It does have rudimentary rhizomes, but is considered a weak sod-forming species. Recent developments have led to the introduction of darker green, finer textured tall fescue cultivars that are preferred for turfgrass use. Tall fescue is considered a long-lived perennial when grown in the transitional region. As a turf in these areas, it tends to act like a short-lived perennial. Because of this susceptibility to low temperature kill, the stand can be thinned, leaving scattered coarse textured plants and an unsightly turf.
Tall fescue is very heat and drought tolerant when compared to the other cool season turfgrasses.
It is also one of the most wear tolerant species. Its shade tolerance is intermediate. Tall fescue has a wide range of adaptation in terms of soil fertility, texture, and drainage. It prefers a pH of 5.5 to 6.5, but will tolerate a range of 4.7 to 8.5. It tolerates alkaline and saline soil conditions better than most cool season turfgrasses.