What is That Clumpy Grass in My Lawn? Understanding Turf-Type Tall Fescue
If you’ve ever looked out at your lawn and noticed patches of thick, clumpy grass that stand out from the rest, you might be dealing with Turf-Type Tall Fescue. This grass species can be both a boon and a bane for homeowners, depending on how it’s managed. In this blog post, we’ll explore what Turf-Type Tall Fescue is, why it might be appearing in your lawn, and how to manage it effectively.
What is Turf-Type Tall Fescue?
Turf-Type Tall Fescue is a cool-season grass that is known for its deep root system, drought tolerance, and resilience under foot traffic. Originally developed as a forage grass, it has been refined over the years to create cultivars that are suitable for residential lawns, sports fields, and commercial landscapes. Unlike its pasture grass relatives, Turf-Type Tall Fescue has a finer texture and a darker green color, making it more aesthetically pleasing for lawns.
Why is Turf-Type Tall Fescue in My Lawn?
There are a few reasons why you might find clumps of Tall Fescue in your lawn:
Intentional Planting: Many homeowners choose Turf-Type Tall Fescue for its durability and low maintenance. It’s particularly popular in regions with hot summers and cold winters because it can withstand temperature extremes better than many other grass types.
Seed Contamination: If you or a previous owner planted a different type of grass, but the seed mix was contaminated with Tall Fescue, you might see clumps of it emerging. This is more common with lower-quality seed mixes.
Natural Invasion: Tall Fescue can sometimes invade from a neighboring lawn or field, particularly if the conditions in your yard favor its growth.
The Benefits of Turf-Type Tall Fescue
While those clumpy patches might look out of place, Turf-Type Tall Fescue has several advantages that make it a desirable choice for many homeowners:
Drought Resistance: Thanks to its deep root system, Tall Fescue can access water far below the soil surface, making it one of the most drought-tolerant cool-season grasses.
Shade Tolerance: It can thrive in areas with partial shade, which is often a challenge for other grass types.
Wear Tolerance: Tall Fescue is durable under foot traffic, making it ideal for lawns that are frequently used for activities.
Low Maintenance: Once established, Turf-Type Tall Fescue requires less frequent mowing and watering than other grass types, reducing your lawn care workload.
Managing Turf-Type Tall Fescue in Your Lawn
If you’ve decided that Tall Fescue isn’t the look you want for your lawn, there are a few ways to manage it:
Overseeding: If the clumps are sparse, you can overseed your lawn with your preferred grass type in the fall to help fill in the gaps and create a more uniform appearance.
Spot Treatment: For isolated clumps, you can dig out the Tall Fescue and reseed the area with your desired grass.
Herbicides: In extreme cases, you might opt for a selective herbicide that targets Tall Fescue, though this can be a more aggressive approach and may require careful application to avoid damaging surrounding grass.
Embrace It: Given its many benefits, you might consider letting Tall Fescue take over. It can provide a lush, green lawn with minimal effort, especially if you live in an area where water conservation is important.
Conclusion
Turf-Type Tall Fescue might stand out as clumpy patches in your lawn, but it’s a grass variety that offers resilience, drought tolerance, and low maintenance. Whether you choose to manage it or embrace it, understanding what it is and why it’s there can help you make the best decision for your lawn.
If you’re still unsure about how to deal with Turf-Type Tall Fescue, or if you’d like help maintaining a beautiful and healthy lawn, consider reaching out to a lawn care professional. With the right guidance, your lawn can become the lush, green space you’ve always wanted.
