Tall Fescue Variety Grass

MOWING

Newly installed Medallion variety lawns should be mowed approximately 14 days after installation. Thereafter, follow the recommended schedule listed below, always using a clean, sharp rotary or reel mower. Avoid mowing when the turf is wet, or removing more than one-third of the top growth at one time. When mowing on a regular 7 to 10 day schedule, remove the clippings for a more groomed appearance.



To recycle your grass clippings back into your lawn (GRASSCYCLING), mow more frequently--every 5 to 7 days--and the shorter clippings will filter down into your turf. Conversion kits for rotary mowers, and new mulching mowers are now available, making GRASSCYCLING a more realistic goal. Leaving the clippings on the lawn may not be as attractive as removing them. But when the clippings are not removed, there are real savings in time, effort, and reduced yard waste, as well as several overall health benefits to the lawn itself.

During the warmer months in inland valleys and desert environments, the cutting height should be raised 1/2 to 1" on all varieties of Medallion lawns. During the cooler months when the growth slows down, the mowing interval may be increased to 10 to 14 days or longer, especially on the Medallion Dwarf varieties.

WATERING

Established Medallion variety lawns (six months or older) are generally very deep-rooted and will perform well under a wide variety of soil conditions. To encourage deep rooting and improve drought tolerance, a regular schedule of deep early morning waterings is best.

During the warm summer months in the hot inland areas and desert environments, 3 or more irrigations per week may be necessary. Cooler coastal areas may require only 1 to 2 waterings per week. During the winter's cooler months, 3 to 4 irrigations or less per month may be sufficient to maintain a quality lawn. Remember that soil types, depth of soil, weather, rainfall, sun or shade, and the quality of turf desired should all be considered when determining your watering schedule.

The best rule of thumb for watering your Medallion variety lawn is to water as deeply and infrequently as possible while avoiding runoff. As a general guide, 15 to 20 minutes of irrigation may be considered a deep watering for most areas.

Areas of grayish-blue, fine textured blades are a sign of wilted fescue grass and may indicate insufficient water, plugged or broken sprinkler heads, or poor sprinkler coverage. Increase water to these "hot spots" by occasionally soaking the stressed areas with a slow-running garden hose and troubleshooting your sprinkler system. Be sure to troubleshoot the irrigation system at your earliest opportunity.

FERTILIZATION

Fertilize your Medallion variety lawn approximately 2 to 3 weeks after installation. Turfgrass fertilizers are available in a wide variety of choices. Some fertilizers contain only nitrogen, which is the primary nutrient for turfgrass color control. Different sources of nitrogen will give different growth rates and color responses, depending on the season. Fast release products that contain the nitrate form of nitrogen are best used from late October through February, while the slow release products are recommended from March through September. Medallion variety lawns require 1/2 to 3/4 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn every month. Always water after applying fertilizers, and before mowing your lawn.

Fertilizers that contain phosphorous and potassium, as well as some minor nutrient elements, are known as complete fertilizers. The best fertilizer program for your Medallion variety lawn will include an application of a complete fertilizer once in the spring and once again in the fall months

During the hot summer months, fertilizer rates should be cut in half to lower water use, and to reduce susceptibility to disease. Ask your nurseryman for assistance in developing a well-balanced, consistent, year-round program. Always read and follow the fertilizer label instructions as to rates and methods of application.