Qualities

Hard fescue is a cool-season grass often used in cool-season grass seed mixtures when shade is an expected problem. It does well on low fertility soils and in shaded areas. This species is good as a non-mowed turf for slopes, median strips, and nonused areas of parks. It does not recover well from severe injury. It is not tolerant of high summer temperatures.

Identifying tips

A very fine-bladed grayish to dark-green grass. The leaves are folded in the bud, there are no auricles, and a membranous ligule is present. Hard fescue is a bunch grass with a semi-erect growth habit and heavy roots.

Maintenance

Low maintenance. Hard fescue can be left unmowed, has a low fertility requirement, and has a high tolerance for drought, shade, and cold temperatures.

Planting and management tips for hard fescue

Mowing

Leave lawn unmowed to form a soft ground cover.
If mowed, mow high at 1.5 - 2.5 inches.

Fertilizing

Fertilize using no more than 2 lbs. nitrogen/1000 sq. ft. per year during the period of active growth (March - June; October - December).

Planting

Seed at 5 lbs. seed/1000 sq. ft.

Irrigation

Water infrequently and deep.
Summer irrigation is required if hard fescue is grown as a turf or ground cover and a green color is desired.

Special problems

Medium susceptibility to turfgrass diseases
Low heat tolerance
Not adapted to close mowing
Low traffic tolerance