What is the Best Tall Fescue Grass Seed for Your Lawn?
Understanding Tall Fescue Grass
Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is a popular choice for lawns and pastures in areas with cooler temperatures and moderate climates. It is known for its drought and wear tolerance, making it ideal for busy areas and schoolyards. In fact, it has been grown and maintained by many homeowners across the United States for generations. Choosing the right type of tall fescue grass seed is crucial to ensure the vibrant lawn you desire.
Seedland Your Seed Options
When it comes to choosing tall fescue grass seed, Seedland is a top choice among gardening enthusiasts and professionals. Their commitment to quality is evident in the packaging and purity of their seeds. Seedland's tall fescue grass seed guarantees 100% weed-free and other crop-free seeds in every bag, ensuring you get the highest quality product. While it might cost a bit more upfront, the long-term benefits of a healthy, weed-free lawn make it more than worth the investment.
Comparison of Grass Seed Types
The size of tall fescue seeds can be a significant factor in determining their quality. Unlike smaller seeds like creeping bentgrass or bermuda, which have seeds the size of dust, tall fescue seeds are notably larger. This is important to consider, especially when you factor in that measurements on seed guarantees are based on weight. A bag guaranteed to contain 0.023% weed and/or other crop could still have hundreds of weed seeds. This is why it's crucial to choose a reputable supplier like Seedland, which maintains strict quality control and guarantees its seeds.
Best Tall Fescue Grass Seed for Southern Missouri
For those in southern Missouri, one of the best varieties of tall fescue grass seed is Kentucky 31. Kentucky 31 is a historically popular choice for its hardiness and excellent performance in a variety of conditions. This type of fescue is known for its durability, making it ideal for areas that require resistance to both heat and cold. However, one potential drawback of Kentucky 31 is its endophyte, a naturally occurring fungus that can have adverse effects on grazing cattle when ingested.
Endophyte Issues and Solutions
Cattle that graze on fescue with endophyte often experience increased body temperatures and a higher likelihood of aborted calves. This has led some farmers to consider endophyte-free tall fescue grass seed. While endophyte-free fescue is generally more expensive, it offers a solution for those who need to avoid these health issues. However, it's important to note that endophyte can provide enhanced resistance to various pests and diseases, making untreated fescue a more resilient crop.
Choosing the Optimal Tall Fescue Grass Seed
When choosing the best tall fescue grass seed for your lawn, consider the following factors: quality of the seed, presence of endophyte, and your specific regional climate and soil conditions. Whether you opt for Kentucky 31 or another variety, ensuring that you receive a guaranteed high-quality product from a reputable supplier like Seedland is essential to guaranteeing a healthy, lush lawn.
Conclusion
In summary, tall fescue grass seed is an excellent choice for homeowners and farmers in cooler climates. Seedland provides a range of high-quality tall fescue grass seed options, including the historically popular Kentucky 31 variety. While endophyte-free seed is available, the benefits of the endophyte in terms of plant hardiness should not be overlooked. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and the conditions in your region.