SURVIVOR TURF-TYPE FESCUE
Survivor turf-type tall fescue blend is an excellent blend of turf-type tall
fescues. The new turf-type tall fescues that make up the Survivor blend were
developed to greatly improve on the appearance of the older tall fescues while
retaining their ability to survive under heat and drought conditions, in poor
soils, and under low maintenance.
Performance
Survivor has good resistance to turf diseases such as: Helminthosporium
Net Blotch, Rhizoctonia Brown Patch and Crown Rust. Some varieties in Survivor
contain endophyte giving it improved resistance to the following turf insects: white
grub, sod webworms, billbugs, chinch bugs, armyworms, and aphids. The presence
of the endophyte also contributes to improved stress tolerance with better Summer
survival, enhanced fall recovery, and reduced weed invasion. It has also been shown
to provide resistance to some nematodes.
Adaptation
The extremely long root system is the secret to Survivor’s drought tolerance. This
means less frequent irrigation because the roots can reach as deep as six feet in the
soil to absorb water.
Survivor has exhibited excellent wear tolerance and very good cold tolerance.
It will perform best in a fertile, well drained loam soil, but can tolerate less than
perfect conditions. Survivor will withstand soils that have a heavy clay content or
are compacted. Tall fescues can withstand saturated soils longer than other turf
species and tolerate a wide range of soil acidity and alkalinity (pH 4.7-8.5).