top
Chewings Fescue
Chewings fescues have a bunch type growth habit, form denser turf than strong creeping red fescue, tend to be more disease resistant, and persistent under low maintenance. Of the fine fescues, chewing fescue is the most tolerant of close, continuous mowing and traffic pressure. From Northern Europe and bred for improved turf quality in hot, dry climates of North America.
top
Strong Creeping Red Fescue
Strong creeping red fescues have rhizomes and a distinct spreading growth habit. They have greater, longer, and less prolific rhizomes than the slender creeping red fescues. Strong creepers also tend to be more tolerant of patch and crown disease and are often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass in hot and humid regions.
top
Slender Creeping Red Fescue
Slender creeping red fescues are very tolerant of saline soil conditions, respond well to low mowing heights and can be used in winter overseeding programs where rapid spring transition is desired. Slender creeping red fescue is often used as a component in roadside turf mixtures where salting of roadsides is required.
top
Hard Fescue
Hard fescues are similar in appearance to sheep and blue fescue, but have wider, tougher, less glaucus (bluish-green) to dark green leaves, and are more tolerant of higher fertility and moist soil conditions. Hard fescues are more similar to chewing fescue with similar turf density and texture, but lower nutrient requirements and slower vertical growth rates. Hard fescues are also used as a component in low maintenance turf mixtures where a “windswept” or “links” look is required. Hard fescue is also used for wildflower mixtures.
top
Sheep & Blue Fescue
Sheep and blue fescue exhibit a stiff bunch-type non-creeping growth habit, bluish-green to dark green leaves, require little maintenance, and do poorly under intensive cultural practices. Sheep and blue fescue are often used in wildflower mixes because of their non-aggressive ornamental appearance. Sheep fescue is used for wildflower mixtures and blue fescue is used extensively for ornamental landscape plantings.
