The tall grass on a golf course is commonly referred to as naturalized areas. These areas are intentionally left unmowed or are cut at a higher height to create a more natural and rustic look on the course. They add visual interest and provide habitat for wildlife.
In the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S., where the climate and soil conditions are suitable, the fine fescues and tall fescue grass species are often used for establishing these naturalized areas. These grasses are known for their persistence and ability to thrive in lower maintenance conditions.
Among the fine fescues, the hard fescue, sheep fescue, and Chewings fescue are particularly popular choices for mixtures used in establishing naturalized stands. These grasses have different characteristics and benefits that contribute to the overall aesthetics and functionality of the golf course.
Hard fescue (Festuca brevipila) is a cool-season grass that forms dense tufts and has a fine texture. It is known for its excellent drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils. Hard fescue has a low growth habit and requires less mowing and fertilization, making it a sustainable choice for naturalized areas.
Sheep fescue (Festuca ovina) is another fine fescue variety commonly used in naturalized areas. It has a slightly coarser texture compared to hard fescue but still provides a visually appealing look. Sheep fescue performs well in dry and sandy soils and can tolerate some shade. It forms clumps and has good heat and drought tolerance.
Chewings fescue (Festuca rubra subsp. commutata) is a fine fescue species that offers a finer texture and a darker green color compared to other fine fescues. It is often included in mixtures for naturalized areas to enhance the overall appearance. Chewings fescue tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and has good heat and drought tolerance.
These fine fescue grasses, along with tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), are well-suited for naturalized areas on golf courses due to their ability to withstand lower maintenance practices. Tall fescue is a coarse-textured grass that can grow in a variety of soil types and tolerates both sun and partial shade. It has a deep root system, making it more resistant to drought and heat stress.
When establishing naturalized areas on golf courses, a mixture of these grass species is often used to create a diverse and visually appealing landscape. This blend ensures that the area remains green and attractive throughout the year while requiring less maintenance compared to traditional mowed areas.
In my experience as a turfgrass expert, I have seen the successful use of these grass species in naturalized areas on golf courses. The fine fescues and tall fescue provide an excellent balance between aesthetics and functionality, allowing golf courses to showcase beautiful natural areas while reducing maintenance requirements. Golfers also appreciate the added variety and challenge that these naturalized areas bring to the game.