Fine Fescue Seeding and Propagation

Planting New Lawn

Planting Fescues is similar to many other lawns.Fine Fescue seeding is generally best planted in the fall, typically between September 15^th and November 1 ^st. It is recommended that any fine fescue seeding be done with other fescue types. The fine fescue will fill in the shady areas. The other fescues will thrive in higher traffic and sunny areas.

Prepare the Seed bed, Grade, smooth and level the lawn, remove debris such as stones twigs etc. Lightly tilling the first several inched of soil will also help loosen and provide a good foundation for your grass seed. Work in a good starter fertilizer. Fertilizers such as a 28-24-6 would be ideal. You need a fertilizer that has a generous amount of nitrogen (28) and a higher rate of phosphorous then usual. (24) the phosphorous will encourage vigorous root growth in your new lawn helping it to establish itself into a dense turf.

Spread the seed at the rate of 3 to 5 pounds per 1000 square feet. Rake the seed in to a depth of 1/4” and if needed, use straw as a light mulch to prevent erosion. Water daily for 30 days to give all of the seed a good chance to germinate. Do not exceed the recommended rate of seed when establishing a new lawn. Fescue Seedlings will compete with each other. Initially, you will get a very nice carpet of seedlings. However, competition between seedlings for water and nutrients will give you poor results.

Over Seeding Existing Lawn

Cut the existing lawn as close as possible without scalping it. Rake or scratch the soil and apply the seed over it at the rate of 1 to 2 Pound per 1000 Square feet follow mulching and watering instructions as listed above .