My backyard is tall fescue and it doesn spread like my bermudagrass. How can I make it thicker?
Tall fescue is a clump type grass and doesn’t have ‘runners’ like bermudagrass, so it doesn’t really spread much at all. It is also native to Kentucky and northward, so it really takes a beating in our harsh summer climate. Even a well cared-for tall fescue lawn will thin to some extent every summer. To maintain the density, tall fescue usually needs to be aerated and seeded annually. This is best done in September to October in our area. Aeration should be done with a ‘core’ type aerator, which pulls plugs out of the ground. Then, a hybrid fescue seed can be broadcast. The rate of broadcast can vary widely, from two to six pounds of seed per 1000 square feet, depending upon how thin the lawn is. Call Magnolia Lawn for specific recommendations for your lawn.
