Fescue vs. Bluegrass

Bluegrass

• Kentucky bluegrass is the most widely grown turf grass in the U.S. Bluegrass adapts well to a variety of climates and soil conditions, grows quickly, spreads aggressively, and thrives in sunny areas. Bluegrass requires moderate to high levels of water and fertilizer, and its primary limitation is that it does not grow well in shade. Bluegrass has a medium to fine texture and blue-green color.

Fescue

• Fine fescue and tall fescue are the two main fescue varieties grown in the U.S. Fine fescue has a fine texture and medium green color. It grows well in sunny areas, but fares better in shade than bluegrass. Tall fescue forms a durable lawn, and is similar to fine fescue, but has a courser texture. In very hot conditions, fescue can quickly lose its color.

Considerations

• The variety of grass you choose depends on where you live. University extensions in most states offer advice on choosing grass varieties. Neither bluegrass nor fescue is particularly well-suited to growing in the deep south, but both can thrive in cool to warm areas east of the Rockies. Many lawns feature a blend including both types, often along with ryegrass or some other variety.