Emily Braithwaite

Optimum seed date for fine fescue

By Emily Braithwaite and Alec Kowalewski, Oregon State University

Turfgrass research plots with a few of the plots having sparse growth

Part of the multi-state USDA-SCRI fine fescue initiative was to identify ways that people can incorporate these low-input grasses into existing landscapes. We know that the fine fescue species persist in shade, with low water requirements, and low fertility requirements, but overcoming the social barrier for adopting more sites with these grasses was a primary focus of this initiative.

Optimum mulching material for fine fescue establishment

By Emily Braithwaite and Alec Kowalewski, Oregon State University

Six types of mulching materials side by side

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to begin using commercial “patch and repair” products on their lawns to seed bare or damaged areas from the previous seasons. These products contain about 85 to 90% inert matter (i.e. wood or paper based-mulch) to help retain moisture, and the other 10 to 15% is fertilizer and grass seed.

Fine fescue and the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program

By Alec Kowalewski and Emily Braithwaite, Oregon State University

Square turfgrass research plots labeled with signs

The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) is a collaborative effort between turfgrass seed breeders and North American universities.  Under the direction of Kevin Morris, NTEP uses the following steps when developing and maintaining trials.

Project News - 11/25/20

Learn more about our latest work! The Low Input Turf project team has published three journal articles on our research.

Video: Low-Input Turfgrass Using Fine Fescues from Oregon State University

Slide from presentation on low input turfgrass

Turfgrass researchers from Oregon State University recently produced many interesting videos as part of their virtual 2020 OSU Field Day. This video features Emily Braithwaite, a faculty research assistant at Oregon State University who conducts research as part of our Low Input Turf project, discussing some of their fine fescue management trials.

Low input species on high end golf courses

View of a golf course overlooking water

By Emily Braithwaite and Alec Kowalewski, Oregon State University

Fine fescue golf courses are a staple of the Pacific Northwest.  Director of Agronomy Eric Johnson has been managing fine fescues on golf courses since 2001.  He began at Bandon Dunes, but has spent the last 8 years at Chambers Bay in Washington.  When he first arrived, the course was wall-to-wall fine fescue and colonial bentgrass.  But in the last two years, he has transitioned his greens over to annual bluegrass. 

The many faces of fine fescue

fine fescue putting green in Oregon

By Alec Kowalewski, Emily Braithwaite and Brian McDonald, Oregon State University

Generally, fine fescues are described as low input turfgrasses because as a group these plants tolerate shade and low fertility, and can persist with minimal irrigation.  However, each of these fine fescues has a unique set of functional components.  This blog post will provide an overview of the characteristics associated with each of the five fine fescues.