By Ryan Adams
While temperatures are currently above normal for early September, history suggests that the weather will moderate within the next few weeks.
The fall is the best time to renovate and seed cool-season lawns. Fall planting is preferred to spring seeding because seeds germinate and grow rapidly in the warm soil. The warm days and cool nights are ideal for seedling growth. Also Grady Miller, NCSU Turfgrass Extension Specialist, mentioned that spring-established tall fescue is more susceptible to drought, heat, fungal diseases, and weed encroachment. With normal summer weather patterns, spring seeding is not likely to result in a year-long stand of healthy tall fescue. So do not delay, seed in the fall!