Turf-type Tall Fescue

Festuca arundinacea

Poaceae · grass sedge · introduced

Data Coverage 5 of 6 dimensions

Site Data

Threats

Cultivars

Phenology

GDD Thresholds

Puget Sound

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.

Quick Facts

Height

12-36 in (unmowed); mow to 1.5-2 in (western WA)

Spread

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

Growth Rate

Moderate

Light

Sun to Part Shade

Soil

Adaptable

Water

Moderate

Hardiness

Zone Zones 3a–9a

Origin

Europe

Phenological Calendar

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.
Fall growth flush BBCH 21	Sep 1-Oct 31	Renewed vigor with fall rains; ideal overseeding window
Winter semi-dormancy BBCH 97	Nov 15-Feb 15	Remains green; minimal growth through western WA winter

Diseases (3)

Rhizoctonia solani Brown Patch Pythium spp. Pythium Blight Typhula incarnata and T Typhula Snow Mold

Pests (2)

Tipula paludosa European Crane Fly White Grub

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