In Pennsylvania the two predominant roadside vegetative covers have been Kentucky 31 tall fescue and crownvetch. The tall fescue has been planted in areas that can be mowed, and the crownvetch has been planted on slopes and rocky areas. The primary disadvantages of these materials are that the tall fescue requires frequent mowing, and the crownvetch becomes infested with broadleaved weeds and brush that are difficult to remove. Fine fescues are effective, low-maintenance grasses, but they have been little known and used. They will grow under a wide variety of soil texture, fertility, and moisture conditions. They develop a deep, extensive root system and a dense sod that will provide support for vehicles that leave the road. They tolerate shade and grow well in full sun. They survive and thrive better than any other cool-season grass under low-maintenance conditions, including little or no mowing, irrigation, fertilisation, or pesticide use. Once established, they are extremely competitive with weeds and brush species, and they may have alleleopathic effects on other vegetation. They also are tolerant of many selective broadleaved weed killers. This means that brush and weeds of all types can be removed from fine fescue plantings without damaging the fescues. They require little or no mowing. Sheep fescue and hard fescue grow slowly, and the leaf blades of the taller red and chewings fescue lay over and mat as they grow. The only reason to mow fine fescues along roadsides is to cut weeds or their seedheads, of which hard and red fescues produce few.
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