Windbreak Blend
Mix of creeping red fescue and hard fescue. Naturally low growing with excellent drought tolerance. This mix is suited for full sun or heavy shade and is an excellent choice for non irrigated* sites such as tree windbreaks around rural farmsteads in low rainfall areas.
- Best Shade Tolerance
- Low Growing
- Spreading, Dense Turf
- Very Fine Leaves
- Drought Tolerant
Development of Windbreak Blend was based on an observation/test plot planted and maintained by Kansas State University at the Hays Research Extension facility. Sharp Brothers thanks KSU for their excellent work on this project. Of the plot entries, creeping red and hard fescue exhibited the best recovery following prolonged drought in combination with shade tolerance and a low growth habit that is especially well suited to low maintenance. When planting this mix in a tree windbreak, be aware that the tress may have depleted much of the available soil moisture, making germination and establishment of grass seedlings more challenging. Temporary irrigation may be needed to overcome this moisture depletion. After establishment, in season mowing is discouraged so that the grasses are best able to tolerate the stress of drought and pervasive shade. Windbreak Blend may produce some seed heads, probably in late spring/early summer. If seed heads are clipped, Sharp Brothers suggests that the mower height be set above the leaves.
Growing & Maintenance Tips
Plant Seed 1/4 to 3/8 inch deep into a firm seed bed, using starter fertilizer to enhance seedling development.
Suggested planting rate: 8 to 12 lbs. per 1,000 square feet.
*When planting this mix in a tree windbreak, be aware that the trees may have depleted much of the available soil moisture, making germination and establishment of grass seedlings more challenging. Temporary irrigation may be needed to overcome this moisture depletion
