Often grown long in swirling patterns, fescue grass is frequently compared with whimsical vegetation from Dr. Seuss’ books. Not only is fescue grass striking, but it is easy to care for and can survive in various climates.
To get the lowdown on this distinctively tough turfgrass, we contacted natural science manager Teri Valenzuela of Sunday, a lawn care company based in Boulder, Colorado. “Fescue grass is a favorite for resilient, deep-green lawns,” Valenzuela said. “It thrives in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and adapts well to different soil types.”
Why should you grow fescue grass?
This cool-season grass with leaf blades in a brilliantly green color is resistant to heat, cold and drought. It also has exceptional shade tolerance. Fescue can grow in various soil conditions and makes for a low-maintenance lawn.
Are there different types of fescue grass?
If you search for “fescue grass” online, you’ll likely see tightly packed turf, spiky bunches of blades and what looks like undulating waves of green. These are all fescue varieties, which fall under two basic categories: tall and fine.
Tall fescue grass
Tall fescue grass is the fescue that’s most common for home lawns. It’s also one of the most widely planted cool-season grasses. Valenzuela said, “Tall fescue is ideal for kid- and pet-loved lawns with high traffic, offering durability without sacrificing its appeal.”
If you see advice on how to keep tall fescue out of your yard, that’s because some varieties — such as coarse tall fescue, which grows in clumps (similar to crabgrass) — are considered weeds.
Turf-type tall fescue has a thinner blade and is the variety homeowners use for lawn grasses.
Fine fescue grass
Fine fescue (the Dr. Seuss-like kind) can be even more low maintenance than tall fescue, thriving with infrequent mowing and little water and sun.
“Fine fescue is perfect for shady spots, providing a soft, lush look with minimal sunlight,” Valenzuela stated. This type includes the varieties creeping red fescue, Chewings fescue (named after cultivator George Chewings), hard fescue and sheep fescue — all used in unmowed golf course areas.
How do you care for fescue grass?
Though it’s popular for its low-maintenance appeal, fescue still requires care. Even fans of fine fescue lawns should be forewarned that no-mow still means some mowing.
Planting
Like other cool-season grasses, fescue is best planted in late summer or early fall. Spreading roughly 5–8 pounds of fescue seed per 1,000 square feet is preferred. Fescue grass can also be planted as sod.
Reseeding
If your lawn is lush, you can skip this step. But if patches are popping up, it’s a good idea to overseed (or spread new grass seed over an existing lawn). Otherwise, come fall, the weeds will fill those holes. Valenzuela recommended using 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet. “Make sure the seed stays moist, not wet, for germination in about 6 to 12 days,” she said.
Fertilization
To make tall fescue grass look its best, apply 2–4 pounds of fertilizer with nitrogen per 1,000 square feet yearly. Fall is the prime time for this maintenance. Fine fescue requires even less fertilizer — only 1–2 pounds of fertilizer with nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually. Unmowed lawns need less than mowed lawns.
Dethatching
Thatch is rarely a problem for tall fescue but may be an issue with fine fescue — specifically, with creeping red fescue. “Think of thatch like a tight lawn sweater; a thin layer is protective and warm,” Valenzuela said. “But too much can make it tough for your grass to grow and breathe. If your lawn’s thatch layer exceeds an inch or appears more brown than green, it’s time to dethatch for your lawn’s health,” she added. Do this lawn maintenance task every three to five years.
Weeding
Ensuring grass isn’t mowed too short and using the right fertilizer can help keep weeds at bay. If you notice the occasional patch of crabgrass or prostrate knotweed, pull them by hand. Otherwise, herbicides may be necessary.
Watering
Though fescue grass is generally drought tolerant, tall fescue may need frequent watering during summer months, especially in southern states. Be sure to soak the soil to a depth of 3–4 inches.
On the other hand, fine fescues prefer drier soils, so they likely won’t need much watering. Even periods of summer drought don’t phase these resilient blades, which can go up to four weeks without rain. If drought persists, soak the soil to a depth of a few inches and water infrequently.
Mowing
In general, a mowing height of 2.5–4 inches is ideal. For tall fescue lawns, this may mean weekly mowing during the growing season, leaving clippings behind. Use a sharp blade to achieve top-notch turf and avoid frayed leaves.
As for the unmowed look of fine fescues, snip here and there. It is still a good idea to remove dead foliage. Do so at least once in the fall and possibly in late spring.
How much does fescue grass cost?
“A good-quality 5-pound bag should be around $30,” said Valenzuela. “If it’s much less, you may want to take a closer look. Chances are it’s not the high-quality seed you’re looking for.”
As for fescue grass sod, Jorge Martinez, owner of World Class Landscape in Los Angeles, said $6,500 is an average estimate for a 1,800-square-foot lawn. The price includes labor and materials — 3.5 pallets of Marathon fescue sod. Each square foot of fescue sod runs around $3.
Martinez said that to reseed a 1,800-square-foot lawn with fescue marathon grass, expect to pay around $2,600 for 1,800 square feet of lawn.
What’s next?
Knowing the care required for both tall and fine fescue grasses should help you choose the right variety. Will you use a kid-friendly, turf-type tall fescue grass or a shade-loving, no-mow fine fescue seed blend?
You can also dress up your lawn with fescue grass if you’re dealing with creeping Charlie, a weed that likes bare patches. Fescue can potentially crowd it out.
What’s more, California fescue is said to have fire tolerance. This is something to consider if you live in an area prone to wildfires.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
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