Fescue (Festuca arundinacea):

Tall Fescue is a cool season grass best suited to the cooler climates of the Southern Highlands and Canberra. It is not considered as suitable for Sydney or coastal conditions due to problems experienced with high humidity. It is frost resistant and will stay green in the coolest winters; however, if not irrigated or well maintained usually browns off in the heat of summer.

Fescue is adapted to a wide range of soil and climatic conditions, demonstrates good shade tolerance and remains green year-round under irrigated conditions

Mowing height requirements for tall fescue limits its use to lawns, parks, golf course roughs and other areas mowed at a height of 40mm or more. Tall fescue should not be used where mowing heights are below 40mm during summer months. Although its wear tolerance is considered good for cool season grasses, it is not nearly as wear tolerant as other varieties mentioned above.

A well prepared seedbed is essential for establishing tall fescue and early autumn is the optimum time to establish tall fescue from either seed or turf sod. Spring plantings of tall fescue may be successful, but the risk of losing immature plants to summer heat and drought stress is greater and adequate watering and irrigation is considered a priority.

Tall fescue is fairly tolerant to most turf or grass diseases, however is highly susceptible to insect and grub attack. Major insect problems include armyworms, cutworms and white / curl grubs. Curl grubs can be particularly damaging to tall fescue lawns and if found in populations of 30 per square metre or more, the lawn should be treated with recommended products.

Most tall fescue lawns become thin after a hot, dry summer under non irrigated conditions. A thinned tall fescue lawn forms clumps, becomes weed infested and eventually becomes unsightly. Under irrigated conditions a fescue lawn will remain in peak condition for a number of years but will eventually reach a stage where it becomes necessary to either overseed or replace the lawn again with solid turf.

Fescue is best established through solid turfing, with seeding being an option but difficult to achieve consistent coverage. Even in irrigated situations, seeding can be a short lived option and wouldn’t be attempted until at least mid autumn.

• Fescue Pros: Can achieve great colour and consistency throughout the entire year under proper irrigation, fertilising and regular maintenance with a very soft, lush, dark green appearance. Makes for a terrific lawn given the right circumstances. Is frost and shade tolerant and doesn't have an invasive runner system.

• Fescue Cons: Suitable for cold climate regions only. Lawn will thin out and become clumpy over time requiring overseeding or eventual replacement – does not self repair. Requires high volumes of water (60% more than Sir Walter) and requires monitored irrigation to maintain appearance in warmer months, needs relatively high maintenance and is susceptible to insect and grub attack.