The Benefits of Planting Tall Fescue Grass in New Zealand
Have you ever found yourself peering over the fence, wondering how the neighbour’s lawn stays so green while yours struggles through New Zealand’s sweltering summers? The secret might just be Tall Fescue grass. Known for its durability, deep roots, and drought-busting resilience, this grass is gaining traction with Kiwi homeowners. Tall Fescue doesn’t just survive tough conditions—it thrives, providing a lush, green cover where other grasses fall flat. If you’re after a low-maintenance solution that can handle New Zealand’s unique climate challenges, it might be time to take a closer look at what this versatile grass can do.
What is Tall Fescue Grass?
Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is a perennial grass known for its deep-rooting system and resilience to environmental stress. Originating from Europe, it’s been adapted for use across diverse climates and conditions, making it a popular choice for lawns and other landscapes throughout New Zealand. Unlike more traditional grasses such as perennial ryegrass, Tall Fescue takes a slow but steady approach to growth. Initially, it may lag behind, but once it takes root, it can outpace many competitors, providing exceptional yields in the summer and holding strong when water is scarce.
Benefits of Planting Tall Fescue Grass
Tolerance to Dry Conditions and Drought
One of the main reasons Kiwis love Tall Fescue is its knack for surviving dry spells. While perennial ryegrass and other shallow-rooted grasses might shrivel up in a parched summer, Tall Fescue dives deep—literally. Thanks to its extensive root system, it taps into water reserves well below the surface, helping it withstand droughts that can leave other grass species gasping for relief. For those in Canterbury and the North Otago drylands, this deep-rooting quality can be a game changer.
Heat Resistance and Active Growth
New Zealand’s climate is wonderfully diverse, ranging from scorching summers in the north to frosty winters in the south. For Tall Fescue, hot summers are no sweat. While many other grasses start slacking off when temperatures climb past 24°C, Tall Fescue hits its growth stride up to around 30°C. This makes it a particularly strong performer in regions such as Northland, where sweltering heat would otherwise cripple more delicate varieties. With continued activity in the shoulder seasons of summer and early autumn, Tall Fescue ensures that homeowners have a dependable, actively growing lawn when it’s most needed.
Insect Resistance
Insect pests can pose a significant challenge for New Zealand lawns, with various creepy crawlies always eager to make a meal out of your grass. While Tall Fescue isn't entirely immune to insect damage, it does offer a slight edge over many other grasses, such as perennial ryegrass. Its improved resilience is partly due to its dense growth and tough leaf blades, which make it less palatable to some pests. However, to maximise protection, we recommend integrating a pest management strategy. This can include monitoring pest populations and applying natural or approved pest control measures when necessary to maintain a healthy, thriving lawn.
Key Considerations for Planting Tall Fescue
Soil Preparation and Establishment
Before throwing seeds into the ground, consider this: Tall Fescue needs a bit of care during establishment to show its best potential. Unlike some “sprint and fizzle” grasses, it takes time to catch on. Ensuring the soil is well-prepared—rich in nutrients, properly tilled, and free of competitive weeds—can speed up this process and improve success rates. New Zealand’s fertile soils can work in its favour, but patience is key for a strong start.
Maintenance and Mowing
Tall Fescue's growth habits make it ideal for low-maintenance lawns. It doesn’t need constant watering, and it can be mown at higher settings to encourage strong root development and long-term resilience. That being said, proper seasonal management helps; overgrazing or cutting too short can weaken its otherwise robust performance.