There are two optimal times to seed most cool season grasses like Tall Fescue - spring (March 15 - May 15) and fall (August 15th – October 15th); however, the early fall season is the preferred time of year for professional turf managers to seed for several reasons:

1. The intense summer temperatures have passed.
2. There is less competition from annual grassy weeds such as crabgrass. Although crabgrass will germinate year-round, the approaching cold weather and frost will keep the weeds in check.
3. Soil temperatures are warm enough for continued growth of the grass.
4. In preparation for winter, grasses begin to store nutrients that will not only allow them to survive the cold winter months but enable them to develop a healthy root system to support new shoot growth once the temperatures resume in the spring.