Sustainability Office
Queen's University
Fescue Grass
Characteristics
The selected blend includes Creeping Red Fescue, Sheep's Fescue, Hard Fescue and Chewings Fescue along with some Annual Ryegrass. Characteristics of this particular blend should:
- tolerate a variety of soil types including poor quality, low-fertile soils
- be slow growing
- be drought resistant
- and provide a degree of pest resistance.
Desired Outcomes
A test site has been planted with the fescue seed mixture near Stirling Hall to assess the impacts of fescue characteristics on campus. It is hoped that this mixture will provide a lawn that
- requires no watering beyond seasonal rain
- requires no seasonal fertilizer treatment
- and reduces the number of times the lawn needs to be cut.
These benefits on a larger scale would allow our Grounds Department to redirect resources away from grass cutting and concentrate on other grounds maintenance. Additionally, fuel savings would not only help the bottom line but also reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with running lawn equipment.
Watch Grass Grow!
Pease direct feedback to sustain@queensu.ca