While the best time of year to reseed fescue lawns is in the fall, the second best time is now. So, if your best intentions to get that seed down last fall went unfulfilled, it’s time to get after it. 

One question we get often is “why do I need to reseed my fescue lawn, the parts of my lawn that are Bermuda never need any reseeding?” Here’s why.

Fescue is often considered a grass for shadier areas which is kind of misleading. All turf grasses need sun.  And, if you think about it, fescue does best in the fall when the leaves have fallen, during the winter when there are no leaves, and then in the spring until the leaves come out and obscure the sun. So, fescue is getting its sun. 

In reality, fescue is a grass for cooler climates which is why it does better here in the fall, winter, and spring. You can keep a fescue lawn healthy during the summer but that requires more water than most people’s budgets allow. Because of that, fescue tends to take a beating during the summer and needs to be reseeded to keep it looking the way it should.

If you would like to reseed your fescue this spring, be sure not to put down any weed pre-emergent. Pre-emergent works by keeping weed seeds from germinating, but it will also keep fescue seeds from germinating. Because of this, some people get the idea that they are terrible at reseeding fescue, but in reality it’s the weed pre-emergent that is causing the problem. 

Shopping for fescue seed can be confusing with so many different options to choose. We recommend purchasing a seed mix rather that a bag of seed that is all one variety of seed. We suggest a mix because using a mix gives you the best chance at success because it’s hard to predict which type of seed is going to do well in your particular growing conditions. A mix of different varieties of seeds will also help to minimize risk of disease in your turf. 

When over-seeding, you will want to apply the seed at a rate of about 3 to 6 pounds per 1000 square feet. If you are putting down seed on bare ground, use a rate of between 6 to 8 pounds per square foot. To figure out where to set the distribution level on your spreader, just measure out about 1 pound of seed, measure out an area of about 1000 square feet, and then adjust the spreader via experimentation. Then it’s time to apply where you need it. 

While drop spreaders give you more control over where the seed goes, a broadcast spreader will make the job go faster. 

Once your seed is down, you’ll need to keep it moist until it germinates. Sometimes it’s good to lay your seed down before a rain, but rains are so unpredictable. With a heavier rain than expected, you might lose all your seed in the runoff. 

To keep it moist for germination, plan on watering lightly 2 to 3 times a day. Once you see grass starting to come up you can back off a bit, just don’t let it dry out. 

If you follow these steps, your lawn should be back in shape in no time. Good luck. 

You can get answers to all your gardening questions by calling the Tulsa Master Gardeners Help Line at 918-746-3701, dropping by our Diagnostic Center at 4116 E. 15th Street, or by emailing us at mg@tulsamastergardeners.org.