It does not tolerate shade. The fescues are divided into two groups- coarse fescue and fine fescue. Tall fescue is an example of coarse fescue. Chewings, creeping red, and hard fescues are examples of fine fescues. Fescues are cool season grasses and have a bunch type growth habit.
Tall fescue is coarse, with low to medium shoot density.
It is tolerant of wear, heat, and drought. It is best adapted to utility and low maintenance turf. Fine fescues have a high shoot density. They are shade tolerant, but not as drought tolerant as Kentucky Bluegrass. This species is quick to establish which is why it is often mixed with the slower Kentucky Bluegrass.