When it comes to cool-season grasses, Kentucky 31 (K-31) and tall fescue blends are two of the most popular options in the United States. Whether you’re planting a lush lawn, a tough turf for foot traffic, or a dependable pasture, your choice between Kentucky 31 and modern tall fescue cultivars can significantly affect the look, maintenance, and long-term health of your landscape.
In this article, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of both Kentucky 31 and tall fescue, so you can make the best decision for your specific needs.
🌱 What is Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue?
Kentucky 31, often abbreviated as K-31, is one of the oldest and most rugged tall fescue varieties. Released in 1943, K-31 was initially bred for pasture use and erosion control rather than aesthetics. However, due to its hardiness, it’s also become popular for low-maintenance lawns.
Key Traits:
- Coarse texture
- Light green color
- Extremely drought and heat tolerant
- Deep roots and strong traffic resistance
- Low maintenance
🌿 What is Tall Fescue (Modern Varieties)?
Modern tall fescue grass refers to a group of improved turf-type cultivars developed from the same species (Festuca arundinacea) as Kentucky 31. These newer cultivars have been bred for:
- Finer leaf texture
- Denser growth habit
- Darker green color
- Improved disease resistance
- Better turf aesthetics
Common brands include Rebel, Falcon, Titan, and more.
📊 Kentucky 31 vs. Tall Fescue: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Kentucky 31 | Modern Tall Fescue |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf Texture | Coarse | Fine to medium |
| Color | Light green | Deep green |
| Aesthetics | Low (rugged look) | High (lawn-quality appearance) |
| Drought Tolerance | Excellent | Very good |
| Foot Traffic Tolerance | Excellent | Very good |
| Shade Tolerance | Moderate | Moderate to good |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Moderate |
| Disease Resistance | Moderate | High (with improved varieties) |
| Mowing Height | 3.5 – 4.5 inches | 2.5 – 4 inches |
| Maintenance Level | Low | Moderate |
| Cost per Pound | Cheaper (~$1–$2/lb) | More expensive (~$3–$5+/lb) |
| Best Use Case | Pastures, erosion control, rural lawns | High-quality residential lawns |
✅ Advantages of Kentucky 31
1. Durability and Drought Tolerance
K-31 has a deep root system, making it one of the best grasses for withstanding dry spells. It’s perfect for areas with little irrigation or infrequent rainfall.
2. Great for Foot Traffic
Ideal for high-traffic zones, such as playgrounds, dog parks, or grazing fields.
3. Low Cost
K-31 is significantly more affordable, especially when seeding large areas like pastures or open lawns.
4. Low Maintenance
It requires less frequent mowing and fertilization compared to fine turf-type fescues.
❌ Disadvantages of Kentucky 31
1. Coarse Texture
Its blades are wider and rougher than modern grasses, making it less comfortable underfoot and visually less appealing.
2. Pale Color
K-31 has a lighter green hue, which may not be as pleasing compared to the rich green of turf-type fescues.
3. Disease Susceptibility
K-31 is more prone to brown patch and leaf spot, especially in hot, humid conditions.
4. Clumpy Appearance
It tends to grow in tufts or clumps, especially without overseeding, leading to uneven turf.
✅ Advantages of Turf-Type Tall Fescue
1. Premium Lawn Appearance
The fine blades and dense growth give modern tall fescue varieties a carpet-like, manicured look.
2. Disease Resistance
Modern cultivars are bred to resist common diseases like brown patch, rust, and fusarium blight.
3. Improved Shade Tolerance
New varieties offer better shade performance, useful under trees or in partially sunny yards.
4. Blends Well with Other Grasses
Turf-type tall fescues can be combined with bluegrass or ryegrass for customized performance and aesthetics.
❌ Disadvantages of Turf-Type Tall Fescue
1. Higher Cost
Modern cultivars are more expensive per pound than K-31, which adds up for large-scale seeding.
2. More Maintenance Required
To maintain appearance, these grasses need regular mowing, watering, and fertilization.
3. Not Ideal for Pasture
While they look great, turf-type fescues aren’t suitable for grazing or rough usage like K-31.
🧩 Which Should You Choose?
Choose Kentucky 31 If:
- You’re planting in rural areas, roadbanks, or pastures.
- You’re on a budget and need to cover a large area.
- You need a tough, no-fuss turf for utility over appearance.
- You’re seeding an erosion control project or field.
Choose Turf-Type Tall Fescue If:
- You want a high-end lawn with lush, dark green color.
- You’re willing to invest time and money in maintenance.
- You want disease-resistant turf for a humid or shaded yard.
- You’re creating a residential or commercial landscape.
🌧️ Performance by Climate Zone
| Region | Preferred Grass Type |
|---|---|
| Southeast U.S. | Turf-type (if irrigated) or K-31 for rural areas |
| Midwest (humid/cold) | Turf-type blends |
| Dry Southern Plains | Kentucky 31 |
| Pacific Northwest | Either (depends on use) |
🧪 Seeding Tips for Success
- Seed Rate:
- K-31: 6–8 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft.
- Turf-type: 4–6 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft.
- Best Time to Plant:
- Early Fall (Sept–Oct) or Early Spring (Feb–Mar)
- Watering:
- Keep soil moist until germination (7–14 days)
- Mowing:
- First mow when grass reaches 4 inches. Never cut more than 1/3 of blade height.
Final Verdict: Kentucky 31 or Tall Fescue?
It’s not a matter of which is “better,” but rather which is better for you.
- For rugged use, low maintenance, and large-scale seeding, Kentucky 31 wins.
- For aesthetics, comfort, and a lush lawn, turf-type tall fescue is superior.
If you’re still unsure, you can even blend the two for a balance between hardiness and appearance.
Kentucky 31 vs. Tall Fescue (FAQs)
Here are the most common questions people ask when considering or maintaining Kentucky 31 (KY-31) and turf-type tall fescues:
1. What is Kentucky 31 (KY-31) Tall Fescue?
Answer:
Kentucky 31 is an old, durable variety of tall fescue grass, originally released in 1943. It’s valued for its drought and heat tolerance, making it popular for pastures, lawns, and erosion control—especially in areas where many grasses struggle.
2. How is Kentucky 31 different from turf-type tall fescue?
Answer:
- KY-31: Coarse, lighter green, grows in bunches or clumps, faster growth, often hosts a toxic endophyte (harmful to livestock).
- Turf-type: Finer blades, darker green, denser growth for a prettier and more uniform lawn, usually bred with endophytes that are safe or absent, and often more disease-resistant. Turf-types are more expensive but offer a better lawn appearance.
3. Is Kentucky 31 safe for horses and cattle?
Answer:
No, original KY-31 contains a toxic endophyte fungus that can cause fescue toxicosis in grazing animals, especially pregnant mares and cattle. Modern turf-types are available with “novel” or endophyte-free options safe for livestock.
4. Where does tall fescue grow best?
Answer:
Tall fescue (including KY-31 and modern turf-types) thrives in the “transition zone”—areas too hot for cool-season grasses and too cold for warm-season types. It tolerates drought, heat, and foot traffic, and can handle moderate shade.
5. How often should Kentucky 31 or tall fescue be mowed?
Answer:
KY-31 grows faster and often needs mowing more frequently (every 5–7 days in the peak seasons). Turf-type tall fescues usually grow slower and need less frequent mowing, making them easier to maintain for lawns.
6. Does tall fescue grass need frequent reseeding?
Answer:
Because tall fescues are bunch-types (not spreading by runners), lawns may become thin or “clumpy” over time. Annual or biannual overseeding—especially in fall—helps maintain lawn density.
7. Which is more drought and disease tolerant?
Answer:
Both KY-31 and turf-type tall fescue are among the most drought- and heat-tolerant cool-season grasses. Turf-type varieties are typically bred for improved disease resistance and pest tolerance.
8. What is the maintenance difference between KY-31 and turf-type tall fescue?
Answer:
- KY-31: Tough and low-cost, but its coarser texture and rapid growth mean more mowing and less visual appeal for lawns.
- Turf-type: Requires less mowing, less thatch, and produces a denser, more uniform lawn—at a higher seed cost upfront.
9. Can I use Kentucky 31 for my home lawn?
Answer:
Yes, especially if you want a rugged, low-cost, tough grass. But if you prefer a lush, deep-green, fine-textured lawn, turf-type tall fescues are a better choice.
10. How much seed do I need?
Answer:
- Tall fescue (including KY-31): 10–15lbs per 1,000sq.ft. for new lawns or overseeding.
- Follow specific product recommendations for best results.
11. Is tall fescue good for shady areas?
Answer:
Tall fescue tolerates partial shade better than many other grasses but needs at least some daily sunlight. For deep shade, fine fescue types are superior26.
12. How do I tell if I have Kentucky 31 or a turf-type fescue growing?
Answer:
KY-31 is coarser, lighter green, and clumpier in appearance. Turf-types are finer, darker, and form a more carpet-like lawn. Many lawns blend the two due to overseeding practices.
These answers should help clarify the key differences, benefits, and management needs of Kentucky 31 vs. turf-type tall fescues for a variety of uses and environments.
Refrences
- https://www.pennington.com/all-products/grass-seed/resources/all-you-need-to-know-about-tall-fescue
- https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/tall-fescue/
- https://www.jonathangreen.com/faq/k-31-tall-fescue/
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