Lawn Renovation

Consumer Question
I killed my lawn of weeds and now I need to do a complete lawn renovation? I want to have a Tall Fescue lawn. Do you recommend grass seed or sod?

Robert, Raleigh NC



Expert Answer
The key considerations are time and money. Also, if you what to seed you will need to make sure you seed at the right time of the year. Cool season grasses like Tall Fescue germinate and establish best when average daily temperatures are between 60o – 80oF.

If you have the time and can wait to plant at the right time of the year, then seeding is the more economical option. You will need to plan on it taking a few months for the seed to germinate and establish into a lawn.

If you don’t want to wait for the optimal time to plant seed or need a faster lawn then sodding is the best option. Sodding can be done almost anytime of the year as long as the ground is not frozen. I would also avoid sodding Tall Fescue in the heat of the summer. Site preparation is key to successful sodding. IF the site was properly prepared and conditions are right the sod should take root in about 3-4 weeks.

John Fech, a horticulturist at the University of Nebraska, wrote a helpful article in fine gardenining that can help as well.