Festuca arundinacea (also tall fescue) is a survivor among lawn seeds. It grows under (almost) any adversity and is therefore rightly included in many seed mixtures.

Understanding Festuca Arundinacea

Festuca arundinacea has a wide site tolerance and grows very persistently year after year. It forms loose clumps and short rhizomes to spread. Its roots grow deep into the soil. Tall fescue grows well in drought and heat as well as in moisture and waterlogging. Slightly acidic, slightly alkaline, sandy or loamy soils are all no problem. It germinates and grows quickly and is hardy. It tolerates regular cutting and treading well. Even the vast majority of lawn diseases can hardly harm tall fescue, only some varieties are susceptible to fusarium blight.

Challenges and Advantages of Tall Fescue

In addition to the many advantages, there are also two disadvantages: the leaves are rather coarse and broad, which causes a rough appearance. It is also rather inferior to other grasses.

How to Improve Lawn Quality with Tall Fescue

To compensate for this, our Lerava Champion  includes Festuca arundiacea with a seed density of 80%. Combined with Poa pratensis and Loietto perenne we achieve an above average germination rate of 91%.