Will Fescue Sod Grow in Clay Soil?

Fescue Soil Requirements

• Fescue grasses come in nearly 100 varieties that adapt well to many different soil conditions including well-draining clay soil. Fescue seed or sod thrives best in the clay soil found in the transitional growing zones that lie between the Northern and Southern regions of the country. Fescues are native to the damp pastures and wet meadows of North Africa, North America and Europe.

Sodding Time

• Successful sodding depends on installing the sod at the right time of year. Fescue grasses are deep-rooted, cool-season perennials with a drought tolerance. The grass' active growth period is the spring and fall. The sod can be installed at any time of the year, but avoid sodding during very hot and dry weather. A good time to install fescue sod is between the middle of August to late September or from the middle of February to the middle of March, as recommended by the University of Kentucky Extension.

Sod Measurement

• Measuring the area to be sodded before ordering saves money and avoids shortage. A standard sod roll covers 6 square feet of ground. At least 167 sod rolls are required to cover 1,000 square feet of lawn. Order extra pieces to replace the ones that don't establish. Specifically indicate that all sod comes from one field, as this helps reduce color differences and ensures all sod patches have similar growth requirements.

Sodding Recommendations

• Obtain good-quality sod for rapid growth and healthy lawns. Good sod is lightweight, does not fall apart and establishes rapidly. Make sure that the site is well prepared before sod arrival, as sod is perishable and is damaged if stored or stacked for more than 36 hours. Look for signs of yellowing grass blades or mildew, as this indicates declining grass. Using a water ballast roller immediately after sod application improves roots and soil contact. Keep the sodded area moist until it's well rooted.