I have what appears to be k-31 Tall Fescue. I have several bare spots from where the rabbits grazed during a period of time the fences had holes. I also have some thin areas that have developed over time. I am aware that K-31, although occasionally gets a kind word on these boards is generally regarded as something to be replaced. I'm not convinced it is worth the effort (yet).

1) If I overseed, does it make a noticeable difference if I go with Scott's generic Tall Fescue blend from a box store, a more pure K-31 cultivar or is there any advantage of moving to a named TTTF? If the latter can I pick the recommended blend from seedsuperstore.com or do I post a new thread asking for help picking a custom blend?

2) If I renovate instead, can I do that in October since I'm in San Diego (92131) where there is no frost-but often blistering hot winds, weather through mid-October?

3) If I renovate with a TTTF (which seems to be the popular choice in san diego) from seed how long before the kids can run around and play soccer on it?

I have three young kids and a year round use yard. Although I'd like to move away from the k-31 I'll be weighing the fact that the kids don't care what kind of grass there is, just that it is there to play on....

thanks.

read thru this-- Click here for more information notice the descriptions in the right margin.

Nothing wrong with K-31 if you don't mind the wide blades. All tall fescues can thin over time and should be overseeded regularly. If it were me, I'd consider overseeding some more K-31. In a dense stand, it looks pretty good and is a very hardy grass. With thinner-bladed TTTF mixed in, you might not like the textural differences. You can always renovate in future years if you are not happy. Expect to lay off the grass for a good 6-8 weeks after seeding.

I don't disagree with Erio, but one thing that bears comment is that K-31 is never more than a medium green. If you like darker lawns, K-31 isn't the ticket.

"I have three young kids and a year round use yard. Although I'd like to move away from the k-31 I'll be weighing the fact that the kids don't care what kind of grass there is, just that it is there to play on...."

hehehehehe, when the kids all go off to college, do a renovation with your dream grass. until then the old K-31(occasional overseeding) should provide a rugged playground. are there seasons in San Diego? can you overseed and water it thru germination almost any time?

Fescue germinates pretty quickly so I would say you are looking at 1-2 weeks tops before the kids can really rough up the turf.

My cousin used to live in San Diego and he said it was pretty much 60-70 degrees year round. Obviously you know your climate best, but I would venture to say you can seed whenever you decide you are ready. Just make sure it's not during a time of watering restrictions.

K-31 is some tough stuff, but it kind of stands out among other grasses. If you've got a K31 lawn and overseed with other fescues, I think the K31 will grow faster and have wider blades. And since it's a bunch grass, you'll have clumps all over the lawn.

One thing about K31 in the lawn is that your kids may mind more than you realize. A few years ago, I mentioned to my daughter that I was planting grass that is more drought tolerant and she groaned and asked me if it was the kind that hurts. I asked her to show me which kind she meant and she pointed to some K31. She said that it's got sharp leaves that would scratch her wrists when she sat down if she didn't check for it first. She's a teenager, so there's a tendency toward melodrama, but she did say that it wasn't as soft as the other grass (mostly KBG). I pointed her to an area with native grass and she ran her hands through it, smiled and gave me a thumbs up.

Yeah, believe me they care, or they don't care if they don't know there's anything else. But they have been scratched and cut to bits. LOL

1-2 weeks? No way. Like any other new grass, it needs to be babied for a while. K31 is so tough that I don't think I have to suggest a whole year since you need the lawn so badly, but at least 4-5 mowings to give the roots time to harden off and some kind of time to mature. Again, this is only because you need to use the lawn, so don't expect too much of the new grass. It simply will not be mature enough to fully express its potential for taking that kind of beating. Therefore, don't be surprised if you still need to seed again. It REALLY needs 4-6 months without traffic and activity, and I only say that because it is K31.

For the planting time and knowing how far to push it, contact a local sod farm. There would be several in your area that grow the Marathon TF Blend because it is rather popular there. I don't know anything about the varieties, but they will be able to help you determine when to seed any Tall Fescue or when would be too late to seed.