Oregon Grown Grass Seed

Turf-Type Tall Fescue For Wear and Shade Areas

Oregon grown turf-type tall fescues have improved immensely over the past 10 years. Newer varieties have reduced growing height, finer leaves, darker color, and improved disease tolerance over the older types. These qualities combine with tall fescue’s wear and shade tolerance, low fertilization and maintenance requirements, for a highly desirable turf. Blends of tall fescue varieties add extra adaptability over a wide range of climates and growing conditions. Roots reach a depth of 3 to 4 feet, drawing moisture from the deep soil long after more shallow rooted species have gone dormant. This is important when water for irrigation is costly or unavailable.

Most recently, tall fescue breeders have introduced endophyte into the plant tissue, making the turf  naturally insect resistant.

Tall fescue is typically mowed at 60-80 mm in home lawns and other turf areas. In specialized applications like golf course fairways and short roughs, tall fescue has been successfully mowed at 12 to 18 mm.  Tall fescue can also be mixed with 5 to 10% Kentucky bluegrass.

Tall fescue is ideal for large turf areas where water and maintenance costs are important.

Oregon Seed Council

503-585-1157 / Fax 503-585-1292
1193 Royvonne Avenue South, Suite 11
Salem, Oregon 97302