Fescue Grass

Fescue Grass: Drought Resistant and Great for Those Shady Places

Some may think of fescue as a grass primarily used for hay, but it also fills a need when it comes to grasses for lawns. Other grasses often do not do well in the shade, but fescue does. There are several varieties of fescue, including the tall hay grasses and shorter ones used in yards.  Creeping red fescue is a variety that is particularly happy in the shade.

A good grass to know if you are establishing a lawn in the North is hard fescue. It is an eco-friendly plant in many ways.  It's clumping growth pattern means that it cannot be mown very short, but it grows slowly and does not need mowing as often as other grasses. It is not as lush as other grasses, but it stays green a long time and helps control erosion of soil. It is also resistant to insect damage and stands up well under traffic.