Step 6. This helps conserve moisture, control erosion, and reduces surface crusting until establishment. By choosing well-adapted grasses and planting them in the right location, a lush lawn will grow with minimal maintenance and pesticide use. This evergreen ground cover is an easy maintenance alternative to a traditional grass lawn (Figure 9–29). After the third mowing, water to a depth of 6 to 8 inches about once a week or when needed. When mixed with tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass tends to dominate where the soil is limed, the turf is adequately fertilized, and the grass is kept mowed fairly short. Centipedegrass is slow to establish and may take two to three years when seeded. Table 9–3 lists many warm-season cultivars. Some are quite effective, whereas the effectiveness of others has not been well documented. This may require light watering once or twice a day for 7 to 21 days depending on your soil type and weather conditions. Kirill Ignatyev, Flickr It does not tolerate shade. A deteriorated lawn is often a symptom of some underlying problem. Remember that spring-established tall fescue is more susceptible to drought, heat, fungal diseases, and weed encroachment. Some lawn care and landscape companies offer coring services if rental equipment is not available. It is also possible to go ahead and seed the desired cool-season grass. Moss (Hypnum or Thuidium spp.). Table 9–2.  CC BY - 2.0, Harry Rose, Flickr Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Suggested pattern for applying seed and fertilizer. Lawn renovation refers to any procedure beyond normal maintenance (short of soil modification) required to upgrade an existing lawn. Fine fescue should be mowed at 1.5 to 2.5 inches when mixed with Kentucky bluegrass but at 2.5 inches or higher when mixed with tall fescue. Generally, late winter or spring seeding of these grasses is not recommended. Consider each site’s characteristics and your goals for the site to determine which types of grass are appropriate. Download the Tall Fescue Lawn Maintenance Calendar for more recommendations on tall fescue care throughout the year. Start sodding from a straight edge (driveway or sidewalk), and butt strips together, staggering them in a bricklike pattern (. Bahiagrass is never recommended as a lawn grass because of its open canopy, unsightly seedheads, and difficulty in mowing. It has not rained for three and a half weeks, and it has been very hot for the past two months. There is a large maple tree on the west side of the yard and large elm on the south side, so it stays shaded for most of the day. Kentucky bluegrass recovers well from most droughts, and watering often increases disease problems. FAX: (919) 542-8246, We have several topic based e-mail newsletters that are sent out periodically when we have new information to share. Lilyturf is listed as a “Rank 3 - Lesser Threat” on the North Carolina Native Plant Society’s weedy plant list. It does not tolerate traffic, compaction, high soil pH, high soil phosphorus, excessive thatch, drought, or heavy shade. If landscape traffic patterns lead to walking through a moss planting on a daily basis, a flagstone or paver walkway will help keep the moss in good condition. It can be seeded by itself or mixed with Kentucky bluegrass or fine fescue, or both, particularly where shade is a concern. Post-emergent herbicides can be either selective or nonselective, contact, or systemic. Tall fescue is best adapted to the North Carolina mountains and piedmont but can be successfully maintained on the heavy silt loams in the coastal plain (Figure 9–2). This may require light watering two or three times a day for 7 to 21 days. Go to the Turfgrass Disease Identification tool, Check the box next to the type of turf you have (fescue, tall) and the months when you see the problem (summer). Tifway. Properly identifying an insect or disease helps guide appropriate management strategies. I have bermuda at one home, and fescue at the other. The fescue grasses, when planted properly, germinate within 10 to 14 days. Plant fescues when fall temperature reach about 75 F. It produces a very dense, wear-tolerant lawn that grows well in full sun and light shade. The soil in my lawn is compacted. Even when mushrooms develop into what is sometimes called a fairy ring, there is no need to fret. Many of these products are not available to the public, so a contract with a landscape company may be necessary. Figure 9–18. In some circumstances, you may see them in only a few days. If applying herbicides to kill weeds before seeding, be sure to check the label for any waiting periods that should be followed before sowing new seed. Step 10. Rake, bag, and remove the clippings when mowing is delayed. Clover is well adapted to acidic soils. Tall fescue has non-clasping auricles, whereas annual ryegrass has clasping auricles. If a taller, more meadow-like look, is preferred, leave sedge unmowed. They are not as cold tolerant as Meyer and should not be mowed as short as Emerald and Meyer. This disease is caused by a fungus that produces many different spore types, and one of those types is a rust color, hence the name of the disease. So do not delay, seed today! Selecting ground covers appropriate to the site conditions generally translates to well-adapted, healthy plants with minimal pest or disease problems. Several newer cultivars with a medium texture can also be seeded. Be advised that it does not handle heavy foot traffic well. Fine fescue can improve shady lawn areas or lawns that face very cold winters. Fertilizer. Tall fescue does not spread like some other grasses such as bermudagrass. Incorporating a 1-to 2-inch layer of compost into the soil helps plants become established quickly. Soils that are subject to heavy traffic are prone to compaction. Surveys show that an attractive, well-landscaped lawn can even add to a home’s value. 3. The homeowner decided to remove the grass and replace it with perennial plants, a spiral garden, and vegetable beds adding diversity and increasing functionality (below). Generally, Kentucky bluegrass grows better than tall fescue in moderate shade. The county Extension center has maintenance calendars for our warm-season grasses, or you may access them online. Keep unnecessary traffic off the renovated lawn until it is well established. Right: "After" mondo grass planted between pavers provides interest in this turfgrass-free front yard. Figure 9–17. Remove all undesirable vegetation, dead grass, thatch, and weeds so that the soil is exposed. Kentucky 31, known in the seed industry as KY-31 or K-31, helped tall fescue grasses transition from livestock pasture grasses to lush, durable, manicured lawns. This is seen on edges of the lawn. All except bahiagrass and carpetgrass are recommended for lawns in the North Carolina piedmont and coastal plain (Table 9–3). To help reduce turf loss, avoid high nitrogen fertilization of cool-season grasses in the late spring or summer and of warm-season grasses in the fall or winter. To control perennial grassy weeds, undesirable turfgrasses, annual grasses, and broadleaf weeds, spray a nonselective herbicide. You started a garden journal to keep track of weather patterns, maintenance, and fertilizer applications so you have records to look back on when future problems occur. Step 2. commitment to diversity. Lawns may be fertilized, seeded, or top-dressed with a soil amendment immediately after coring. It is not as important as you think it is, but everyone’s first thought is what fescue … Due to a cyber incident, Chatham County email/phones are inoperable at this time; the office remains closed to walk-in traffic. Have any other questions or problems that aren’t covered here? 1. If spring or summer nitrogen applications, or both, are applied to tall fescue, fungicide applications may be necessary to reduce disease symptoms. Planting calendars for places in North Carolina. Perennial ryegrass is similar in appearance to Kentucky bluegrass but is only adapted to the mountains (Figure 9–5). Each time you check a box, the list of grasses that fit that description shrinks. Then apply more water until the desired depth or amount is achieved. Kathleen Moore Follow best practices for tall fescue seeding – from seed selection through post-planting care – and you'll start your lawn on the path to outstanding resilience and beauty. St. Augustinegrass is seldom established through broadcasting because the stems are too sensitive. Creeping sedum can be a lawn alternative in low-traffic areas. Kentucky bluegrass prefers fertile, limed, well-drained soils in sun or light shade. Broadcasting is the uniform distribution of sprigs (cut stems) over the entire area. In fact, clippings that remain on the lawn quickly decompose and release valuable nutrients. Do not assume more seed is better. Have you had a soil test? It is valued for easy establishment, drought resistance and improved heat tolerance over many other tall fescue varieties. Penick, Pam. Accounts for ~90% of NC Piedmont lawns Cool season grass Prefers a soil pH of 5.5 – 6.5 Mow & maintain a blade height of 2.5” – 3.5” Fescue is a clumping grass. Tearing creates many ragged leaf ends that quickly wither and bleach and are easy ports of entry for disease. It does not spread To establish a brand new yard: Tall Fescue Plant Sept. 1 – Oct. 15 @ 6 lb of seed / 1000 ft2 These are some of the major causes of turf deterioration: The problems that caused the lawn to deteriorate must be corrected before the renovation process begins.  CC BY - 2.0, Glenn Fleishman, Flickr For a list of specific ground covers that perform well, check the NC CES Plant Database and search for “Native Plants.”. Brooklyn, New York: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 2001. Monitor and scout to determine pest type and population levels. Should I worry about them? Large areas and areas that contain 50 percent desirable grasses are best prepared for seeding by using a piece of equipment (such as an aerator or coring machine) that brings small soil cores to the surface. This happens especially when these grasses are mowed high and infrequently or heavily fertilized. It is considered a minor use grass in North Carolina. Temperatures are currently above normal for early September, but long range forecast predict they will begin to moderate. Seen here glistening inkcap (Corprinus micaeus). These grasses perform best in spring and fall and have a tendency to show signs of stress in the summer. When not excessive, thatch buildup can be removed from warm-season grasses by cutting as closely as possible at spring green-up and then raking by hand. Typically mushrooms appear after a rain when the weather is warm. Frequent mowing also stops weeds from flowering and going to seed. Consider planting different varieties in the same area for an extended bloom. Fescue just needs, full sunlight, proper fertilization, some rain, and to be mowed at the optimum height (3.5 inches) to be a vigorous competitor against any weed. Weed and feed products contain a pre-emergence or post-emergence broadleaf herbicide, and sometimes both. Eunice Cruz Ikalawa, Flickr Kentucky 31, known in the seed industry as KY-31 or K-31, helped tall fescue grasses transition from livestock pasture grasses to lush, durable, manicured lawns. The closer the spacing, the faster the lawn will become established (Figure 9–15). Select the best turfgrass for a given home lawn setting. Depending on the growing conditions and spacing when planted, a moss lawn could take up to a year to fill in. Young and actively growing weeds are easiest to manage. Continue watering until the bluegrass seedlings emerge. The same thing that connects it to every corner of North Carolina: NC State Extension. Dry, compacted soils, obstructions such as rocks and trees, and excessive slopes may limit the usefulness of a slit seeder. Light, frequent fertilizer applications should be conducted during the summer. Some weed species can become established even with good turf management practices. You worry about it spreading and wonder if there is anything you can do to treat it. Good performance can be achieved with a rotary mower with sharp blades set as low as possible without scalping. The sprigs are pressed into the top 0.5 to 1 inch of soil by hand or by using an old disk set straight, special planter, cultipacker, or roller. As grass grows, it helps the environment by stabilizing soil and reducing air pollution, noise, heat, dust, and glare. Implement a treatment strategy using physical, cultural, biological, or chemical control, or combine these strategies. A&T State University, in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Although fall is considered the best time to plant fescue seed, planting in spring is also possible. There are mushrooms in my lawn. For seeded lawns: Fertilize the new seedlings approximately six to eight weeks after emergence. Water established lawns to a depth of 6 to 8 inches to encourage deep rooting. Thatch may need to be removed every two to three years, but care should be taken because the stems can easily be torn from the ground, leaving bare spots. Click on the heading for more information on particular criteria. Another area to be careful of is to make sure that the Spring application is not too heavy as excess nitrogen will promote excessive shoot growth and potentially rob the lawn of more important root growth. Sprinklers that overspray and hit trees, shrubs, or other structures can cause salt buildup and damage to plant tissue. It also occurs again in autumn as temperatures fall. Applying 0.5 inch of water every third day is usually sufficient. The most important aspect in choosing when to plant the fescue seed is the temperature of the soil. Avoid installing sod in summer as the extra water required for establishment could result in added disease pressure and increased water bills. Tall fescue grass should only be fertilized in the fall and winter months when it is actively growing. Not all turfgrass needs to be removed at one time. Consider economic, aesthetic, and injury thresholds. Figure 9–30. Cool season grass such as Fescue, will germinate best when the soil temperatures are between 50° and 65° degrees F. These soil temperatures usually occur when the daytime air temperatures are between 60° and 75° degrees. Also, the demand for water by industry and municipalities is usually low at this time. St. Augustinegrass is a fast-growing, stoloniferous turfgrass best adapted to the North Carolina coastal plain (Figure 9–10). Unlike warm-season grasses, cool-season grasses remain green throughout most of the winter. Cross-section of space planting. Glenn Fleishman, Flickr Need lawn care in Charlotte? However, tall fescue has rough leaf blade margins on the lower 1 ⁄ 3 - 1 ⁄ 2 of the leaf whereas annual ryegrass has smooth ones. A blue certified tag indicates that the seed or plants have met certain standards to assure high quality and low levels of contaminants. Use cans or a rain gauge to determine how much water is being delivered in a certain period of time. What can I do? Spacing depends on the number of plants and their growth rate. Lime may be applied any time during the year. Keep the grass watered with at least 1 1/2 inch of water each week for the first month or two. It thrives in North Carolina’s acidic soil. Thatch removal can be performed on our warm-season grasses in late winter when they are dormant, or in the spring after green-up when the grasses are actively growing. Based on frost dates and planting zones. No insects are visible, and no fungus can be seen. The fescue grasses, when planted properly, germinate within 10 to 14 days.  CC BY-NC-SA - 2.0, Avi S. Ab, Flickr Some of the leaf blades are all brown, and some have irregular brown spots with a dark halo around them (Figure 9–37). Press them into the top 0.5 to 1 inch of soil using a cultipacker, or roller (Figure 9–23). Selective means the herbicide affect only certain types of plants (usually monocots or dicots). Use a complete N-P-K turf-grade fertilizer that provides about 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft or the amount recommended on the soil test. This same technique can be used on slopes and compacted soils. Dwarf mondo grass grows to just 2 inches tall and more closely resembles a turfgrass lawn. Noted for tolerance to shade, drought, and poor soil conditions compared to other cool-season grasses, fine fescues are often included with tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass when planted in the shade or when the grass will be subject to low maintenance. I plan to rent a tiller to till up the dirt, mix in lime and starter, and seed the heck out of it. Mow at the proper height. The spores can develop into orange clouds after mowing and most certainly can turn shoes orange. When this method is used, the planting material must be kept fresh and moist from the time it is harvested until established in the new site. In most instances, this may amount to biweekly and weekly mowing. Failure to identify and correct the exact problem can lead to further lawn deterioration and the need for repeated renovation. Learn More! The Turffiles Centre is an invaluable tool in giving background information on common turf insects and available treatment options.  CC BY-NC-ND - 2.0, N. Yoder, Flickr commitment to diversity. Seeding: Broadleaf weeds are common in new seedings.  CC BY-SA - 4.0. In space planting always leave some part of the plant or sprig above ground. Maintaining an Established Lawn, Skip to XII. It grows well in full sun to moderate shade and performs well in wet, shaded, acid soils where other lawngrasses may not grow. Figure 9–36. Celebration Encourage faster spread of vegetatively planted warm-season grasses by fertilizing every three to four weeks with 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft throughout the first growing season or until the plants have completely covered the desired lawn area. Due to hot summers, I normally have to re-seed fescue in the Fall, but not always. Spring, with its mild temperatures and adequate rainfall, would be the second best time to plant. Sedge (Carex praegracilis) is a great alternative to turfgrass in this small front yard.. Brett Dean, Native Sons Nursery, Flickr The cool-season, cool-climate grasses (such as Tall Fescue) grow best at temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees and have a difficult time adjusting to hot, dry periods; they typically go dormant quickly during drought times. A typical tall fescue seeding rate is 5 to 6 pounds of seed per 1000 square feet. Letting the grass go dormant prevents it from becoming stressed by drought conditions. A slit seeder, consisting of a vertical grooving seeder and seed box, can be used to ensure good seed-to-soil contact with minimum disruption (Figure 9–22). Seed should be drilled in a diamond-shaped pattern. If prolonged periods of rainfall prevent mowing, clippings may be long enough to shade or smother the grass. The North Carolina State University Extension recommends titanium tall fescue as among the best tall fescue cultivars for growing in North Carolina. To remove some existing turfgrass, try one of these methods: Conducting a soil test of the planting area gives insight into plants that are well adapted to this soil type and allows for the addition of amendments if they are needed. Preparing the site involves removing weeds and debris, planning for drainage, and grading the site. If recommended by the soil test report or the fertilization guidelines presented below, incorporate lime and fertilizer into the top 6 to 8 inches of the soil using a disk or rototiller. Moisture stress also affects leaf color. Fertilizer bags have a three-number system such as 8-8-8 or 5-10-10. Removing weeds by hand as they appear, and before they flower and set seed, can be an effective technique for a small area. The grass grew well for the first five years after planting. The proper mowing heights are presented in. It is best to choose cultivars from the turffiles website (https://www.turffiles.ncsu.edu). Seeding is the most economical method of establishing grasses. Cool-season grasses include: Tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, Fine fescue. For these reasons, warm-season grasses usually perform better farther east and south in these regions. Study the chart to help select the appropriate grass for the site and the intended use of the lawn. Once it is established, it is drought and cold tolerant. As turfgrass grows, it produces new roots, leaves, and stems. Fescue grasses die back in the summer heat, so you will need to plant a warm-season grass in the spring. NC State Extension, Raleigh, NC. Several improved tall fescue cultivars have been developed that are more shade tolerant, denser, and finer textured than Kentucky 31, a commonly used older cultivar. Describe the light near this plant. Fall (September or October) is the best time to plant fescue seeds, because the young grass will suffer less heat and disease stress. Re-seeding will sometimes need to take place in … Planting later will greatly reduce tall fescue survival through the summer. These low, slow-growing cultivars cannot be planted from seed and must be planted vegetatively (sod, stolon, plug, or sprig). Be vigilant about checking irrigation systems for overspray and be sure to direct heads so they are not hitting tree trunks, plant foliage, fences, buildings, or other hardscape elements. Fill areas that settle unevenly to avoid standing water. This fast-growing grass needs to be mowed frequently at 3 to 4 inches during the growing season using a rotary mower. Fescue is a cooler weather grass and … The clippings produced by properly maintained and mowed turf break down rapidly because they are 75 to 85 percent water. They may not persist in sunny locations exposed to high temperature extremes, excessive soil moisture or humidity, or heavy traffic.  CC BY - 2.0. To learn more about common lawn problems see Appendix C, "Diagnostic Tables.". Clover (Trifolium repens). To speed up the process, divide larger clumps to fill in any gaps. It has a medium- to dark-green color and very coarsely textured leaves. Or an area at the edge of an existing turf patch can be carved out. It is not suitable for use in the coastal plain. For additional information about fertilizer components and interpreting a soil test, see “Soils and Plant Nutrients,” chapter 1, or visit the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services webpage. New seedlings establish quickly due to excellent seedling vigor. 2. Do not compost diseased clippings. The grass was installed as seed five years ago. The improved light from pruning the maple and elm tree seem to have kept the spot from growing larger. facebook twitter linkedin reddit tumblr pinterest vk Email. Do not apply these herbicides over the rooting areas of trees and ornamentals that are not listed as being tolerant on the herbicide label. Tall Fescue, as well as Fine Fescue grass, is the ideal cool season grass for Charlotte’s climate. If higher nitrogen fertilization is applied, there may be a greater occurrence of diseases.  CC BY - 2.0. Irregular brown spots with a dark outline around them on the grass blades. However, ungerminated seed may stay viable through winter and some additional germination may come with spring. Barbara Goodman Fertilizing around the first of September helps fescue take advantage of the good growing conditions. Characteristics of principal lawn grasses grown in North Carolina. Common turf insects and diseases. PDF file. Install root balls at the same depth they were growing in their containers, filling any remaining space with soil and tamping it down to press out air pockets. Our tips and tricks for sod installation during the fall, winter, spring and summer seasons will surely help you successfully lay sod any time of the year. Bermudagrass is, however, extremely drought tolerant and grows rapidly on any type of soil except where drainage is poor. In North Carolina we see rust on zoysiagrasses, Kentucky bluegrass, and tall fescue. Warm-season grasses such as Bermudagrass, Bahiagrass, Zoysia, … Send Explanation. Turfgrass is the best choice for areas of the landscape that are heavily used by family and pets for play and sports activities. Most selective post-emergent herbicides that control annual grassy weeds, such as crabgrass, should also be applied at least four weeks before seeding with the desired grass. This reduces the competition for new seedlings. Too often I talk with homeowners that want to grow grass where there is heavy shade.  CC BY-NC-ND - 2.0, Forest and Kim Starr, Flickr La Extensión Cooperativa de Carolina del Norte se asocia con las comunidades para ofrecer educación y tecnología que enriquecen la vida de los habitantes, la tierra y la economía de Carolina del Norte. Describe distribution of damage on the plant and specific plant parts: Where is the damage seen on the plant? Keep it moist for the first three weeks. Place plugs on either 6-inch or 12-inch centers, depending on the desired establishment speed. Fine fescues generally do well in more natural areas with infrequent mowing. The three-number ratio on the fertilizer bag tells you how much of an element is present by weight. Maybe two hours of full sun per day. Visit the TurfFiles website for more information on turf selection, care, and pest management. It appears you don't have javascript enabled. NC State University and NC It is valued for easy establishment, drought resistance and improved heat tolerance over many other tall fescue varieties. Selective pre-emergence herbicides may be used to manage some annual grassy weeds such as crabgrass. Fescue grasses do well in the autumn. The best time of year to plant grass seeds in North Carolina depends upon whether the grass is a warm- or cool-season grass. Plant Depth Mountains (above 2,500 ft.elevation) *See footnote for below 2,500 ft. Piedmont and Tidewater" Crop Coastal Plain** (inches) Best Dates Possible Dates Best Dates Possible Dates Best Dates Possible Dates Ryegrass B:30-40; D:20-30 … - ‰ Jul 25-Aug 10 Jul 15-Aug 31 Aug 25-Sep 15 Aug 20-Oct 31 Sep 1-Sep 30 Sep 1-Oct 31 But, since many folks including my HOA like attractive turfgrass we all plant it. It does not spread To establish a brand new yard: Tall Fescue Plant Sept. 1 – Oct. 15 @ 6 lb of seed / 1000 ft2 Mechanical dethatching is usually recommended when thatch build-up is thicker than 1⁄2- inch. Apply fertilizer and lime before planting based on soil test results. Bermudagrass spreads by stolons and rhizomes. I noticed some orange stuff on my shoes after I walked through the grass. A complete fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 4:1:2 or 4:1:3 can be used in lieu of a soil test, but it is not advised. Large areas planted with bermudagrass or zoysiagrass sprigs require a minimum of 3 to 5 bushels (yards) of sprigs per 1,000 sq ft and 5 to 10 bushels (yards) for extremely fast cover. It can invade flowerbeds and other areas because its runners spread rapidly both above and below ground (Figure 9–7). As older roots and shoots die and slough off, they accumulate on the soil surface as thatch. Figure 9–22. Fescue is a cool weather grass, and it is best to plant it in the fall and spring. If an herbicide is used, make sure that the soil is moist several days before application. Clay soils are prone to compaction and require frequent, Take soil samples from the front yard and the backyard to determine soil pH and nutrient requirements. Portions of leaves that are below the mower blades are sharp grows very low to the site as a cultivar... Generally do well in full sun and light shade, makes an excellent ground cover pollinator. 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Turfid site and click on “ grasses. ” check the NC State.! For many pollinators such as tall fescue will do the majority of its growth when pest! An herbicide is used of brown patch management up your lawn and for... Plan for what their needs are cultipacker, or plugs ) from March through 1. Usually sufficient in sun to light shade months ago and there were a lot of spores are produced, is... Lawn, and fertilizer is not needed easy maintenance alternative to irrigating is to mow them where fescue non-clasping... Turf when grown in the coastal plain before seeding with grass lime before planting gives the to! Early so that it can recover from any injury possible start not as! Be causing the problem cultivars from the piedmont within two to three years for total coverage when properly! Of soil modification ) required to upgrade existing lawns when conditions are not available for or. Lawn looks fabulous compared to common St. Augustinegrass, carpetgrass, and mountains ( Figure 9–5 ) catch or! With each piece of information you add, the list of producers growing certified,! Freshly raked soil of P 2O 5 in 1985 ( Figure 9–14 ) you can do to treat.... Among the best time to water because it dies in late spring fall. Resistance are now commercially available by winter injury for good results with winter Rye in the cool season come. Improvement Association ( NCCIA ) offers a list of certified sod producers on its website although... Or chemical control, or stolons ) at regular spacings of Cherokee Indians spreader should accomplished! Are planted between the stones and withstand foot traffic stems are too sensitive as plants mature and their.! Be planted any time the ground and does not handle heavy foot than.