Science · Turfgrasses
Tall Fescue
Deep-rooted and heat-tolerant for a cool-season grass — the go-to for the transition zone and low-maintenance turf.
Festuca arundinacea · Cool-season turfgrass
Profile
- Climate
- Transition zone; USDA 4–7
- Sun
- Full sun to partial shade
- Mowing height
- 2–4 in
- Spread
- Bunch-type (some rhizomatous types)
- Rooting
- Deep, often 2–3 ft
- pH
- 5.5–7.5
Water & soil targets
- Moisture (VWC)
- ~18–28%
- Salinity tolerance
- Moderate
- Drought tolerance
- Good
Deep roots let it go longer between irrigations than other cool-season grasses.
Problems to watch
- Brown patch
- Gray leaf spot
- White grubs
Stress signs
- Blue-gray color
- Leaf rolling
- Brown patch rings in humid heat
Where you'll find it
- Commercial and HOA lawns
- Parks
- Sports fields in the transition zone
More turfgrasses
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.