My fescue grass is dying in spite of increasing the amount of water on it from a timed sprinkler system and changing the mowing height. It seems to have a gray to white cast to it so I wonder if it could be a disease or thatch although I always use a grass catcher. It gets 1" of water every other day and I mow once a week. Any suggestions

Fescue is referred to as a cool-season grass. As the name implies, cool-season grasses can endure cold temperatures but decline in summer's heat. For many years, Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue was the only fescue widely used as a turf grass. It is a tall growing, clumping grass that has a rather coarse texture. Today, there are numerous turf-type fescues available. Turf-type fescues are improved fescue varieties. They have finer blades and deeper, more vigorous root systems. As a general rule, they are more disease and drought resistant. They can also tolerate shade and temperature extremes better than some of the older fescue varieties.

DETERRENTS: Fescue is intolerant to our hot, dry summer weather. It must be watered frequently during the summer months or it will quickly turn brown. This makes it necessary to overseed your lawn annually to supplement areas that were weakened or damaged by the heat.

LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Sun to light shade.

WATER REQUIREMENTS: After sowing Fescue seed, do not allow the seed bed to dry out. It should be kept moist at all times until the seed germinates. After the grass sprouts, fescue requires at least one to two inches of water per week. To measure how much water you are applying, use a rain gauge or a six ounce tuna can. When filled to the top, a tuna can holds two inches of water. During the summer months, you may need to water even more often. To determine if your grass needs water, step on it. If it doesn't spring back, water it! Don't just sprinkle a little water over your lawn. For best results, water the grass thoroughly and deeply.

After installation, water FESCUE SOD about every two to three days, depending on the temperature. It will take about three weeks for it to completely root into the ground. Once the sod is well-rooted, it will require at least one to two inches of water per week.