Table 26-1. Characterization of improved turf-type tall fescues† when used as turf (McCarty, 2003).

Attribute

Level ‡/description

Tolerance

Level‡

Aerial shoot density

low-medium

cold

medium

Ability to recover

medium

drought

good

Color

medium

heat

good

Disease potential

medium-high

salinity

medium

Establishment method

seed, sod

shade

good

Establishment rate from seed

medium

soil acidity

high

Fertility requirement

medium

submersion

high

Growth habit

bunch (short rhizomes)

wear

high

Leaf texture

medium-coarse

 

Mowing frequency

medium-high

Mowing height adaptation

high

Mowing quality

fair-good

Thatch production

low

† Reported levels are relative and intended to serve as a quick reference only.

‡ Tall fescue cultivars often vary in their susceptibility to disease, drought tolerance, establishment vigor, fertility requirement, leaf texture, low- and high-temperature tolerance, mowing quality, recuperative potential, salinity tolerance, shade tolerance, shoot density, soil-acidity tolerance, submersion tolerance, thatch production, and wear resistance.

<--Introduction

Table of Contents

Tall Fescue Monograph