Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is a cool-season turfgrass originally from Europe.
Modern turf-type tall fescues have finer blades and improved density compared to the older, pasture-style varieties.
It thrives in cooler climates but also adapts to regions where summers are hot and winters are mild, making it a go-to choice for areas where other grasses struggle.
Color: | Rich, medium-to-dark green |
Texture: | Coarse to medium blades (newer varieties are finer) |
Growth Habit: | Bunch-type grass (clumps) |
Durability: | Good wear tolerance; holds up well to foot traffic |
Heat & Drought Tolerance: | Deeper root system gives it better resilience than many other cool-season grasses |
Cold Response: | Stays green through much of fall and winter in mild climates |
Tall Fescue lawns are fairly easy to maintain:
Mowing:
Ideal height is 2.5–4 inches. Taller mowing helps shade the soil and reduce weeds.
Watering:
Needs about 1 inch of water per week; more during hot summers.
Fertilization:
Requires regular feeding in fall and spring for best color and growth.
Sunlight:
Grows well in full sun but tolerates partial shade.
Overseeding:
Since it's a bunch-type grass, overseeding is often needed to fill thin spots each fall.
Soil Preference:
Grows well in a wide range - from sandy loam to clay soils.
If you live in a cool-season or transition zone and want a lawn that looks green most of the year with good drought tolerance, Tall Fescue is an excellent choice.
However, if you prefer a super-fine, spreading grass that repairs itself quickly, you may want to look at alternatives like Bermuda (in warmer climates).
If you're interested in outfitting your Atlanta property with Tall Fescue sod, please give us a call or send us an email today for a quote. We are happy to help you achieve the goals you have for your Atlanta property.