Question
Hello,  I live 30 miles North of Klamath Falls, Oregon, zip:97624.  Elevation of about 4400 ft., Eastern side of the Cascades.  Cold winters, lots of sun, and warm to Hot, Dry summers.  I have sod, a blend of Ky., blue and Fescue, About 7000 sq ft. unless I water nine times a day, it drys out fast and begins to burn.  What can I over-seed with that will not be as sensitive to the sun and breezes, and that will be a bit more drought tolerant?  Please, any suggestions will be much appreciated.
Richard

Answer
Fescue to the Rescue.

Tall Fescue is distinguished for its long, deep taproot -- 4 feet or longer.  That taproot gives Tall Fescue access to moisture that's completely out of reach for wimpy Grass.

Tall Fescue is also thick.  Its blades are strong.  And it needs less Nitrogen to live up to its full potential.  It won't do well in deep shade, mind you, but if you have a decent amount of Sun, you're in business.

Fine Fescue is positively wispy compared to Tall Fescue -- it's a dainty, shy Turfgrass that faints when the thermometer hits 90 degrees F.  But Fine Fescue grows in dry Shade without complaint.  Which I should add is quite amazing.  And it doesn't need a lot of maintenance.

So which Grass you grow depends largely on which Fescue looks the prettiest to you.

Your Fescue -- whichever Fescue you have -- would probably be the Grass that dominates your Lawn now.  Although if you are growing it in drought and heat, it may simply be going dormant to ride the heat wave out with the other Cool Season Grasses.

You can pick up some excellent varieties at Seedland.com on the internet:

www.seedland.com

How do you like them apples, Richard?

Thanks for writing.  Your followups invited.

THE LONG ISLAND GARDENER
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Thanks for your high marks, my friend.  I just would like to add something I should have included in my original answer: It would be very helpful if you top dress each season, early, with organic matter -- Compost, aged Manure, Humus.  Give your Grass something to sink its teeth into.  Mind you, I'm not saying you should give your Grass some kind of fertilizer.  I'm recommending that you pay close attention to improving your Soil.  You can't grow great Grass without great Soil; fertilizer is no substitute for a deep, dark, rich, healthy growing medium.  Thanks again for your generous marks.  Peace,