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Dwarf fescue or tall fescue for a Portland OR lawn #922947

Asked December 18, 2025, 8:05 AM EST

I live in SE Porland, OR, I am thinking of replanting my lawn with either dwarf fescue or tall fescue to reduce wtaring and mowing needs. The soil in my yard is full of rocks and drains very well, not clay. Would dwarf fescue or tall fescue seed grow well where I live. which would grow better dwarf fescue or tall fescue? Can I over seed with either dwarf fescue or tall fescue seeed? I would like to start either replanting or overseeding in late March 2026.

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Thank you for your question, David.  OSU has a comprehensive lawn program, and the best resource for lawn development is found in this publication:  https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/ec-1521-practical-lawn-care-western-oregon

Fescue varieties are often used in Oregon lawns, but they have several different characteristics which make some more appropriate for sites than others.  This article has a bit more information about choosing them:  https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/choose-right-grass-your-oregon-lawn

If you want to read more in depth research, you might want to skim the following articles (since you have lots of time to research):
https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/beaverturf/fine-fescues
and
https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/beaverturf/tall-fescue

I hope this information is helpful for you.  Good luck!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied December 22, 2025, 5:42 PM EST

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