Q: Why do the fescue lawns at commercial establishments look so beautiful? What are they doing so different? The lawns are so dark green and they are cut very tall. According to all the books fescue should be cut at 2 1/2 to 3 inches. It seems that they are cutting it a 4 or more inches.

A: The commercial sites have usually had the soil tilled before fescue was planted. Fescue with deep roots grows very well and is able to survive summer heat better. They also probably use ‘Kentucky 31’ fescue, which likes a higher mowing level.