Known for its hardiness, deep roots, and tolerance for heat and drought, tall fescue grass is the most common type of grass found in Virginia Beach and the Chesapeake area. This popular cool-season grass thrives in Virginia’s transition zone, providing good green color all year long, but it can struggle in the intense summer heat and humidity, requiring deep watering, mowing at a higher height, and annual aerating and overseeding.
Pros of Tall Fescue Grass
Although tall fescue is a cool-season grass, it has a deep root system, making it more resistant to heat and drought than other cool-season grasses, and offering green color year-round.
- Adaptable – In a transition zone, like Virginia Beach, tall fescue is uniquely-adapted to handle both warm and cool season challenges, and it thrives in both sun and shade.
- Drought Tolerant – Tall fescue has deep roots, which make it resilient in sandy soil, and the sometimes dry, coastal climate of Virginia Beach.
- Stays Green Year-Round – In contrast to warm-season grasses, which turn brown in the winter, tall fescue grass stays green throughout the year.
Cons of Tall Fescue Grass
High summer heat and humidity in Virginia Beach can cause tall fescue to weaken and develop fungal diseases, especially without proper watering and care.
- Struggles in Extreme Heat – High temperatures can significantly reduce growth, causing stress and even dormancy if tall fescue is not watered regularly during the dry summer months.
- Susceptible to Fungus – Humid summers in Virginia Beach can create ideal conditions for fungal growth, particularly if tall fescue is watered at night.
- Grows in Clumps – Tall fescue grass grows in clumps, which can make your lawn look uneven unless it is properly overseeded.
Lawn Care Tips for Tall Fescue Grass in Virginia Beach
To keep your tall fescue grass looking lush and green all year long, the lawn care experts at Sean’s Lawns recommend the following lawn care tips for homeowners in Virginia Beach.
- Water Deeply – Provide 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week during dry periods, preferably in the morning to prevent fungal diseases.
- Mow High – Mow every 4-5 days, and keep the grass height at 3 inches, especially during the summer months, to protect against heat stress and to promote deep root growth.
- Overseed in the Fall – To maintain density and prevent clumping growth patterns, tall fescue should be re-seeded in the fall.
- Fertilize & Aerate – Aerate your lawn and apply a balanced fertilizer in the early fall and late spring to encourage strong root development and improve soil health.
Contact the Tall Fescue Lawn Care Experts in Virginia Beach
Keeping your lawn looking its best can be tricky, but help is available. Sean’s Lawns is a family-owned lawn care business in Virginia Beach and your local tall fescue expert. We provide dependable, affordable service and same-day appointments for mowing, leaf removal and poop scooping.
Contact us to request a quote or schedule an appointment for our professional lawn care services in Virginia Beach.