Tall fescue is best adapted to the mountains and piedmont but can be successfully
maintained on the heavy silt loams in the coastal plain. It is a reliable performer
and easily started from seed. It is the best grass to plant if you want a year-round
green lawn. Tall fescue thrives in sun or medium shade. It will not perform well
in full sun in the coastal plain, especially if the soil is sandy. It can be seeded
by itself or mixed with Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, or both, particularly where
shade is a concern. Tall fescue is a bunch-type grass, so damaged or bare areas
will need to be re-seeded. It exhibits good disease resistance, drought tolerance,
and cold tolerance; tolerates moderate traffic; and persists with minimum care.
Several improved tall fescue cultivars have been developed that are more shade tolerant,
denser, and finer textured than Kentucky 31, a commonly used older cultivar. These
characteristics become more evident as the turf matures and the maintenance level
increases. Research has shown that some of these improved cultivars also have darker
green color, improved disease tolerance, lower growth habit, better wear tolerance,
and drought tolerance.
Experts recommend that a blend of two or three cultivars be planted rather than
seeding just a single cultivar. This broadens the genetic base and gives the turf
a better chance of withstanding a variety of challenges. Use a seeding rate of 6
pounds per 1,000 square feet (sq ft). Don’t assume more is better. Higher seeding
rates can result in weak, thin stands that are more susceptible to disease and high
temperature stress.
The tall fescues perform best when mowed at a height of 3 inches, and should never
be mowed shorter than 2.5 inches. Tall fescue may turn brown, yet can often survive
short periods of drought. Under certain circumstances, some tall fescue may be lost
if a drought exceeds three weeks. To maintain a green lawn, it is best to irrigate,
if possible, during periods of drought.