Clean lawn of debris (i.e. rocks, sticks, etc.) Mow lawn at 2 inches and remove clipping debris.

Mow lawn at 2.5 to 3 inches (2.0-2.5 for dwarf type). Mowing frequency should be dictated by growth rate. Mow at least on a weekly basis when actively growing.

Raise mower height to 3 to 3.5 inches (2.5-3.0 for dwarf type) and maintain mowing frequency.

Gradually lower mowing height to 2.5 inches. Mow on a weekly basis.

To maximize rooting and stress tolerance maintain height at 3.0 to 3.5 inches for the entire growing season.

Fertilize with 1.0 lb. of actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. Slow release fertilizer carriers are preferred. Apply combination product with preemergence weed control.

Fertilize with 1.0 lb. of actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. Slow release fertilizer carriers are preferred. This application is optional on forage types like K-31.

Fertilize with 1.0 lb. of actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. Slow release fertilizers are preferred.

Water to prevent wilting and drought. Tall fescue is drought tolerant and can be grown in most years without irrigation.

Apply preemergence herbicide for crabgrass, goosegrass and foxtail control, if necessary.

Control dandelion and other broadleaf weeds if they are a serious problem. Fall is preferred time for control.

Apply perennial broadleaf weed control if necessary. This is the preferred time for controlling dandelions and clover.

Insects are seldom a problem in tall fescue lawns. Sod webworm and white grubs are occasional problems. Check for sod webworm larvae and control if necessary.

Check for white grubs and control if necessary (see NebGuide
G92-1085, White Grubs in Turf).

Diseases are seldom a problem. Leafspot susceptibility is often related to early spring fertilization (i.e. March and April) with quick release fertilizer carriers.

Susceptibility to brown patch is often related to heavy shade or overfertilization with nitrogen.

Leaf and stem rust may be a problem on susceptible cultivars.

Thatch is rarely a problem on tall fescue lawns.

Tall fescues are very tolerant to wear, but are susceptible to compaction stress. Aerify lawns that are on clay soil or subject to heavy traffic to minimize compaction and improve rooting.

Overseed tall fescue lawns that have been thinned by winter injury. Use a blend of improved turf-type tall fescue cultivars, and seed at 4 to 6 lbs./1,000 sq. ft. When seeding, use a starter-fertilizer applied at 1.0 lb. N/1,000 sq. ft. Spring overseeding can be accompanied with an application of sadiron to prevent crabgrass competition (see current Recommended Turf Cultivars NebFact).