Tall Fescue Lawn Care Calendar (Victoria)

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Tall Fescue is very different from Buffalo, Kikuyu, or Couch. It doesn’t spread by runners, it doesn’t love extreme heat, and it doesn’t forgive bad timing. But when it’s managed properly, Tall Fescue delivers a lush, deep-green lawn that looks incredible through Melbourne’s cooler months.
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If you’ve ever wondered “Should I fertilise now?”, “Why is my lawn struggling in summer?”, or “Is it too late to overseed?”, this guide gives you direct answers first, followed by practical, real-world advice based on how Tall Fescue actually behaves in Melbourne.

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Year at a Glance: Tall Fescue Lawn Care Cheat Sheet

Critical Tall Fescue milestones in Victoria

• Late March–April: Prime renovation and overseeding window
• Early September: Light spring fertiliser
• Early December: Heat-protection mowing height‍
• Late February: Recovery feeding before autumn growth

Spring (September–November)

Goal: Encourage healthy growth without triggering disease.

Quick answer: Spring is about steady growth, not pushing Tall Fescue too hard.

Mowing: Gentle and consistent

Tall Fescue grows upright in clumps and must not be cut too short.

Best spring height

• 40–50 mm

Mow regularly, removing small amounts at a time. Scalping exposes the crown and invites stress and disease.

Renovation: Light touch only

Unlike warm-season grasses, Tall Fescue does not spread laterally. Spring is not ideal for major repairs.

✔️ Light aeration if soil is compacted
❌ Aggressive dethatching or heavy overseeding

Save major renovation work for autumn when soil temperatures suit seed germination.

Nutrition: Feed carefully

Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring.

Why balanced?

• Supports leaf growth without forcing soft tissue
• Reduces risk of fungal disease

Avoid heavy nitrogen applications. Tall Fescue pushed too hard in spring struggles later.

Disease awareness

Spring warmth plus moisture can trigger fungal issues like brown patch.

• Avoid evening watering
• Maintain airflow
• Don’t over-fertilise

Summer (December–February)

Goal: Survival and stress reduction

Quick answer: Tall Fescue survives summer through shade, height, and water — not toughness.

Mowing: Height is protection

In summer, mowing height is critical.

Ideal summer height

• 50–70 mm during hot spells

Longer leaf blades shade the soil and protect shallow roots from heat stress.

Watering: Non-negotiable

Tall Fescue has higher water needs than warm-season grasses.

Watering strategy

• Deep watering 3 times per week during heatwaves
• Aim for deep soil penetration
• Water early morning only

Visual signs of stress

Tall Fescue tells you quickly when it’s struggling:

• Leaf blades fold lengthwise
• Colour shifts from deep green to grey-green
• Footprints linger

These are early warnings. Once browning occurs, recovery is slower.

Traffic management

Tall Fescue does not handle heavy summer traffic well.

• Rotate play areas
• Avoid repeated wear during extreme heat

Autumn (March–May)

Goal: Repair, thicken, and reset the lawn

Quick answer: Autumn is Tall Fescue’s most important season.

Renovation: The golden window

In Victoria, late March through April is prime time.

Autumn renovation may include

• Core aeration
• Overseeding thin areas
• Light top-dressing
• Starter fertiliser

Warm soil and cool air create perfect growing conditions.

Seeding success tips

• Use high-quality Tall Fescue seed blends
• Keep soil consistently moist during germination
• Expect germination in 7–14 days

Fertilising: Build strength

Apply a fertiliser with:

• Moderate nitrogen
• Added potassium

This supports root development heading into winter.

Weed control

Dense autumn growth is your best weed defence.

• Spot-spray broadleaf weeds if needed
• Avoid harsh chemicals on new seedlings

Winter (June–August)

Goal: Maintain colour and protect structure

Quick answer: Tall Fescue stays green in Melbourne winters but grows slowly.

What to expect

• Good colour retention
• Minimal growth
• Increased sensitivity to traffic

This is one of Tall Fescue’s biggest advantages over warm-season grasses.

Mowing and care

• Mow every 4–6 weeks if needed
• Keep mower sharp
• Avoid mowing when frost is present

Traffic sensitivity

Tall Fescue bruises easily in winter.

• Limit heavy use
• Avoid walking on frosty grass

Damage done in winter often shows up in spring.

The “Do Not Do This” List 🚫

1. Treating it like Couch or Kikuyu

Tall Fescue does not spread. Scalping or hoping it “fills in” leads to bare patches.

2. Skipping autumn renovation

If you miss autumn, you’ve missed your chance for real improvement that year.

3. Letting it dry out in summer

Tall Fescue has poor drought tolerance. Once roots are damaged, recovery is slow and patchy.

Timing Is Everything

Tall Fescue rewards precision, not aggression. When you respect its cool-season nature and plan around Melbourne’s climate, it delivers a thick, luxurious lawn that looks its best when others fade.

Remember:

• Go easy in spring
• Protect in summer
• Renovate in autumn
• Maintain gently in winter

Follow this Tall Fescue lawn care calendar and you’ll enjoy a lawn that looks intentional, healthy, and beautifully consistent year-round 🍃

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