Moderate to grow

tall fescue

Festuca arundinacea 'Dense Shade Mix'

Overview

Tall Fescue is an amazing and versatile species of grass. Its dense shade mix offers a lush, green lawn with its deep blue-green leaves ranging from two to five feet in height. Its long root system enables it to adapt to and survive in many different climates. Because of its low fertilizer and water requirements, no additional feed is needed for maintenance. Tall Fescue is also an excellent choice for erosion control, as its extensive root system helps bind soil together. Its pest and disease resistance make it an ideal choice for lawns, parks, and golf courses. Its thick foliage also provides excellent shade and its ability to withstand extreme temperatures makes it a great choice for outdoor activities.

Care Guide

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Watering

Tall Fescue should be watered deeply about once a week in summer and every 2 weeks in winter. During this watering, the top 4-6 inches of soil should be made thoroughly moist. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. For areas that get regular rainfall, additional watering may not be necessary.

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Light

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea 'Dense Shade Mix') prefers partial shade to full sun. This type of grass is better adapted to shady conditions, and can tolerate only 3-4 hours of direct sunlight per day. For best growth and color, it should receive morning sun and afternoon shade, or full shade, not full sun. It can also tolerate some light shade, such as filtered sun through trees.

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Temperature

Hardiness zone 3–6.

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Pruning

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea 'Dense Shade Mix') is a cool-season, perennial grass. Pruning should begin before the spring season and should be done about once per year. Pruning will help to maintain the density and shape of this late-season, shade-tolerant grass. To prune tall fescue, begin by gradually cutting back the foliage during the spring. Start about 4 to 6 inches from the ground and cut the leaves and stems at a 45-degree angle. Afterward, move up the grass, cutting more and more of the foliage. It is important to avoid cutting the grass too short. When finished, clean up any additional clippings that may have been left behind. The recommended amount of pruning for tall fescue should be at least 1-third of its height each year.

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Propagation

Seed Propagation, Stolon, Crown Division, Vegetative Plugging

Diseases & Pests

Common pests: Fungal leaf spot, Rust.

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