Fescue Grass: Seed, hydroseed, or sod? Know your options!

​Fescue grass is a cool-season grass that grows the best during cooler months when temperatures are between 60-75 degrees. Fescue isn’t the most ideal grass for our area, but it is still an option that can be planted. There are a few options on how to begin growing your yard full of Fescue. In this blog post, we are going to break down the options of seeding, hydroseeding, and sodding. 

​Seeding

​The best time to seed Fescue is mid-September to early October. The soil temperature should be between 50 to 65 degrees (this occurs when the air temperature is between 60-75 degrees). After the soil is tilled to be loose, and the seeds are planted the area should be covered with straw and watered. If the conditions are right, the seeds should germinate in 10 to 14 days. 

​Hydroseeding

​This option is not necessary. Fescue grass is different than other varieties that can benefit from hydroseeding. Hydroseeding Fescue is possible, but not necessary. It does not increase your chance for growth so we don’t even consider it to be an option for Fescue grass. 

Sodding

​The best time to lay Fescue sod is mid-September to early October. It can also be laid from March to early April, but fall is usually the best option. . It is very important that before laying sod, your soil is debris-free, soil clods are broken up, and the soil is healthy and moist. After the sod has been laid and rolled with a sod roller to eliminate any air pockets and ensure sod-to-soil contact, the grass needs to be thoroughly watered. The grass needs to be well-watered daily until the sod has taken root. Usually the sod will take root within 10 to 14 days. You can find out if your sod has taken root by giving it a slight tug. If you feel resistance, your sod has rooted!
 
Before you plant Fescue, be aware that this grass is not the most ideal grass for the South Carolina upstate. It is a difficult grass to have in our area because it is a cold weather grass. During the warmer season, Fescue requires a lot of watering and doesn’t perform well during a drought. If not watered properly and if summer temperatures get too high, the Fescue could become dormant and you could have a brown yard in the summer while everyone else has beautiful green lawns. This type of grass is also more prone to weeds. With Fescue, it is also very important to aerate every fall and reseed areas that have died over the summer season. While Fescue is found in SC, typically, the best grasses to grow are warmer weather varieties.
 
ALL Outdoors offers both Fescue seed and sod. If you have any questions or concerns about your lawn, drop us a comment or send us a message! We will be happy to answer any of your questions.

By: Hannah Raines
​Copyright ALL Outdoors 2018