Reseeding a lawn - Ask Extension
Can I just let the Tall Fescue go to seed and then mow?
Knowledgebase
Reseeding a lawn #869009
Asked May 18, 2024, 11:45 AM EDT
Can I just let the Tall Fescue go to seed and then mow?
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
No, this is not really a good option.
The best time to seed cool-season turf grass is in the fall, when it's cool and rainy, and there is less weed competition from aggressive seeders like Japanese stiltgrass and crabgrass.
The grass would need to grow around 18 inches tall,"bloom" and then take time for the seed to mature for it to be able to grow- so essentially you'd have a meadow (which may be a problem for where you live and what kind of mower you have) and it will be hotter and drier (summer) which is a difficult time for germination.
The shock of mowing it back at that point is tough for your lawn too- it will yellow and struggle a bit.
Here is our information on Lawn Overseeding:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/lawn-renovation-and-overseeding/
Christine
The best time to seed cool-season turf grass is in the fall, when it's cool and rainy, and there is less weed competition from aggressive seeders like Japanese stiltgrass and crabgrass.
The grass would need to grow around 18 inches tall,"bloom" and then take time for the seed to mature for it to be able to grow- so essentially you'd have a meadow (which may be a problem for where you live and what kind of mower you have) and it will be hotter and drier (summer) which is a difficult time for germination.
The shock of mowing it back at that point is tough for your lawn too- it will yellow and struggle a bit.
Here is our information on Lawn Overseeding:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/lawn-renovation-and-overseeding/
Christine
