Fescue grass is a popular cool-season turf variety, valued for its ability to tolerate both shade and drought conditions better than many other lawn types. The ultimate height this grass can reach depends heavily on the specific type of fescue planted and whether it is regularly cut. Fescue varieties are generally separated into two main categories, each with distinct characteristics that influence how tall they appear in a landscape.
The Two Main Categories of Fescue
Fescue grasses are broadly classified as either Tall Fescue or Fine Fescue. Tall fescue, which is often used for durable, high-traffic lawns, is characterized by its relatively wide, coarse leaf blades and its bunch-type growth habit. The grass grows in clumps and spreads primarily through vertical shoots called tillers, rather than lateral runners. This growth pattern makes tall fescue lawns very dense but also limits their ability to self-repair thin spots.
Fine fescue is a collective term for several species, including creeping red, chewings, and hard fescue, and is characterized by needle-like, very fine leaf blades. These varieties are often blended and used in shade mixes or for low-maintenance areas. While most fine fescues are bunch-type, creeping red fescue is noted for its rhizomatous growth, meaning it sends out underground stems that help it spread horizontally. The fine texture of this category gives it a soft, almost meadow-like appearance, which is a key physical distinction from the broader blades of tall fescue.
Natural Growth Height of Unmaintained Fescue
When fescue is left completely uncut, it will grow far beyond typical turf height, driven by the plant’s biological need to reproduce. The maximum height is largely a result of the plant developing its reproductive structures, known as seed stalks. Tall fescue, when allowed to mature fully and go to seed, can easily reach a height of 2 to 4 feet, with the majority of this height coming from the rigid seed stalks that rise well above the vegetative blades. Fine fescue varieties tend to be shorter when unmaintained, though they still develop tall seed heads. In a no-mow scenario, the fine, soft leaf blades may only reach 6 to 12 inches high, but the seed stalks can extend up to two feet above the ground.
Recommended Heights for Maintenance
For a healthy and functional lawn, fescue grass should be maintained at a significantly lower height than its natural potential. Most turf experts recommend a mowing height between 3 and 4 inches for both tall and fine fescue varieties. This height is maintained because it allows the grass blades to produce enough surface area for photosynthesis to create the energy the plant needs. Maintaining a taller blade also helps the grass develop a deeper, more robust root system, which is crucial for surviving periods of heat and drought stress.
Cutting fescue too short, a practice known as scalping, severely stresses the plant by removing too much of the photosynthetic tissue. This action forces the plant to use stored energy to regrow blades, diverting resources away from the roots, which consequently reduces their depth. A shorter canopy also exposes the soil to more sunlight, leading to higher soil temperatures and increased water evaporation, which can encourage the germination of weeds like crabgrass. To prevent this stress, it is recommended to never remove more than one-third of the grass blade height in a single mowing session.