Knowledgebase
Lawn weeding #867279
Asked May 06, 2024, 3:52 PM EDT
Benton County Oregon
Expert Response
Tall fescue (Schedonorus phoenix [Scop.]) is a cool season perennial so it is actively growing now. This clump forming grass typically appears as a circular patch that can become wider from tillering. Short rhizomes (underground runners) may be present. The leaf blades are fairly wide. When tall fescue gets mixed in with a slower growing, finer textured turfgrass species, it becomes quite noticeable. Mowing can help to even out the height difference, however tall fescue's lower stems are often lighter colored, allowing for the spots to remain noticeable. The leaves are dark green in color and the lower surface is glossy.
I'm attaching a link to a publication from the university of Michigan about ID and control of Tall Fescue. It has close up pictures of Tall Fescue that you can use to ID the grass, or you could dig up the grass, including the roots and take it to the Master Gardener Help Desk for identification. The help desk is located at the extension office: Sunset Building, room 107, 4077 research way, Corvallis OR 9333