Cool-Season Xeric Lawn Builder

Prepare a clean seedbed before fall seeding. Remove existing lawn by scalping and treating with herbicide in late summer (August), waiting the label interval, and raking to bare soil.

Avoid deep tilling — these fine fescues prefer firm, lean seedbeds rather than fluffy, amended soil. Loosen the surface to 1 inch and grade to remove low spots.

In compacted soils, a single core aeration pass before seeding dramatically improves establishment without disrupting the seedbed structure.

Mix all three species together and broadcast at 2.5–3 lb per 1,000 sq ft with a rotary spreader.

Fine fescue seed is small and light — seed on a calm day to prevent drift. After broadcasting, lightly drag a rake over the surface to cover seed with 1/8–1/4 inch of soil, or use a lawn roller to press seed into contact with the soil surface.

Water in immediately and maintain soil surface moisture until germination. For fall seeding, natural rainfall often handles irrigation after the first watering.

Microclover germinates in 7–14 days and provides early visual coverage. Hard and Sheep Fescue germinate in 14–21 days.

For fall seedings in the Pacific Northwest, natural rainfall often maintains adequate soil moisture after the initial watering. For Mountain West fall seedings, water every 3–4 days during dry stretches until germination.

First mow when the stand reaches 3–4 inches — mow at 3 inches with a sharp blade and remove clippings to avoid smothering fine seedlings.

Mow to 3–4 inches every 2–3 weeks during spring and fall active growth; monthly or as needed in summer.

Water deeply every 2–3 weeks in summer during the first growing season; after year two, the root system is deep enough that most Pacific Northwest homeowners need no summer irrigation in average years. Do not fertilize — Microclover supplies adequate nitrogen.

Core aerate in fall every 2–3 years to maintain soil openness. This stand improves in density and drought tolerance each year as the root system deepens.