in cooler months, it can quickly become invasive and unsightly during the summer. It is also very difficult to maintain due to its high drought resistance, making it difficult to water during the dry months.

Tall fescue can also attract pests such as moles, who love to burrow in the thick, deep-rooted grass. Additionally, tall fescue can be hard on the feet, making it difficult to walk or play on.

How to Get Rid of Tall Fescue

There are a few ways to get rid of tall fescue, both chemical and organic.

Chemical Control

Chemical control involves the use of herbicides to kill the tall fescue grass. This is the most effective way to get rid of tall fescue, but it can also be dangerous to use if not applied correctly. If you plan on using herbicides, it is important to follow the instructions on the label and wear protective clothing such as gloves and a mask.

Organic Control

Organic control involves the use of natural methods to get rid of tall fescue grass. This method takes longer than chemical control, but it is safer for the environment and can be more affordable. Organic control methods include:

1. Hand digging – This involves physically removing the tall fescue grass by digging it up. This method can be time-consuming but is effective.

2. Mulching – This involves covering the tall fescue grass with mulch, which will deprive it of sunlight and nutrients. Over time, the tall fescue will die off.

3. Solarization – This involves covering the tall fescue grass with plastic sheeting, which will trap the heat of the sun and kill the grass over time.

4. Sheet Mulching – This involves the use of a layer of compost, cardboard, and newspaper to suffocate the grass and prevent it from growing.

Preventing Tall Fescue

Preventing tall fescue from growing in the first place is the best way to control it. The following tips can help prevent the growth of tall fescue:

1. Proper mowing – Mowing your lawn to the appropriate height can prevent tall fescue from growing and spreading.

2. Fertilizing Appropriately – Tall Fescue will grow less if it does not have excess nitrogen from fertilizers.

3. Watering Appropriately – Watering in moderate amounts reduces the moisture around the roots causing the tall fescue to not grow.
4. Aerating – Aerating your lawn will loosen the soil and allow water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots, which can prevent the growth of tall fescue.

Summary:

Tall fescue is a beautiful, lush grass that can quickly become invasive and unsightly during the summer months. Controlling tall fescue involves either chemical or organic methods, or better yet, prevention. It is crucial to properly mow, fertilize, and water your lawn to prevent the growth of tall fescue. With these tips on everything you need to know about tall fescue control and how to get rid of it, you can keep your lawn healthy and beautiful year-round.

While tall fescue can be beautiful and lush in cooler months, it can quickly become invasive and unsightly during the summer. It is also very difficult to maintain due to its high drought resistance, making it difficult to water during the dry months. Tall fescue can also attract pests such as moles, who love to burrow in the thick, deep-rooted grass. Additionally, tall fescue can be hard on the feet, making it difficult to walk or play on.

Tall fescue is a cool-season grass that is incredibly common in lawns throughout the United States. While beautiful and lush in the spring and cooler months, it can become invasive and unsightly during the summer. Many homeowners struggle with controlling tall fescue once it becomes established. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about tall fescue control and how to get rid of tall fescue grass.

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