how tall to cut?

[cclllc]

i have a lawn that has a lot of trees and where grass is hard to get to grow.I have sowed it with almost 100 percent creeping red and was wondering how short to keep it cut.Also what about thatch buildup in the shade?Thanks.

[Runner]

The fescues generally like to be cut lower than most sunny cultivars, i.e. Kentucky Bluegrass, etc.. Most fescues grow better at a height of 1.5 to 2.5 inches, however, this is a little difficult since most of the other lawn is usually a sunny blend that likes to be cut higher. Therefore, I usually just cut my fescues at a higher height as well. It doesn't hurt it, it just has a tendency to lay it down more in each direction. I hope this helps. :)

[awm]

tennesee fescue is better at 31/2 or more during
hot summer.some people want it real short cause everybody else is doing it but that where you show them why it should be left longer.

[KirbysLawn]

Originally posted by cclllc
i have a lawn that has a lot of trees and where grass is hard to get to grow.

What were the results of a soil test?

[cclllc]

The lawn is about an acre with around 150 trees.Part of it is irrigated although the trees seem to soak up most of the water.

[KirbysLawn]

Did you see my question? Was a soil test taken?

Ray

[65hoss]

Fescues are recommended to be cut heigher. Especially in the hot south. Root development is in direct relation to leaf growth. The heigher you cut it the deeper the roots. 3.25" and up would be ideal. I cut my fescue at 3.25 and go up to 4" once the drought starts.

[cclllc]

No we haven't had a soil test done.

[David Gretzmier]

3 1/2 to 4 1/2 as heat appraoches. dave g

[cclllc]

will shade reduce the breakdown of grass clippings and cause more thatch?

[KirbysLawn]

Take a soil test and get the results. Anything else will be guessin. :) Start fixin the problems that the soil test shows and you should be on your way. Keep us posted!


Ray

[geogunn]

I never heard of cutting fescue so short. I agree with 3.5 in or so.

my yard is cut as high as th ole LESCO can cut.

GEO

[David Gretzmier]

clippings do tend to dry and spread better in sunny areas....I've also heard that sunlight provides some nutrient or chemical in the fertilization process.... dave g