Fescue
By Brian Naas
The fescues are a series of grasses that are perfect for the temperate areas of North America. They are a cool-season grass that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as lawns ,pastures, and golf courses. The information that follows should shed some light on this low-maintenance beauty.
Basic Characteristics
The fescues as a group share three basic characteristics. First, they tend to stay green throughout the year. Second, they are very tolerant to low-light conditions and shady areas. Finally, they are susceptible, but quite tough during periods of drought. This particular combination of characteristics makes the fescues a popular choice in this area of the country.
Lawns
Fescues tend to seed quickly, making a good early base for a lawn. The fine fescues, such as creeping red fescue, would be the most likely candidates for use in a yard. It is usually seeded in conjunction with other cool-season grasses such as bluegrass or ryegrass. Its ability to develop more quickly than the other grasses, along with its shade tolerance, make it an important part of a healthy lawn.
Pastures
The tall fescues are often a presence in the livestock pastures of the United States. They are very promising in low-maintenane grazing areas, as they are very capable of surviving times of low moisture and no fertilization. One major problem with fescue as a grazing grass is the presence of endophyte, a fungus that does not hurt the plant, but is detrimental to the health of livestock. A proper mixture of the tall fescues with other types of grass is the best way to make the grazing safe for the livestock, as the endophyte tends to be harmful to the animal only when consumed in too large an amount.
Golf Courses
Both the tall and fine varieties of fescue are widely used on golf courses. The tall fescues are often used in links-style courses as the main grass in the "natural" areas, which amounts to super long rough. The fine fescues are used quite a lot in fairway and rough blends. They are, if mowed no shorter than approximately 2", a very successful and attractive grass. Although it will show stress in times of drought or heavy golf car traffic, the fine fescues are durable enough to make it through most tough times on the golf course.