• Fescue grasses (Festuca spp. ) are cool season grasses which are gaining in popularity as easy to maintain turf. Fescue had not been very common in the past given its coarse appearance but the new varieties are highly improved in terms of appearance and adaptability. Fescue grasses are not highly tolerant of very high temperatures and thrive better in coastal and temperate regions. Fescue grasses sometimes require overseeding to fill in occasionally occurring bare patches. There are a wide range of fescue varieties commonly used for turf.
  
  

Tall Fescue

• Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is a popular turf variety that creates a dense growth when seeded closely. The cool season grass grows well in areas of sun or partial shade and has good resistance to diseases and weeds. Tall fescue has a moderate to coarse texture and retains its color in cooler, less severe winters. The dark green grass has a deep root system with a bunch-type growth that occasionally requires reseeding. Tall fescue is preferred as a low maintenance grass with a very high level of tolerance for drought and heat stress. The grass also stands up moderately well to traffic and keeps its appearance even with infrequent mowing.
  
  

Hard Fescue

• Hard fescue (Festuca longifolia) is a very fine-bladed variety of fescue with gray to dark green color. The cool season grass is popular in cool season lawn seed mixes designed for problem shade areas. Hard fescue adapts well to poorly fertile soils and maintains a good appearance even when unmowed, making it a popular choice for median strips, slopes and little used areas of landscapes. Hard fescue has a high level of tolerance for drought and cold temperatures, and is not suited to areas with high heat. The grass has a low maintenance requirement but does not recover well from severe injury.
  
  

Red Fescue

• Red fescue (Festuca rubra) is a low maintenance, cool season grass requiring low levels of water, mowing and fertilizing that is popularly used in shaded mountain areas like resorts, cabins and camps. Red fescue has a superior tolerance for cold temperatures and does not thrive in heat unless planted in shade. The grass displays a moderate level of tolerance for wear, traffic and drought. The variety is often used in grass mixtures with Kentucky bluegrass for improved shade tolerance.