Aerating will create pockets that allow for movement of air, water and nutrients in the root zone. Tall fescue is a cool-season grass, and it gives off a dark green color once it’s fully grown. If your type of grass is a cool-season grass, then fall is an important growth period for your lawn. Continue until the desired depth or amount is applied. It takes most fescue seeds 14 to 21 days to germinate and show signs of growth. It can also be quite invasive as well. If you don’t have an aerator of your own, make arrangements to rent or borrow one. At the top of the list is aerating and seeding, but the work does not end there – aeration and seeding depends on a commitment to watering. It's been really hot here in San Diego this past week (in the 90's some days). Unfortunately, if left wild, tall fescue will typically act as a weed. If your type of grass is a cool-season grass, then fall is an important growth period for your lawn. A dark bluish-gray color and wilted, folded, or curled leaves indicate that it is time to water. The intervals of watering the Lawn depend on the soil type and rainfall also. After your newly seeded fescue Lawn is completed we recommend watering three times a day every day of the week, but only long enough each time to keep the seed wet. Would it be advisable to go to watering 2x … Read our pointers about mowing as soon as there is something to mow. Mow Low. Renovation DO NOT aerate tall fescue lawns at this time. Tall fescue needs 1 to 11⁄4 inches of water every week, ideally NOT all at once. Always leave clippings on the lawn in a practice called “grass-cycling”. After that, begin to cut back watering to twice per week and soak the soil deeper, about 6 to 8 inches, to encourage the grass roots to grow down deep into the soil. Mow to 31⁄2 inches and mow before the grass gets taller than 5 inches. hide. Use a blend of “turf-type” tall fescue cultivars at 6 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet, and apply a starter-type (high phosphorus) fertilizer. I’m in week two of a lawn renovation and was curious how long I should be keeping everything damp by watering three times a day. Fertilize with 1 pound of actual nitrogen (N) per 1,000 square feet in mid-September and again in November (about the time the grass is green but not actively growing). Spread seed in a grid-like pattern for full coverage. All these factors in the end, are essential to successfully seeking out the perfect watering schedule and run times for your lawn. If prolonged rain or other factors prevent mowing and clippings are too plentiful to leave on the lawn, collect them and use them as mulch. Purchase the necessary soil amendments from your local Super-Sod store. Your lawn already has Bluegrass in it naturally. After the third mowing, water to a depth of 6 inches.” I have my fixed overseeding schedules set up with smart cycle, seasonal shift and climate skip all off, and rain skip and freeze skip on. Then apply the nutrient your lawn needs. Tall fescue lawns will thrive on a regular a fertilizing schedule. So as you can see, when it comes to watering tall fescue, you need to make sure that you understand the soil and conditions you have it planted in. Delay aeration until fall. After the third mowing, water to a depth of 6 inches.” I have my fixed overseeding schedules set up with smart cycle, seasonal shift and climate skip all off, and rain skip and freeze skip on. For tall fescue, the normal rate is generally 6 to 8 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet on bare soil. It becomes extremely severe during prolonged, overcast wet weather with evening air temperatures above 68°F. We have 100% fescue seeds with no weed seeds, and we’ll make sure you know the best watering schedule in order to help promote seed growth. I am preparing my yard for overseeding with turf type fescue grass. Insect Control Be sure you do not apply any pre-emergent herbicide prior to overseeding your Tall Fescue lawn. September is a good time to build toward healthier, thicker tall fescue grass for next year by adding grass seed to your existing lawn, or overseeding… Ask your county Extension agent about a free soil test. Fertilization If you have a Fescue lawn, contact us today to schedule your free evaluation and estimate for Aeration & Seeding. (See Diseases of Cool-Season Grasses, AG-361.). Indians. Keep your fescue grass lawn healthy and beautiful. • After that, apply one-fourth inch of water every third day for nine days. Disease Control Mowing Use a blend of “turf-type” tall fescue cultivars at 6 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet, and apply a starter-type (high phosphorous) fertilizer. We ship throughout Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. To keep you from guessing what to do next, we’ve laid out some details on how to water your lawn. Water everything in and then keep the seeded area(s) constantly moist to ensure rapid germination. Leave grass clippings on the lawn where they decompose quickly and can provide up to 25 percent of the lawn’s fertilizer needs. Fall Rescue Overseeding. • Apply enough water daily to prevent the top one-half inch of soil from drying until seedlings are 1.5 inches tall. Sandy soils require more frequent watering (about 1⁄2 inch of water every third day). Location, terrain, soil type and condition, age of lawn, previous lawn care, and other factors affect turf performance, so adjust the following management practices and dates to suit your particular lawn. 100% Tall Fescue seed works great in most Kansas City area lawns. Keep the seedbed moist with light watering several times per day. After mowing, rake the lawn to help loosen the top layer of soil and remove any dead grass and debris. Increase the watering time if you have observed that the water has not reached the desired depth. Overseeding and watering schedule Should I change the watering schedule for the section of my lawn I recently overseeded? save. This publication printed on: Dec. 22, 2020, NC 1. Once you’ve aerated and overseeded your lawn in the fall, you’ll want to follow up with watering. Overseeding is a little different. Coarse fescue varieties, such as Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue or Alta are much larger plants having wider blades that were originally designed as pasture grass. Topics: Rent a. Overseeding and watering schedule Should I change the watering schedule for the section of my lawn I recently overseeded? There are, however, a few secrets to proper watering to keep fescue green in summer. Tall fescue requires consistent moisture during germination, fall typically provides this, with fewer heavy rain storms. For more information on fertilizing lawns refer to HGI… As the seedlings, plugs, or sprigs grow, continue to decrease the frequency of watering while increasing the duration to promote deep rooting. Mowing Do not let the seedlings dry out. A&T State University. I've been watering twice a day for 5 minutes at 6:30am and 2:30 pm. Scalp the area with a mower and/or rake again to expose the soil. Sandy soils often require more frequent watering, such as ¾ inch every three days. Keep your newly revived lawn looking its best with a regular, comprehensive maintenance plan that includes diligent watering, best mowing practices and proactive overseeding. DIY. A turf type tall fescue lawn typically receives an aeration and overseeding service in the fall each year. This should be broadcast over the prepared area. Water until the soil is wet to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. 914-882-5459 The results have been great and the whole lawn has 1/2 inch grass coming out with a few bare spots here and there. 1) Stop fertilizing 4 to 6 weeks prior to overseeding your Bermuda lawn, and cut back on watering. N.C. Instead, much of the growth occurs underground in the root system. 1 comment. The time to solve problems is actually before they occur. Overseed thin, bare areas as weather cools (August 15 to September 1). Water your grass once to twice daily until seeds germinate. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status. I guess I’m asking, how do I adjust back to a more normal three times a week? Water thoroughly and immediately after planting. For more information on particular Creeping Red Fescue grass varieties, including improved varieties, please visit our online store Seedland.com . Do not let the seedlings dry out. Caution: Some herbicides may affect newly seeded turf. Water thoroughly and immediately after planting. Check for and control white grubs in April and May. Do not use Kentucky 31 tall fescue or other coarse fescue blends for overseeding lawns. Improved fescues tolerate more shade and closer mowing. Apply preemergence herbicides to control crabgrass, goosegrass, and foxtail. Instead of topping seeds with wheat straw and potentially introducing foreign seeds, use Soil3 organic compost to mulch your lawn. Also, many weeds go dormant as temperatures drop in the fall. It is generally not necessary to remove thatch. Follow label directions. Do not exceed this rate. Overseeding results are showing! For more information on mowing lawns refer to HGIC 1205, Mowing Lawns. Have your soil tested. Remove plugs and break them up to put the soil back into the lawn. report. Water following guidelines for March through May. (See White Grub Control in Turf, AG-366). Would it be advisable to go to watering 2x … Then you can go back to watering 1” per week in a single application. (See White Grub Control in Turf, AG-366.). I guess I’m asking, how do I adjust back to a more normal three times a week? Tall fescue grows rapidly and requires frequent mowing but does not tolerate close mowing. Be patient with your fescue lawn, as it might require overseeding and a proper mowing for you to see a full, healthy lawn. Fescue’s spreading capacity and ability to self-repair after damage is limited. It does best in moist areas but can handle periods of drought fairly well. Buy fescue grass seed online from Seedland.com. Keep the seedbed moist with light watering several times per day. commitment to diversity. A nice fescue lawn has several important maintenance requirements. The best time to overseed with fescue grass is in the early fall. Fertilization Check for white grubs in September and October; fall is the ideal time to control white grubs. Watering Grass clippings decompose quickly and do not contribute to thatch. • Apply enough water daily to prevent the top one-half inch of soil from drying until seedlings are 1.5 inches tall. Call us now! Water deeply only in early morning to prevent fungus, disease, and evaporation Proper irrigation may prevent or reduce problems later in the summer. (See Pest Control Recommendations for Turfgrass Managers, AG-408). This is important, since grass seed needs good soil contact for proper germination. Western region only! A&T State University, in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee The short blades of grass will also help the grass seed reach the soil more easily. Spread half of the seed in a north-south direction and the other half in an east-west direction. • Do not use weed control products on your lawn until at least six weeks after planting. Grass does keep growing for a good part of the fall, even if you don't see as much growth on top. Why Fall Watering Is Important . If new grass sprouts appear in four or five days don't suspend the watering routine. save. Many new “turf-type” tall fescues are available at many home and garden centers. Many factors affect the germination period, including the temperature, your soil’s oxygen level, and its watering schedule. HOW TO OVERSEED AN EXISTING TALL FESCUE LAWN, Problem Management: Pests, Diseases, Weeds, mowing as soon as there is something to mow. Either water as needed to prevent drought stress or allow the lawn to go dormant. Posted by Rob Reindl on Oct 6, 2016 9:24:59 AM Tweet; Summer is over, and fall is upon us. WATERING SCHEDULE AFTER SEEDING • One inch of water immediately after planting. commitment to diversity. Apply by the time dogwoods are in bloom. Rake your lawn to remove debris and any other vegetation. Overseeding Your Tall Fescue Lawn Part 1: The Setup. Overseed thin, bare areas as weather cools (August 15 to September 1). • Next apply one-half inch of water every fifth day for ten days. Fall seeding is required to maintain dense, healthy strands of grass. Watering Tall fescue needs 1 to 1 1 ⁄ 4 inches of water every week, ideally NOT all at once. Because of the variances in lawns, irrigation systems and watering methods, giving an exact watering time is impossible; however, a good guideline is to never let the seeded areas become completely dry and don’t allow standing water. Now Let’s Talk About The Best Watering Practices For Fescue Turf Grass. Tall fescue usually requires overseeding in the spring or fall. Weed Control Overseeding is the process of spreading new grass seed throughout your lawn to help it grow. After that, begin to cut back watering to twice per week and soak the soil deeper, about 6 to 8 inches, to encourage the grass roots to grow down deep into the soil. N.C. Aerate lawns that are subject to heavy traffic or on clay soils. Tall fescue can be a high water user in summer, especially in the transition zone, southern and western states. I've been watering twice a day for 5 minutes at 6:30am and 2:30 pm. Watering new grass seed is a simple process that only requires a small investment of time. Watering should be done right after you overseed your lawn. Is overseeding necessary with tall fescue? For tall fescue, the normal rate is 6 to 8 pounds per 1000 square feet, so the overseeding rate is 3 to 4 pounds per 1000 square feet. Re: (Another) Overseed watering schedule Post by Delmarva Keith » Tue Aug 28, 2018 2:48 pm What I do is take the amount of water normally applied and just break that down into 3x … Here are some tips for proper […] Watering Receive Email Notifications for New Publications. As an alternative to traditional fertilizer, order. Cooperative Extension is based at North Carolina's two land-grant institutions, Do not apply nitrogen fertilizer when the disease is active, keep the mowing height above 3 inches, and water between 2 and 8 am. I finally planted tall fescue seed after a three week prep of the backyard 11/20. Mow to 21⁄2 to 3 inches in height. Learn about when to water, how much to water, what equipment to use and more on watering after overseeding with our experts knowledge. The mix of fescue and Bluegrass is an excellent one. Video, 2) If needed, dethatch lawn lightly. Mow the lawn to remove excess vegetation, making it easier for the aerator to reach the root zone. Weed Control Keep These Tips in Mind When Watering a Cool-Season Grass Type: Tall fescue has a deep root system and the highest drought tolerance of all the cool-season grass types. Crowded seedlings both demand more water and also become susceptible to disease. Cut your fescue a bit shorter in mid autumn then airate before going into winter with a slightly shorter cut in the 3.5-4” vicinity to help mitigate winter fungal attacks like snow mold. Overseeding lawns containing Bermudagrass is common in the south. Aeration This will give the grass seed easy access to the soil so it can root more easily after germinating. One week after seeding, things are filling in and the TALL FESCUE looks great. Return to Regular Maintenance. Some schedules call for a summer application. Aeration Watering When you overseed in Oklahoma, it is important to follow the best practices to grow the best quality cool Season turf. Piedmont and coastal plain regions only! The most important thing about watering is to water deeply, preferably in the morning hours. Watering between 2 and 8 a.m. decreases the incidence of certain diseases. Renovation Tall Fescue fertilization should be done on a scheduled basis. Watering After Aeration and Overseeding . Tall fescue is highly susceptible to brown (large) patch disease, which appears as irregularly shaped patches of dead or dying turf. Keep the seedbed moist with light watering several times per day. Instead, much of the growth occurs underground in the root system. The final thing I want to talk about is overseeding. Fescue is a popular lawn grass across the United States, and tall fescue … These guidelines represent the best practices for overseeding Fescue grass. Annual ryegrass, perennial ryegrass and turf-type tall fescue or bluegrass are often used. Note: Planting Tall Fescue in Northern colder states with temps below 10 degrees can result in winter kill on Tall Fescue. Weed Control: Apply broadleaf herbicides to control dandelions, wild onions, cudweed, and other weeds if necessary. It is there to protect the other seed--the tall fescue and/or Kentucky bluegrass types--which take from 10 to 20 interminable days to germinate. Use a blend of “turf-type” tall fescue cultivars at 6 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet, and apply a starter-type (high phosphorous) fertilizer. A proper watering schedule can easily turn your new lawn into the lush green grass you’ve always wanted. Keep your newly revived lawn looking its best with a regular, comprehensive maintenance plan that includes diligent watering, best mowing practices and proactive overseeding. With 7 farms and 13 stores, Super-Sod can provide you with unmatched availability and selection of grasses. Be sure you do not apply any pre-emergent herbicide prior to overseeding your Tall Fescue lawn. Follow through our site on Fescue grass lawn care to keep your lawn area beautiful year round. It's been really hot here in San Diego this past week (in the 90's some days). NC State University and NC 3. How to Overseed a Lawn 1. Before Seed Germination. What Kind of Fertilizer Schedule for Overseeding With Fescue Seed for a Lawn?. After mowing, rake the lawn to help loosen the top layer of soil and remove any dead grass and debris. report. Fescue grass originated in Europe and was brought to the United States in the 1800s. See our article entitled Watering Fescue Grass to learn when your sprinkler has distributed 1” of water. Overseeding Fescue Lawns Warm season grasses aren't the only ones that may need overseeding. Apply fungicide during severe brown patch outbreaks. Keep watering. DO NOT fertilize tall fescue after March 15. Watering schedule for new fescue. DO NOT bag them for trash collection; grass clippings do not belong in landfills. Weed Control Overseeding requires about half the normal seeding rate, or the rate that would be used on bare soil, including totally bare spots in your lawn. Why Fall Watering Is Important . Use a screwdriver or similar implement to check. You could take the help of a soil tester to know the soil type and do the watering after overseeding according to the advice of an expert. By using a cool season grass seed variety the lawns retains a green color throughout winter. Before you cast out new grass seed, it’s important to start with watering. DO NOT fertilize tall fescue at this time. Watering schedule for new fescue. While you are raking, look out for high or low points in the lawn and level those out. Overseed 101. There are, however, a few secrets to proper watering to keep fescue green in summer. Now Let’s Talk About The Best Watering Practices For Fescue Turf Grass. Tall fescue can be a high water user in summer, especially in the transition zone, southern and western states. Contrary to what many big-box stores would have you to think, overseeding in spring is not the ideal technique. Best Practices for Watering After Aeration and Overseeding in Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky. Overseeding Watering | Tulsa Oklahoma blog for landscape, irrigation Outdoor lighting,Sprinkler system, Pergola, arbors Your lawn already has Bluegrass in it naturally. Keep These Tips in Mind When Watering a Cool-Season Grass Type: Tall fescue has a deep root system and the highest drought tolerance of all the cool-season grass types. Insect Control Find more information at the following NC State Extension websites: Publication date: Dec. 1, 2000 Overseeding in the Fall: Tips on Watering and Raking Share this Post: Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on googleplus Share on linkedin Share on pinterest The following question came in on Spring-Green’s YouTube page; one of our viewers was concerned about how to best rake leaves after overseeding in the fall. It can be used as a type of turf and can handle heat stress better than most types of cool-season grass. It does not recover well from excessive wear or pest injury, so it must be re-seeded if damage is excessive. Continue to water as often as necessary to keep soil constantly moist. WATERING SCHEDULE AFTER SEEDING • One inch of water immediately after planting. and daytime temperatures in the mid- to upper 80s. Mow often enough so that no more than one-third of the grass height is cut; this may be every 5 to 7 days in late spring. Most quality grass mixtures include a "nurse" grass such as perennial rye that pops up quickly. • Apply enough water daily to prevent the top one-half inch of soil from drying until seedlings are 1.5 inches tall. We have 100% fescue seeds with no weed seeds, and we’ll make sure you know the best watering schedule in order to help promote seed growth. The mowing height of red fescue is lower than some of the other fescue grasses and can be kept at the height of 2 "- 2.5" inches depending upon which grass the red fescue has been added to if any. For Tall Fescue, the normal rate is 6 to 8 pounds per 1,000 square feet, and so the overseeding rate is 3 to 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet. The soil should be wet to a depth of three or four inches. As the seedlings, plugs, or sprigs grow, continue to decrease the frequency of watering while increasing the duration to promote deep rooting. Grass does keep growing for a good part of the fall, even if you don't see as much growth on top. Check for and control white grubs in July and August. Fertilizing: Do not fertilize tall fescue after March 15. This should be broadcast over the prepared area. competitive in establishment than Fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass and is therefore better suited for overseeding. Armed with knowledge and experience, the experts at Oklahoma Landscape know what combination of fescue seeds and what fertilizer to use to get your Tulsa overseeding lawn to grow to its fullest potential. Aeration These suggested management practices will help you care for your lawn throughout the year. September is a good time to build toward healthier, thicker tall fescue grass for next year by adding grass seed to your existing lawn, or overseeding, a Kansas State University specialist said. — Read our Return to Regular Maintenance. Many schedules call for three to four applications a year, an early Fall, late Fall, and mid Spring application are typically the best for tall fescue fertilization. To keep the fescue green and growing, water regularly and apply fertilizer on a regular schedule. Continue to water as often as necessary to keep soil constantly moist. Armed with knowledge and experience, the experts at Oklahoma Landscape know what combination of fescue seeds and what fertilizer to use to get your Tulsa overseeding lawn to grow to its fullest potential. Cut your fescue a bit shorter in mid autumn then airate before going into winter with a slightly shorter cut in the 3.5-4” vicinity to help mitigate winter fungal attacks like snow mold. Mowing Fescue Rule: An important rule is if you have a turf-type tall fescue lawn, do not overseed with a coarse type tall fescue seed. Fertilization share. The fescue provides endurance and can take the heat, while Bluegrass provides a richer color and a softer texture for bare feet to enjoy. Unless rainfall provides enough water, add ½” every 3-4 days for 3 weeks. What equipment to use for Watering? I am preparing my yard for overseeding with turf type fescue grass. This will allow for greater soil contact and earlier germination. Cut that in half for overseeding and you get 3 to 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Join our newsletter today to get great tips about fertilizing, insect alerts, mowing advice, best cultural practices, sales notices, and more. Aerate your lawn with a core aerator, pushing your aerator in a grid-like pattern to ensure complete coverage. Rake the debris. Germination will take approximately 2 weeks.Once the seeds have germinated, gradually decrease water amount to 1-2 inches per week. (How and When to Water Your Lawn). Overseed thin, bare areas as weather cools (August 15 to September 1). Mow to 21⁄2 to 31⁄2 inches. A dark bluish-gray color and wilted, folded, or curled leaves indicate that it is time to water. share. Thatch Removal MANHATTAN, Kan. – Even with welcome August rainfall in some areas, hot, dry summer weather took a toll on many a homeowner’s lawn. DO NOT use herbicides at this time. Before overseeding your thin lawn, cut your grass shorter than normal and bag the clippings. Check out the answer to will watering your lawn in the sun burn it? The new lawn rate for bluegrass is 3 to 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet which makes the overseeding rate around 2 pounds. Stores stock those items during the spring when everyone is ready to get outside and do something, but overseeding in spring often fails due to weed competition and rising average temperatures. Mowing: Mow lawn at a height of 3 inches. Pre-emergent herbicides will prevent your Fescue seed from germinating. Watering After Seeding Tall Fescue. A yearly planting and maintenance calender for fescue grass. Read our hide. Fertilize with 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in February. Thatch is dead grass below the green part of the lawn and above the soil. Mowing The fescue provides endurance and can take the heat, while Bluegrass provides a richer color and a softer texture for bare feet to enjoy. Water thoroughly and immediately after planting. The soil should be wet to a depth of three or four inches. Water deeply only in early morning to prevent fungus, disease, and evaporation