How to Reseed Fescue
Fescue grass seed is a grass seed variety that's planted in warm climates with mild winters. The grass grows in a clumping format that can sometimes become thin due to crowding. It's common to reseed fescue grass after several years of growth to increase the lawn density, and thicken the turf area. Reseed your lawn in the cooler spring or fall seasons as the moisture levels are higher for seed germination.
Purchase fescue grass seed based on the percentage of grass loss in your yard. Multiply the percentage by the seeding rate of 5 pounds of fescue seed per 1,000 square feet. If you have 50 percent of grass loss, multiply .50 by 5 to get 2.5 pounds of seed needed per 1,000 square feet of lawn.
- Fescue grass seed is a grass seed variety that's planted in warm climates with mild winters.
- It's common to reseed fescue grass after several years of growth to increase the lawn density, and thicken the turf area.
Mow the lawn to a height of 1 to 1 1/2 inches. Rake all grass debris, or use a grass bagger attachment on the mower.
Rake the lawn area roughly to scratch the soil surface with the tines of the rake.
Apply high-phosphorus starter fertilizer to the lawn area. Don't use chemical products just before seeding that contain herbicides for weed control as this inhibits seed germination.
Spread fescue seed over the lawn area using a broadcast lawn seeder. Press the seed into the soil by pressing down with a shovel or using a lawn roller weighted with water.
- Mow the lawn to a height of 1 to 1 1/2 inches.
- Apply high-phosphorus starter fertilizer to the lawn area.
Water the seeded lawn area daily for the first three weeks to prevent the soil surface from drying. Water 1/8 inch each day, until the seeds sprout, and then increase the water amount applied to 1/2 to 1 inch, until the lawn's established.
Tip
There's no need to place mulch over reseeded lawns, as the existing grass serves the same purpose.
Lawn rollers are available to rent at garden centers and equipment rental stores.
Don't mow the reseeded lawn area until the grass reaches a length of 2 to 2 1/2 inches. Mow the grass and seedlings to a length of 1 1/2 to 2 inches.
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References
Tips
- There's no need to place mulch over reseeded lawns, as the existing grass serves the same purpose.
- Lawn rollers are available to rent at garden centers and equipment rental stores.
- Don't mow the reseeded lawn area until the grass reaches a length of 2 to 2 1/2 inches. Mow the grass and seedlings to a length of 1 1/2 to 2 inches.
Writer Bio
Jennifer Loucks has been writing since 1998. She previously worked as a technical writer for a software development company, creating software documentation, help documents and training curriculum. She now writes hobby-based articles on cooking, gardening, sewing and running. Loucks also trains for full marathons, half-marathons and shorter distance running. She holds a Bachelor of Science in animal science and business from University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
