How to Overseed Fescue Lawns

Control annual weeds in the lawn by applying a selective herbicide, following the directions on the manufacturer's label. Control perennial weeds by spot treating with a non-selective herbicide, following the label directions. Apply herbicide seven to 14 days before overseeding.

Mow the lawn to a height of about 1 inch on the day you are overseeding.

Top dress the lawn by applying sifted compost, peat moss, topsoil or a combination of these materials. Use a push-type drop spreader with the dispersing holes set to the largest setting and put down approximately 1/2 inch of top dressing material by pushing the spreader across the lawn. Slightly overlap each pass of the spreader.

Re-set the drop spreader, following the manufacturer's recommendations, to disperse seed at the following rates: 4 pounds of tall fescue per 1,000 square feet of lawn area or 2.5 pounds of fine fescue per 1,000 square feet of lawn.

Push the spreader across the lawn, first in one direction, then in a direction perpendicular to the first pass. Push the spreader so it slightly overlaps the previous row to ensure complete coverage.

Push a water-filled roller over the newly overseeded lawn to ensure the seed has good contact with the soil. Overlap each pass of the spreader to ensure complete coverage.

Water the newly overseeded lawn with an overhead sprinkler long enough to moisten the top inch of soil. Water lightly every day until the seeds germinate, which will take seven to 10 days. Then water every other day until the new grass reaches 3 inches high, when you can resume your regular mowing schedule.