The Best Fescue Seed for Hills

Fescues

• There are many fescues that can be useful in seeding a hillside. Some are more ornamental and turf-like such as Elijah blue, while others are a bit more rustic in character. Fescue grows through most of the United States and into Canada. Some species, like the hard fescue, are considered pest plants, but the overall tenacity of the grass and ease of establishment make it one of the premier species for turf, fodder, silage and land reclamation. Fescue seed can become invasive and threaten the plants of the natural ecology. Fescue forms dense clumps of matted roots that make it difficult to remove but cause it to be an ideal plant for establishing permanent erosion control and seeding hillsides.

Idaho Fescue

• Idaho fescue is also called bluebunch fescue. It is one of the best hillside species because it grows best on northern slopes in cool climates. This fescue is recommended for stabilization of compromised hillside soils. The grass produces extensive root systems that help adhere soil to the bank. It is drought tolerant and able to withstand foot and animal traffic. Idaho fescue is a native perennial grass, which is useful in keeping down annual weeds. It has moderate fire tolerance, excellent cold tolerance and some shade tolerance.

Creeping Red Fescue

• Red fescue seed establishes quickly and spreads through rhizomes, or underground stems. They grow together and interlock, creating a mat under the soil that helps prevent erosion, making it perfect for hillside establishment. This fescue performs best when seeded in light shade and is a cool season grass. It can be seeded with another fescue variety for greater stability and shade tolerance or by itself. Red fescue requires little fertilization or irrigation. It is considered more drought tolerant than Idaho fescue.

Sheep Fescue Grass

• This type of fescue is commonly used for erosion control on reclaimed soils where fertility is poor. It is extremely adaptable and can tolerate either sun or partial sun, in dry or moist soils. Sheep fescue is a blue-green grass suitable for cooler climates. It is a bunch grass that grows in thick tufts and will readily reseed to fill in and create a tight blanket of greenery on a hillside. Sheep are known to graze on this grass. It grows 16 inches tall in dense clumps. This hardy grass is tolerant of trampling from grazing and its tenacity and tufting habit will form a superior and strong layer on hillside areas.