Tall fescue is green most of the year and handles shade. Here is where it shines, where it struggles and how to keep it thick.
Tall fescue is the most common lawn grass in Middle Tennessee. It stays green through most of the year, tolerates shade better than other grasses and feels soft underfoot. It has deep roots for a cool-season grass and handles moderate foot traffic. Many new homes are sodded in fescue for these reasons, and many owners prefer its full, dark green look.
Fescue does have limits. It is a cool-season grass in a warm climate, so it struggles in July and August, especially in full sun and on thin soil. It does not spread by runners, so thin areas stay thin unless you overseed. Keep it mowed at three to four inches, water deeply and early, feed it mostly in fall and overseed each September to keep it thick. With that rhythm, fescue can look good for years.
Cool-season color.
Best for tree cover.
Healthy height.
Feed and overseed.
Early morning.
Stays thick.
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Early September to mid October gives the best results.
Yes, with irrigation and good care, though it is more stressed.
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