Tall Fescue Sod Installation in North Carolina
Find out what lawn environment Tall Fescue is great for!
What is Tall Fescue Sod?
Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is a cool-season grass variety known for its hunter-green color, dense coverage, and versatility in North Carolina lawns. Unlike warm-season sods that go dormant and brown in winter, Tall Fescue stays green year-round, making it a popular choice for homeowners who want consistent curb appeal in Raleigh, Cary, and across Southern Wake County.
Ideal Conditions for Fescue
- Soil compatibility: Adapts well to clay and loamy soils common in central NC.
- Shade tolerance: Handles partial shade better than Bermuda or Zoysia.
- Climate fit: Thrives in the cooler temperatures of fall and spring; needs extra care during hot, humid summers.
- Drainage needs: Prefers well-drained lawns; prone to fungal disease in persistently wet soils.
Maintenance Requirements
Tall Fescue requires more maintenance than warm-season grasses but rewards you with lush, year-round color.
- Mowing height: 3–4 inches to encourage deep roots.
- Watering: 1 inch per week; supplemental irrigation required in summer.
- Fertilization: Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer (16-4-8) in fall and spring.
- Overseeding: Essential each fall to thicken the lawn and repair summer thinning.
- Aeration: Recommended before overseeding to improve soil contact and reduce compaction.
Cost & Installation Guidance
- Price range for Tall Fescue: Installation in North Carolina typically ranges from $2.48 – $3.64 per square foot, depending on preparation needs and total square footage. Contact Peak Sodding for a custom quote for your property.
- Best installation timing: Early fall (Sept–Oct) and early spring (Mar–Apr).
- Local insight: Peak Sodding installs Tall Fescue throughout Raleigh, Cary, and Fuquay Varina in fall when cooler temps help sod establish without heat stress.
Installations of Tall Fescue
Tall Fescue is a clumping grass so it cannot repair itself when damaged. Tall Fescue is the highest maintenance grass choice for central North Carolina. Refer to the care link for specifics on chemical care. Here’s a Maintenance Calendar for Fescue.
Tall Fescue At a Glance
Tall Fescue is a versatile cool-season grass that delivers lush, hunter-green color year-round in North Carolina. Here are the key traits to know before choosing Fescue for your lawn.
Medium/Wide Blade
Clumping grass that will not spread by stolons or rhizomes
Prefers half day to partial sun with a minimum of 3 hours of direct sun per day
Needs a lot of consistent watering to survive summer heat
Mow every 7 days at 3-4″ high
Hunter green color
Fertilize 3-4 times a year in cool months with high Nitrogen fertilizer (16-4-8)
FAQs About Tall Fescue Sod
When is the best time to install Tall Fescue sod?
Early fall (September–October) and early spring (March–April) are the best times in NC.
Does Tall Fescue stay green in winter?
Yes, unlike Bermuda or Zoysia, Fescue remains green year-round in NC’s climate.
Does Tall Fescue tolerate shade?
Yes, it handles shade better than most warm-season grasses, making it popular in Cary and Chapel Hill neighborhoods with tree cover.
How often should Tall Fescue be overseeded?
Annually, typically in fall, to restore density and repair summer thinning.
Peak Sodding’s Expertise with Tall Fescue
Tall Fescue is one of the most popular choices for lawns in Southern Wake County, and Peak Sodding has installed thousands of square feet across Raleigh, Cary, and Holly Springs. Our team ensures that every installation is properly prepped, timed, and supported with the right aftercare guidance.