How to Grow and Maintain a Fine Fescue Lawn in New Zealand

Fine Fescue Lawn Guides

Our series of expert guides provide all the information to grow an amazing Fine Fescue lawn in New Zealand. Enjoy!

Growing A Fine Fescue Lawn

The advantage of growing a Fine Fescue lawn is that you can spray out all the other grass weeds and broadleaf weeds to end up with a weed-free lawn more easily than with other lawn varieties. However, the key to an amazing Fine Fescue lawn is care and attention whist keeping wear to a minimum. That is, if you have dogs or children that like to play on the lawn, Fine Fescue is not the right choice as it will end up with a lot of bare patches. Please see the article, Selecting The Right Lawn Variety to determine which variety to use. Too often we see people reseeding a Fine Fescue lawn with another variety because they have missed the vital point around wear.

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, Fine Fescue lawn. After it 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. One week after the Turfix has been applied, apply the grass specific herbicide, Ignite to take out any foreign grasses, once again following the label. This needs to be repeated in spring, summer, and autumn, and Ignite will kill grass weeds such as Couch, Paspalum, and the like. Turfix will need to applied each year in spring and early autumn. If other broadleaf weeds remain after Turfix treatment, refer to the article, Controlling Broadleaf Weeds In Lawns

Water and fertiliser are essential to growing a Fine Fescue lawn well. If the lawn is moisture stressed it will start to go dormant and will not grow again until it is watered. Often when this happens, the lawn emerges patchy, and is something you want to avoid as this provides opportunity for weeds to grow.

Fertiliser for established lawns should be applied during spring, summer, and autumn at low rates to keep the lawn growing actively and avoid it becoming stressed for any reason. Be sure to water in the fertiliser after application. DO NOT use urea or any ammonium based fertilisers as this is a common cause of “burning” in lawns. Please refer to the following articles for advice on Rolling The New Lawn and Mowing The New Lawn.

Caring for Your FIne Fescue Lawn

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

Watering

• Fine 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.

Preparing For A Fine Fescue Lawn

In New Zealand, the ideal time to plant fine fescue 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 seeding the Fine 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 3-4 kg per 100 square metres 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.

Troubleshooting Common Fine Fescue Issues

When issues with Fine Fescue present it is important to understand them and

Thinning Grass

• If your fine fescue lawn begins to thin, it could be due to compaction or poor drainage. Aerate the lawn to alleviate compaction and improve airflow to the roots.

Brown Patches

• Brown patches can occur due to drought stress, disease, or pest infestations. Ensure your lawn is receiving enough water and check for signs of fungal diseases or pests. Treat with fungicides or pesticides if necessary.

Why Choose Fine Fescue?

Fine Fescue is a popular choice for many homeowners because of its unique characteristics. It includes several species like creeping red fescue, hard fescue, sheep fescue, and chewings fescue. These grasses are known for their fine blades and ability to thrive in cooler climates. Here are some reasons why you might choose fine fescue for your lawn:

• Fine fescue is one of the most shade-tolerant grass types, making it ideal for lawns with lots of tree coverage.
• It requires less mowing than other grass types, making it a great choice for those looking for a low-maintenance lawn.
• Fine fescue can withstand dry conditions better than many other grass varieties, though it does benefit from regular watering.
• It can be used in various settings, from residential lawns to golf courses.