Then, apply enough water to wet the soil to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. If runoff occurs before the soil is moistened to a sufficient depth, turn the sprinkler off and allow the water to percolate into the soil. Then turn the sprinkler back on at a later time. Repeat this cycle until the soil is sufficiently moistened. Tall fescue requires frequent watering during summer months, which is one of the disadvantages to growing tall fescue in the southern region.
Tall fescue is fairly tolerant to most turfgrass diseases.
However, Fusarium blight can cause extensive damage to young fescue lawns, particularly those planted in the spring. As the lawn matures, it appears less susceptible to attack by Fusarium blight. Once the disease is properly identified, treat the lawn with recommended fungicides. Major insect problems include armyworms, cutworms and white grubs. White grubs have been particularly damaging to tall fescue lawns.