Though fescue is a cool season turf its growth rate can become very slow over winter if the soil temperature drops into the 40’s or 50’s. The fescue lawn can become very mottled in appearance due to the plant root system not functioning properly. The root system cannot effectively pick up the nutrients present in the soil when soil temperatures are too low.
This mottled uneven growth and appearance will persist until SOIL TEMPERATURES (not just air temperatures) climb into the 60’s. As soil temperatures rise in the spring due to warm rains and higher air temperatures, the fescue will begin to grow and improve in appearance.
Fescue slow green up
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