Grasses ·Growing Guide
Chewings Fescue
Festuca rubra subsp. commutata
Chewings FescueGrassesLow Maintenance
The most aggressive and competitive fine fescue—Chewings Fescue crowds out weeds naturally through dense, upright growth that shades the soil surface. It thrives in shade conditions that defeat most lawn grasses, requiring as little as 2-3 hours of direct sunlight. Its fine, needle-like blades produce a soft, carpet-like texture. Chewi...
Shop Wicked Tuff Turf →Overview
About Chewings Fescue
Chewings Fescue (Festuca rubra subsp. commutata) is named for George Chewings, who commercialized the grass in New Zealand in the 1800s. Among the fine fescues, Chewings is the most aggressive competitor—its dense, upright growth crowds out weeds and other grasses more effectively than Creeping Red or Hard Fescue. This competitive nature makes it excellent in shade where it can dominate a stand, but it can also crowd out desirable species in blends if conditions favor it.
Unlike Creeping Red Fescue, Chewings Fescue is strictly bunch-type with no rhizomes or stolons. Damaged areas stay bare until overseeded. It appears in several Tuff Turf mixes (Kid Safe, Sun & Shade, Speedy Lawn) where its shade tolerance and weed-suppressive density complement spreading species.
Unlike Creeping Red Fescue, Chewings Fescue is strictly bunch-type with no rhizomes or stolons. Damaged areas stay bare until overseeded. It appears in several Tuff Turf mixes (Kid Safe, Sun & Shade, Speedy Lawn) where its shade tolerance and weed-suppressive density complement spreading species.
Fit
Where It Shines
Best for
- Shaded areas where weed suppression is desired
- Low-maintenance lawns under trees
- Blending with other fine fescues and ryegrass
- Low-nitrogen organic lawn programs
- Areas where natural weed competition is preferred over herbicides
- Fine-textured, soft-feeling turf
Not ideal for
- High-traffic areas (very slow recovery from wear)
- Full sun hot exposures
- Heavy clay or wet soils
- Stand-alone lawns requiring gap-filling (bunch-type only)
- Those wanting aggressive self-repair
From Seed to Stand
Establishment & Growth
Germination
Days 10-14: First seedlings visible. Days 14-21: Main germination flush. Similar speed to Creeping Red Fescue. Seedlings are fine and upright.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (non-spreading). Dense, upright clumps. The most aggressive/competitive fine fescue.
Establishment Timeline
First emergence: 10-14 days. Mowable: 4-6 weeks. Mature stand: 12-18 months.
Rates & Care
Seeding & Maintenance
| Seeding rate (new) | 4-5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Overseeding rate | 3-4 lbs per 1,000 sq ft |
| Soil temp to germinate | 50°F |
| Mowing height | 3.0-4.0 inches |
| Minimum mow height | 2.5 inches |
| First mow | When grass reaches 4-4.5 inches |
| Soil pH | 5.5-6.5 |
| Soil preference | Well-drained sandy loam to loam. Does not tolerate heavy clay or wet soils. |
| Nitrogen needs | 1-2 lbs N per 1,000 sq ft |
Conditions
Tolerances
SunPartial shade to moderate sun (2-6 hours)
ShadeExcellent
DroughtGood
TrafficLow
ColdExcellent
HeatModerate (goes dormant in extended heat)
Hardiness Zones2-7
Step by Step
How to Sow
1
Step 1: Prep
Ensure well-drained soil; test pH (5.5-6.5)
2
Step 2: Fertilize
Apply light organic starter fertilizer
3
Step 3: Sow
Spread seed at 4-5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft
4
Step 4: Contact
Rake very lightly and roll gently
5
Step 5: Water
Water 2-3 times daily for 2-3 weeks
6
Step 6: Mow/Establish
First mow at 4-4.5"; maintain 3-4" height
Feeding & Timing
Fertilizing & Season
Fertilizer Recommendation
Apply 1-2 lbs N per 1,000 sq ft annually. Like all fine fescues, excess nitrogen causes problems—thatch, disease, and loss of competitive advantage. Organic, slow-release fertilizers preferred. Recommended: Wicked Organics Lawn Formula, single light application in September.
Find the right Wicked fertilizer →Seasonal Planting
Best planted late August through mid-September (zones 4-6). Like all fine fescues, fall planting is critical. Spring planting is risky—slow germination faces heavy weed competition in warming conditions.
In Context
How It Compares
Chewings Fescue vs. Creeping Red Fescue: Chewings is more competitive/dense but doesn't spread (bunch-type); Creeping Red has short rhizomes for slow gap-filling. Both handle shade equally well. Chewings Fescue vs. Hard Fescue: Chewings establishes faster and is more competitive; Hard Fescue is more drought-tolerant and lower-maintenance. Chewings Fescue is the preferred fine fescue when weed suppression through density is the priority.
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chewings fescue and how does it differ from creeping red fescue?
Chewings fescue (Festuca rubra subsp. commutata) is a fine-textured, bunch-type grass that grows in dense, upright clumps. Unlike creeping red fescue which spreads via short rhizomes, chewings fescue has no rhizomes and does not spread laterally. It compensates with aggressive competitive growth within its clump—it is the most competitive of the fine fescues, crowding out weeds and neighboring plants more effectively. Its dense growth habit makes it excellent for weed suppression in shade.
What is Radar chewings fescue?
Radar is an improved chewings fescue variety known for its fine leaf texture, dark green color, and strong shade tolerance. It provides better density and turf quality than common chewings fescue, with improved resistance to red thread and other common fescue diseases. Radar is widely used in shade-tolerant lawn mixes and fine fescue blends throughout the northern United States. It is a component species in several Wicked Tuff Turf mixes where shade performance is needed.
How shade-tolerant is chewings fescue?
Chewings fescue has excellent shade tolerance—among the best of any cool-season lawn grass. It maintains quality with as little as 2-3 hours of direct sunlight or bright filtered light. Its competitive growth habit allows it to dominate shaded areas where Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass thin out. Chewings fescue is included at 25% in the Wicked Tuff Turf Sun & Shade Mix and 20% in the Kid Safe Lawn specifically for its shade performance.
What is the seeding rate for chewings fescue?
Seed chewings fescue at 4-5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for new lawns, or 2-3 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for overseeding. For larger areas, use 150-200 lbs per acre. Plant 0.125-0.25 inches deep on a firm seedbed. Chewings fescue germinates in 10-14 days. Because it does not spread, initial seed distribution must be uniform—thin spots will not fill via lateral growth. Mix seed with dry sand for more even hand-broadcasting.
Does chewings fescue tolerate foot traffic?
Chewings fescue has low traffic tolerance compared to Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue. It does not have rhizomes to repair damaged areas, and its bunch-type growth means worn spots remain bare until overseeded. Chewings fescue is best suited for low-traffic areas: shaded side yards, under-tree zones, and areas that receive foot traffic only occasionally. For moderate to high traffic, combine chewings fescue with perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass.
What maintenance does chewings fescue require?
Chewings fescue requires low maintenance: 1-2 lbs nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually, mowing at 3-4 inches every 7-14 days, and minimal irrigation once established. Excessive nitrogen fertilization damages fine fescues—it promotes thatch buildup, disease susceptibility, and aggressive grass growth that weakens the stand. Organic, slow-release fertilizers are preferred. Chewings fescue tolerates infrequent mowing better than most species and can be maintained at 3-4 inches with seasonal growth patterns.
What USDA zones does chewings fescue grow in?
Chewings fescue thrives in USDA zones 3-7, performing best in cool, moist climates. It has excellent cold tolerance (surviving to -30°F and below) but moderate heat tolerance—it may thin or go dormant during extended summer heat above 85°F. In zones 6-7, chewings fescue performs best in shaded areas where summer temperatures are moderated. For full-sun applications in warmer zones, tall fescue is a more heat-tolerant alternative.
