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Tall fescue (turf-type)
Festuca arundinacea
The low-input choice. Deep roots make it the most drought and heat tolerant cool-season grass, so it stays green in August when bluegrass goes dormant.
Mow at
3 to 4 in
Water
1 in
per week, in one or two deep soakings
Light
Full sun to moderate shade
How to tell
- •Wider, coarser blade than bluegrass
- •Pronounced ridges on the upper surface of the blade
- •Grows in bunches
- •Stays green later into summer drought
In the collar counties
Growing in popularity for eco-minded lawns here because it needs about a third less water and fertilizer.
Overseed with
A turf-type tall fescue blend. Do not mix with bluegrass unless it is at least 90 percent fescue; the textures clash.
Strengths
- Best drought tolerance
- Needs less fertilizer
- Handles moderate shade
Weaknesses
- Bunch grass, needs overseeding to stay thick
- Coarser look than bluegrass
- Can thin in a brutal winter