Is tall fescue toxic?

Asked by: Chantell Johnson

The biggest issue with tall fescue is toxicosis. Endophyte-infected tall fescue produces ergot-alkaloid compounds, which can be a life-threatening toxin within the plant. Although the toxin can cause issues in cattle all year round, the biggest issues tend to stem to the summer months.

What is the difference between fescue and tall fescue?

Fescue is divided into broad-leaved and fine-leaved classes. Tall fescue is a broad-leaved fescue with wide, flat blades typical of lawn grasses. Fine fescue is the collective term for all fine-leaved fescue grasses. Fine fescue has thinner blades than tall fescue, with some fine fescues having needle-type blades.

Which animals are most affected by fescue toxicity?

Ergovaline content of infected tall fescue often ranges from 100 to 500 ppb, and >200 ppb is considered a toxic concentration. Susceptible species from most to least sensitive are horses, cattle, and sheep.

Does tall fescue make a good lawn?

In its preferred growing zones, tall fescue provides lawn owners with outstanding options for improving lawn resilience and durability. Depending on where you live and your lawn goals, this versatile grass may be an excellent choice for you.

Is tall fescue grass good?

Tall fescue is the most popular variety because it can thrive in different types of soils and temperatures. The grass can withstand a range of temperatures and of Southern California. This grass variety doesn’t need frequent mowing, which is a chore most could do without. Also, tall fescue won’t overtake other grasses.

Is tall fescue good for horses?

Horses can safely eat endophyte-free tall fescue. Tall fescue is moderately tolerant of continuous grazing and has excellent fall productivity. Tall fescue can have marginal winter hardiness and lower palatability.

Is tall fescue poisonous to dogs?

Most tall fescue is infected with a fungus living within the plant, which is referred to as an endophyte. This fungal endophyte – Neotyphodium coenophialum – contributes to tall fescue’s environmental tenacity, and also makes tall fescue toxic to animals that eat it.

Is tall fescue safe for horses?

Fields of tall fescue are easily established, tolerate close grazing, handle heavy horse traffic, and resist weeds, insects, and disease. Tall fescue provides plentiful yields and is low maintenance, flourishing under a range of management systems. Not all fescue is infected with endophyte.

Will tall fescue choke out weeds?

Fescues are cool-season grasses, which means they tolerate cold winters, but may suffer during hot, dry summers. Fescues have a bunching growth habit, which makes it difficult for them to fill in and choke out weeds.

Will tall fescue spread?

Tall fescue doesn’t spread, as it’s a clump-forming turfgrass type. Only grasses that have stolons (above-ground offshoots) and rhizomes (under-ground) offshoots can spread laterally and fill in all the bare spots on lawns without the need for reseeding.

Does tall fescue get thicker?

Tall fescue is also a fast-growing turfgrass, adding up to 2 inches per week during spring and fall.

What kills tall fescue?

The best way to eradicate Tall Fescue is to use a non-selective post-emergent product such as Eraser 41% Glyphosate. Tall Fescue, unfortunately, cannot be selectively controlled meaning that you cannot spray it without killing the desirable turf surrounding the Tall Fescue.

How long does tall fescue live?

It is the rhizomes from the bluegrass that hold the sod together and keep it from falling apart. Overseeding is important with tall fescue. A blade of grass only lives an average of 40 days before it dies. Grass must continue to produce new blades to replace the ones that are dying back.

Does tall fescue go dormant?

Dormancy can occur in Tall Fescue affecting growth when temperatures drop below 50°. In other words, Tall Fescue will stop growing when dormancy occurs. Also be aware frost, snow and the recent sub-freezing temperatures can damage your Tall Fescue grass.

Does tall fescue grass come back every year?

About Fescue Grass Lawns

Under the right conditions, fescue is green year-round, but it can go dormant (brown) during severe heat and drought.

Does tall fescue turn brown in summer?

Overall browning of tall fescue yards is very common in the summer. Most people think if they water the turf a few times here and there it will help the lawn get some color back, but this can actually do more harm than good!

What happens to tall fescue in summer?

When summer comes, even well-irrigated tall fescue often is beset with both heat damage and a fungus called “brown spot,” causing death of some fescue, which then needs reseeding. Reseeding of tall fescue may be done in either spring or fall, but fall is by far the best.

What is too hot for tall fescue?

Once temperatures reach 77 degrees, it becomes too hot for root growth, and root growth ceases. When temperatures reach 90 degrees, it becomes too hot for shoot growth and the grasses stop growing and begin to fall dormant, with the surface grass turning a brown hue.

Does tall fescue stay green in summer?

COOL SEASON TURF

For instance, a Tall Fescue grass lawn will stay green later in the season when temperatures begin to cool off. However, cool season grasses do not tolerate the heat of summer very well. If left to their own devices, cool season grasses will go dormant during the hottest months of the year.

Can fescue get too much sun?

Tall fescue grass can grow in full sun to part shade. These grasses are shade tolerant and grow well in areas where it’s too hot for cool grasses but too cold in the winter for warm-season grasses.

Is fescue or Kentucky bluegrass better?

Rich, thick Kentucky bluegrass tolerates foot traffic and heavy use better than either hard or red fescue. However, coarse-bladed tall fescue is more tolerant of foot traffic than Kentucky bluegrass and can withstand the wear of people getting in and out of vehicles.

Can you seed tall fescue in summer?

Late summer to early fall is the best time to plant tall fescue seed. Fall offers several advantages not available any other time of year. As air temperatures drop in autumn, soil still retains some summer warmth.

Will tall fescue germinate in hot weather?

Planting fescue in summer conditions gives your seed plenty of time to germinate before leaves and frosts become a threat, but it can result in dormant seed for a time if there are prolonged heat waves and little rainfall. As long as your seed is still on the ground, it will come up when the time is right.

Can you overseed tall fescue in the spring?

If a lawn is still experiencing significant thin or bare areas as a result of harsh weather, damage, or subpar fall seeding results, spring seeding may be a viable option if the proper precautions are taken. The best way to weigh the option of planting fescue in spring is with a pros and cons list.

How fast does tall fescue grow?

seven to 21 days

Grass seed requires consistent moisture for germination and establishment. Proper watering is critical to seed success. Irrigate newly seeded areas frequently, so the top 1 inch of soil remains moist. This may require several waterings per day as tall fescue seed germinates over seven to 21 days.