Turf-type Tall Fescue

Festuca arundinacea

Poaceae · grass grasslike · introduced

Excellent choice for clay soils in the Kent Valley and Green River floodplain. Deep root system handles periodic wet-dry cycles. Seed at 6-8 lb/1000 sqft. Best as monostand – texture contrast makes it a poor companion for fine-bladed grasses. Increasing in popularity as summers become warmer and drier.

Plant Profile

Size & Form

Height

12-36 in

Spread

Bunch-type; does not spread by rhizomes. Must be seeded thickly for dense turf.

Growth Rate

Moderate

Site Requirements

Light

Sun to Part Shade

Soil Drainage

Adaptable

Soil pH

5.5-7.5

Water

Moderate

Drought Tolerance

Medium

Hardiness

Zones 3a–9a

Ornamental Interest

Bloom Time

spring

Origin

Europe

Diseases: Regionally Documented (2)

Rhizoctonia solani Brown Patch Pythium Blight

Diseases: Other Associations (1)

Typhula incarnata and T Typhula Snow Mold

Pests: Other Associations (2)

Tipula paludosa European Crane Fly Scarabaeidae White Grub

Phenological Calendar

View full calendar (5 stages)

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
Spring green-up BBCH 09	Feb 15-Mar 15	Green-up as soil temps reach 45-50°F; slightly later than fine fescues
Active vegetative growth BBCH 21	Mar 15-Apr 15	Rapid tiller production; lawn fills in
Peak spring growth BBCH 39	Apr 15-Jun 15	Strong growth; mowing every 5-7 days
Summer performance BBCH 45	Jun 15-Sep 1	Maintains better color and growth through summer heat than ryegrass or fine fescues due to deep roots. May slow but rarely goes dormant with occasional deep watering.
Winter semi-dormancy BBCH 97	Nov 15-Feb 15	Remains green; minimal growth through western WA winter

Cultivars (1)

'Turf-type (general category)'

Modern turf-type tall fescues have much finer leaf texture than older forage types. Dark green color, dense growth habit. Many contain beneficial endophyte fungi. Sometimes marketed as 'dwarf' or 'compact' tall fescues.

Best choice for clay soils and sites with poor drainage common in the Kent Valley

Data Maturity

Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.