Question
I have two questions, first I live in southern california and just bought a house with a yard in need of repair. I plan on removing existing lawn and adding new lawn seed. Off to the side of the yard is a large tree which offers plenty of shade.  The research I have done suggests that Tall Fescue may be ideal given its durability (I have young kids), year round growth, asthetic quality and ability to thrive in shade.  My only concern is that will this strain of seed prosper in the hot southern cali climate?  Also the neighbors have this insidious ivy growing on my fence and into a portion of my lawn.  What is the best method to remove and prevent regrowth?  I appreciate your feedback.

Answer
2nd things first.  Unless you can actually kill the ivy, which sounds like it's in the neighbor's yard, you'll just need to cut it back when it encroaches, unless the neighbor is okay with you spraying a vegetation killer on it.  You may wish to speak with them on that.

Tall fescue does sound like a good option for the most part, but the southern, hot climate could definitely prove too severe.  You may want to look into Zoysia and/or St. Augustine.  Both are pretty durable, and would be able to handle the southern heat far better than Tall Fescue.

Let me know how it works out!

-C.J. Brown
www.TheLawnCoach.com