Tall Fescue
Tall Fescue is a coarse-bladed, bunch-type cool-season grass that excels in the transition zone where summers are too hot for Kentucky Bluegrass but winters are too cold for warm-season grasses. Its deep root system gives it superior heat and drought tolerance among cool-season grasses.
Tolerance & Maintenance
How to Identify Tall Fescue
- ✓Wide, coarse blade (5–10 mm) with prominent veins and rough edges
- ✓Grows in clumps (bunch-type) — does not spread by rhizomes or stolons
- ✓Dark green color, slightly duller than Kentucky Bluegrass
- ✓Rolled vernation (leaves roll in the bud, not folded)
- ✓Membranous ligule and small, claw-like auricles
Mowing
Keep at 4 inches in summer to shade roots and reduce heat stress. Lower to 3 inches in fall. Never scalp tall fescue.
Watering
Deep, infrequent watering develops the deep root system that makes tall fescue heat-tolerant. Water early morning to reduce fungal disease risk.
Fertilization
Light spring application is optional. Avoid summer fertilization — heat plus nitrogen invites brown patch disease.
Common Problems
Brown Patch
Circular brown patches up to several feet across during hot, humid weather. Reduce nitrogen and improve air circulation. Fungicide helps in severe cases.
Bunch-Type Clumping
Doesn't spread to fill bare spots on its own. Thin or bare areas must be overseeded, ideally in fall.
Summer Decline
Can thin out in extended heat above 90°F. Keep mowing height high, water consistently, and avoid fertilizing.
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