Troubleshooting
Tufted Hair Grass problems — and how to fix them
Tufted Hair Grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Drought browning
Foliage tips and flower stems scorch and brown if the soil dries out; restore even moisture and cut back damaged growth.
Self-seeding
Prolific seeder in favourable conditions; deadhead or remove spent panicles to prevent unwanted seedlings, or choose sterile named cultivars.
Rust fungus
Orange pustules can appear on leaves in humid, crowded plantings; improve airflow, avoid overhead watering and remove affected foliage.
Heat decline
As a cool-season grass it can look tired or go semi-dormant in hot, humid summers; site in cooler part shade and keep roots moist.
Prevent tufted hair grass problems before they start
Most tufted hair grass issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for tufted hair grass in general rather than its problems? Read the full tufted hair grass care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Tufted Hair Grass problems — FAQ
Why is my tufted hair grass drought browning?
Foliage tips and flower stems scorch and brown if the soil dries out; restore even moisture and cut back damaged growth.
Why is my tufted hair grass self-seeding?
Prolific seeder in favourable conditions; deadhead or remove spent panicles to prevent unwanted seedlings, or choose sterile named cultivars.
Why is my tufted hair grass rust fungus?
Orange pustules can appear on leaves in humid, crowded plantings; improve airflow, avoid overhead watering and remove affected foliage.
Why is my tufted hair grass heat decline?
As a cool-season grass it can look tired or go semi-dormant in hot, humid summers; site in cooler part shade and keep roots moist.