Fall is the best time for renovation and seeding of cool-season lawns. And with recent rainfall and cooler weather, it makes for an ideal time for fall renovation.

Remember that spring-established tall fescue is more susceptible to drought, heat, fungal diseases, and weed encroachment. With normal summer weather patterns, spring seeding is not likely to result in a year-long stand of healthy tall fescue. So do not delay, seed in the fall!

Optimum air temperatures for tall fescue germination are 68 to 77°F, and soil temperatures greater than 60°F. If tall fescue is seeded in under less than ideal conditions (too cool or no soil moisture), you may experience a thin turf stand going into the winter. With the need for both moisture and moderate temperatures, it is better to seed a little early just in case we experience a cool and dry fall. So, if you have not already planted, try to get your seed out by mid-October, as by then the likelihood of slow/low germination will get much higher.

Before seeding core aerification is recommended to reduce compacted areas. Getting good soil to seed contact is paramount to maximize available soil moisture. The core aerification holes will capture seed and hold moisture so the tall fescue seedlings often come up as a tuft of turf from the aerification holes. A typical tall fescue seeding rate is 5 to 6 pounds of seed per 1000 square feet. Germination will normally be in 10 to 21 days with soil moisture and suitable soil temperatures.

Since seeds and seedlings may be damaged by some herbicide applications, fall seeded tall fescue should not have any herbicides applied until it is extensively tillered.

Note that warm-season grasses such as bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, centipedegrass, and St. Augustinegrass can be sodded in the fall, but it is generally not recommended unless bare ground needs to be covered. Warm-season grasses should not be seeded in the fall as there is inadequate time for maturity before the first expected frost.