Coarse Fescue

Coarse Fescue “clumps” are often mistaken by homeowners for crabgrass

Coarse fescue is a wide-bladed clump grass commonly used in pastures. In a lawn, the textural difference of fescue from bluegrass is obvious because of its clumps. This interruption in uniformity makes us think of fescue as a weed. Coarse fescue makes a good lawn if it is comprises 100 percent of the lawn. However, when the pasture-type tall fescue invades a bluegrass lawn, you may note that the clumps are tougher and it is difficult to mow. The coarse fescue clumps often green up earlier in spring than the surrounding bluegrass. Clumps may become two feet in diameter, and may coalesce with other nearby clumps. When this occurs, there are several control options you can try. • You can dig out the clumps, but ensure that all coarse fescue roots are removed. Then re-seed or re-sod after removal. • You can spray clumps with Roundup as they first green up in spring. The bluegrass may be relatively unharmed if it has not yet started to turn green. • When using any herbicide read and follow label directions carefully. Re-seed or re-sod after removing dead fescue clumps. • You can spray fescue clumps with Roundup anytime they are green and growing, but this also will kill the intermingling bluegrass. If you spray the chemical in a rectangular pattern, you can easily cut out the resulting dead grass, including fescue, and replace it with a new roll of sod.