Plantation Fescue

[A to Z]

Anyone with positive or negative experiences with Plantation Fescue or similar Turf Fescue in the Residential Lawn. Here in North East Iowa all we have is Bluegrass Mixes, Midnight - etc... I recently visited Lincoln, Nebraska and all they use is Fescue. Seeing is believing - looks better than bluegrass.

Here are some of the benefits I'm told -

1/3 less water
1/3 less fertilizer
No disease or insect problems!!!
Dark green color, same deep, rich color as Kentucky Bluegrass
Nearly identical in appearance and texture to bluegrass
Drought Tolerant
High traffic
Low mow
Grubs hate it!!!

If this is the newest and greatest - Why doesn't anybody talk about it??? Comments???

[Lanelle]

We have been using improved tall fescues for a number of years here. There are many names and I'm not sure how many generations of development at this point. We are in a 'transition' area with hot, humid summers but Zone 7 winters so bluegrass goes dormant in the summer, after it runs you ragged with diseases. One of the keys to success with these fescues is to raise the mowing height to about 3.5". This allows fuller growth and shades out competing weeds. It may be worth a try for you.
Remember to report back come summer on this topic!