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.

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Rake the lawn area roughly to scratch the soil surface with the tines of the rake.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.