Black Beauty Tall Fescue

People Frequently ask us what species to choose for a new low-mainuenenace lawn. The answer is simple: Black Beauty turf-type tall fescue. Jonathan Green Black Beauty grown by SODCO is our most drought tolerant blend for sun and shade areas.

Featured on “This Old House,” Black Beauty turf type tall fescue is an ecologically-friendly lawn that uses half the amount of nitrogen than traditional Kentucky Bluegrass sods. In addition, it has roots that can grow up to 4-feet deep for superior drought tolerance; maximum root system development occurs after one to two years from planting with deep roots making it reach available moisture and nutrients far below the ground surface.

Black Beauty  naturally withstands  many insects and diseases, due to the selection of  genetically superior varieties that have enhanced disease resistance, as well as containing natural endophytes that produce defensive chemicals called alkaloids; which are toxic to many surface feeding insect pests like chinch bugs and sod webworms, greatly reducing the need to use fungicides and insecticides.

Black Beauty has a natural dark-green color which remains consistent throughout the year if properly watered and fertilized, and also has a  uniform leaf texture, perfectly suitable for any landscape. Unlike the weed Tall Fescue, Black Beauty Turf Type Tall Fescue displays a uniform “non-clumpy” grow habit. Turf Type Tall Fescue grows very thick and dense, which gives it tremendous wear tolerance.

Black Beauty turf type tall fescue sod grows well in sun or shade. It has excellent shade tolerance, especially in areas that receive at least four hours of filtered sunlight daily. It thrives in cool and warm weather and will tolerate cold winters. Favorable soil pH level is 6.0-7.4, but will hold up well in soils with lower pH. Black Beauty performs extremely well in any soil, from sandy loam to heavy clay.