Using grass seed: Fescue lawn care

by Ann Hayward 01/20/2025

Knowing how to care for your lawn means knowing how and when to fill in gaps with grass seed. Fescue grass is a popular variety of perennial lawn grass that, despite being tolerant of many climate zones, is prone to brown patches during hot, humid summer months. Using grass seed effectively is the best way to remedy the situation.

However, the more you know about different types of fescue grass seed, the better results you’ll have. Here is some more information about growing this cool-season grass to help:

Types of fescue grass seed

Fescue grass comes in several varieties suited for different situations.

Tall fescue grass is a popular choice for high-traffic areas like sports fields and commercial sites. It’s durable, shade-tolerant and has a deep root system to keep it healthy during dry periods. Because of its coarse appearance and clumping growth pattern, tall fescue grass seed needs to be applied evenly to ensure a uniform lawn aesthetic.

Creeping red fescue grass is characterized by fine, delicate blades and deep green color. This type of grass seed is often added to fescue seed mixes to improve shade tolerance.

Hard fescue grass, like tall fescue grass, is used in high-traffic areas because of its durability. The most common application of this variant is in golf courses.

Overseeding

Fescue is widely used as a “turf” grass, but its natural growing pattern can make it tricky to achieve an even lawn. Adding more grass seed to sparse patches of your lawn can help improve the health and appearance. This practice is called “overseeding.”

Fescue grass seed can take several weeks to germinate, and grows slowly once established. While fescue requires patience and regular maintenance, it can be a perfect grass choice for your home lawn or garden.

About the Author
Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]