reeseeding my lawn (window, warm, standard, better)

[citydweller]

I live in VA where we have hot and humid summers and sometimes drought like conditions during the summer. I currently have, what is lef of it, tall fescue. For the last couple of years it has not fared well and now I am considering going with centipede, zoyosia or st augustine. Fescue is just not holding up due to mostly its need of water. I am hoping to find a grass with the least amount of upkeep. If anyone has suggestions or input I would greatly appreciate it.

[chet everett]

I have relatives in semi-suburban DC. Their home is on a lot that has great mix of shade and grading so the lawn does not take the hot southern / western sun. He has helped some neighbors with regrading to lessen the need for water. Also is fanatacicaly about getting jump on weeds and crabgrass. Lawns are not quite up to northern / midwestern standards, but awfully close.


Further south I think you are forced to go with different breeds, but right maintenance can make acceptable fescue conditions.

If I recall the better zoysia cultivars need LOTS of plugs, seeds won't do the trick.

Many of the St. augstine and centidpede culitavrs feel like walking on a scratch-brite pad... Shop carefully!

[K'ledgeBldr]

You actually have the right grass for your area- Bermuda and Zoysia are adaptable but not really recommended.
Your problem is more than likely compaction. Aerating will alleviate that problem. The usual routine for Tall Fescue- aerate/seed in spring and fall. Fertilize during the warm months (not the middle of Summer)- pre emergent and post emergent- watch your application times, don't want to interrupt seed germination.
For more info:

Lawns - Virginia Cooperative Extension

[mike052082]

Also, there are Fescue/Blue Grass combinations you can look into. Whatever you do. Do it fast. Your window will open and close fast.

[citydweller]

I think my problem is more soil compaction than anything. My side yard looks great while my front yard, which seems to be very compacted, looks terrible. I am going to try aerating and see how that works out. Thanks for your responses everyone.