Fescue looking tired – think about over-seeding

By: Billy Skaggs, Hall County Extension Agent

If you’re fescue lawn is like mine, it’s probably looking rather ‘tired’ right now. This summer’s drought has taken a toll on the best fescue lawns. Even with ample irrigation, many tall fescue lawns have thinned out and need reseeding.

Additional problems include pests like crabgrass and white grubs, or disease problems like brown patch. Environmental conditions like compacted soil or shade also contribute to turf thinning. All of these factors, however, can be overcome with proper management.

Weeds often become a problem when turf thins. Large weedy areas can be spot treated with a nonselective herbicide such as glyphosate prior to reseeding. If pre-emergent herbicides have been used within the past 4 months, check to be sure the recommended period of time has passed before attempting to reseed.

The length of this period will depend on the product used and the rate at which it was applied. Generally, herbicides should not be used on newly re-seeded turf until after 3-4 mowings. Always read and follow label instructions.

If the lawn needs reseeding, estimate the percentage of tall fescue loss and multiply that number by the establishment-seeding rate of 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet. For example, if 50 percent of the stand is dead, reseed with 50% x 5 = 2.5 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

Getting the seed in contact with the soil is necessary to assure successful reseeding. First, mow the lawn at a height of about two inches. Next, disturb the soil preferably by core aerating or vertical mowing before seeding. Equipment is often available at rental or garden centers.

Finally, keep the soil moist. Irrigate lightly and often enough to prevent surface drying. This usually means watering every other day for the first three weeks. As the seedlings develop, decrease the irrigation frequency and increase the amount of water applied until normal practices can be followed.

Of course, timing is also crucial. If you ask ten different lawn experts when to over-seed your fescue lawn, you’ll likely get five or so different answers. To be safe, I’ll give you the standard county agent answer – it depends… In general, mid to late September is considered a good time to seed fescue. However, try to wait on cooler temps and a little rain if possible.

As for which cultivar, this is often the most difficult question to answer as new fescue cultivars enter the market every year. Here are a few turf type fescue varieties known to have above average performance: Rebel Exeda, Plantation, Southern Gold, Rebel Sentry, Titan, Rembrandt, Wolfpack, Millennium, Dynasty, and Olympic Gold.

Billy Skaggs