Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea)
What does it look like?
This grass grows in tall, upright bunches, especially in a weedy or unmanaged situation. It sports a wide leaf blade compared to other cool-season grasses, with an appearance that is downright coarse. New varieties, however, have recently been produced with leaf widths similar to Kentucky bluegrass.
How does it grow?
Tall fescue has a fairly deep root system and spreads only by tillers. It is slow to establish compared to Perennial ryegrass, but is similar to Kentucky bluegrass.
How does it rate for the average homeowner?
This grass was once just put out to pasture, used only for fields and grazing land. But it has become a popular homeowner grass, as new varieties are increasingly compatible with other grasses. It is a tough grass, tolerating periods of heat and drought. This makes it a good choice for areas with lots of activity and little irrigation. It can wear out, however, because it does not readily recover from excessive traffic. Bare areas need to be reseeded. For the best results, check out the newest varieties.
In what kinds of climates / conditions does it flourish / languish?
Tough Tall fescue is the most heat and drought tolerant of all cold-season grasses. For lawns in the Northern zone and transition zone, it is an excellent choice. While it will survive without water, you can achieve maximum turf quality only with adequate water and fertilizer. Be warned that it is very susceptible to snow mold in areas where snowfall is abundant, and it can be slow to recover in the spring. The grass does well in sunny areas of partial shade and also can be used in shaded areas in the upper regions of the Southern zone.
Does this kind of grass mix well with other grasses?
Tall fescue is best to use in a monostand in the transition zone because it is the only grass that will persist. Newer (finer leaf texture) varieties can be mixed with Kentucky bluegrass in cooler areas.
Unique qualities:
- Good heat and drought tolerance
- Does not develop thatch
- Slow to establish, 10-14 days to sprout
- Low disease problems
- Not a good choice for high-quality sports fields
Recommended grass height, fertilizer rate, amount of water:
- Mowing ranges between 2-6 inches.
- Fertilize with 2-4 lbs total Nitrogen applied per 1,000 square feet annually.
- Water 0.5-1.0 inches per week during summer months to keep actively growing.
