Tall fescue has a deep root system that allows better survival during drought periods if soil moisture is available. It's normal range of adaptation does not include the low desert areas of the southwest. It does have fair shade tolerance, and has been used to some success in heavily shaded areas, replacing St. Augustine grass, because of its ease of maintenance, year round color, and shade tolerance. Tall Fescue Tall fescue has leaves which are about as wide as annual ryegrass, both of which are wider than those of perennial ryegrass. The vein pattern is different from the ryegrass as well.
Tall fescue has a flat leaf with many large veins clearly visible on the leaf surface.
It does not have midrib like perennial ryegrass. Also, hook-like hairs are found on the leaf margins, pointing toward the leaf tip. These hairs can be felt by running your thumb and finger along the leaf margin starting from the leaf tip towards the base. Tall fescue is easily established from seed in the middle of September in Tucson, and by the first week of October in Phoenix. Fall planting allows better root development so that the root system is developed before the hot summer weather.