Our Top Selections – Tall fescue, a cool-season grass, is well-suited for northern lawns, although some newer turf-type varieties can grow further south. It is important to consider coverage and budget when selecting a seed product, particularly if you are looking for an all-in-one product with coated seeds.
These tall fescue seed options are among the best for establishing new lawns or overseeding existing ones. Photo: amazon.com Scotts Turf Builder Tall Fescue Mix is recommended for those in search of a heat-resistant tall fescue product with versatile coated seeds. It contains a mixture of southern-bred tall fescue varieties intended to increase the lawn’s heat tolerance.
The coating contains a water-retentive agent to keep seeds moist prior to germination, an antifungal to prevent lawn disease, and fertilizer to promote the growth of young sprouts. The tall fescue mixture from Scotts comes in a 7-pound bag (other quantities are available), which can cover up to 1,750 square feet.
This heat-resistant tall fescue mixture is suitable for “transition” states, such as Arkansas, Tennessee, and the upper portion of Louisiana, which fall within USDA Zones 7 and the upper portion of Zone 8. In addition to being suitable for establishing lawns in northern states, it thrives in both sunny and shady areas of a yard.
Photo: amazon.com This Pennington seed contains one of the most popular tall fescue varieties, Kentucky 31, also known as K31. This particular tall fescue has a relatively light green color, is resistant to drought, and thrives in both partial shade and full sun.
- In addition, Pennington K31 is a coated seed designed to prevent fungal infections in young grass sprouts.
- This tall fescue seed is ideal for northern climates in USDA Zones no further south than 6.
- It cannot tolerate high temperatures in southern regions.
- The seed is packaged in a 25-pound bag, and eight pounds will cover 1,000 square feet.
Photo: amazon.com Using Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair, bare spots in a tall fescue lawn can be quickly and easily filled. The seeds have been coated to prevent the young grass plants from contracting diseases, and the coating prevents the seeds from drying out between waterings.
- Additionally, EZ Seed Patch & Repair is blended with a mulch that helps hold the seeds in place, decreasing the likelihood of the seeds being washed away by heavy rain.
- Additionally, the product contains an agent that neutralizes the acidity left behind by dog urine and restores the soil’s healthy pH.
It is available in various sizes, and 2 pounds can reseed up to 100 bare spots caused by pets or other patchy areas of the lawn. Photo: amazon.com A fescue lawn that is thin and sparse may benefit from Scotts Thick’R Lawn Tall Fescue Mix. Often, thinning grass is the result of nutrient-deficient soil that does not support healthy growth.
In addition to high-quality tall fescue seeds, Thick’R Lawn contains fertilizer and organic materials designed to improve soil health. This three-in-one product is an excellent option for overseeding to increase grass density. The product is available in a 12-pound bag (other sizes may be available), which is capable of sowing up to 1,200 square feet.
Photo: amazon.com Designed to thrive even in dense shade, Scotts Turf Builder Dense Shade Mix seed grows equally well under deciduous trees and in direct sunlight. In contrast to the majority of tall fescue varieties that thrive in northern regions, this dense shade fescue is best suited to a horizontal strip in the region where USDA Zones 6 and 7 intersect.
This region begins in the Carolinas, extends west through Oklahoma, and then extends south into California. These shade-tolerant tall fescue seeds are coated, similar to other Scotts seed products, to help retain moisture during germination and protect young shoots from disease. This 7-pound bag of seed can cover up to 1,750 square feet.
Photo: amazon.com Another variety of K31 tall fescue, this Eretz product contains only K31 seeds with no coating, fillers, or other grass seeds. This makes the product more affordable, allowing users to plant a tall fescue lawn without breaking the bank. 
How quickly does fescue germinate from seed?
Regional influence on grass growth – Depending on your location in the United States, different types of grass will thrive. Even though there is no region in the United States with perfectly consistent temperatures, grass is generally divided into cool-season grass and warm-season grass.
Cool-season grass (or creeping grass) spreads from the plant’s crown, and its shoots develop underground nodes (called rhizomes). From the plant’s crown, warm-season grass (or brush grass) spreads outward. To protect this crown, homeowners must mow the grass at a higher height. Since warm-season grass turns brown in the winter, it is possible to overseed with ryegrass in the winter, and it will die off in the summer.
Consider cool-season grass if you live in the Northern, Northeastern, or Pacific Northwest regions, or in areas with variable climates. Cool-season grass grows optimally between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and includes: Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) — The most popular and widespread cool-season grass, KBG establishes its roots faster than the majority of other types of grass when the conditions are favorable.
Soon after planting the seeds, you’ll likely observe sprouts. KBG has a short germination period (14–30 days) and grows rapidly from the seedling stage, making it resistant to lawn damage. Its growth is slowed by warm or hot temperatures, and it will require more water at higher temperatures. Because it can withstand foot traffic, KBG is frequently used on golf courses and athletic fields.
Mixing KBG with perennial ryegrass is possible. Fine fescue — Fine fescue is shade-tolerant, heat- and drought-resistant, and environmentally friendly because it does not require as much water or fertilizer as other types of grass. Fine fescue germinates more rapidly than KBG (about 7–14 days), establishes itself rapidly, and grows in clusters.
They are frequently described as having the sharpest blades. Tall fescue — Similar to its sibling, fine fescue, tall fescue germinates rapidly (in approximately 4–14 days) and establishes itself easily. Tall fescue grows in bunches, thrives in shade, and is heat and drought resistant. Red fescue — Commonly used on turfs or in public areas such as parks and fields, this grass does well in shady areas, but also thrives in the sun if properly watered.
The optimal foot traffic for this type is low to moderate. Growing fescue seeds can take 10–14 days. Perennial ryegrass — Although not as aggressive as KBG, perennial ryegrass germinates rapidly (within 5–10 days) and establishes itself well, but it spreads more slowly.
- It grows in clusters, with growth peaking in cool and temperate months, and requires water and fertilizer to maintain its color.
- Yearly ryegrass — Annual ryegrass is frequently used to overseed warm-season grasses to provide winter cover for lawns.
- This grass is frequently used as a temporary solution and is rarely used as turf.
Bentgrass is not commonly used for residential lawns due to its reputation as a difficult-to-maintain specialty grass. Creeping bentgrass is a popular variant, but due to its aggressive growth, it competes for nutrients with more desirable types of grass.
What grass seed brand should I purchase?
Our Best Grass Seed (depending on the type of grass): – Sun and Shade Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed is the best overall grass seed for the majority of lawns. Black Beauty Ultra by Jonathan Green is the best seed for clay or compacted soil. Jonathan Green Heavy Traffic: the best seed for areas with heavy foot traffic.
