Why Late Lawn Seedings Often Fail

We normally recommend that Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue be seeded in September but no later

than October 15. Though plantings later than October 15 can be successful, the odds of success

diminish as time passes. This year has been so warm that those who planted a bit late will likely

be successful.  The problem with late plantings is not that the seed will not come up or that young grass plants are

sensitive to cold. Most often, the problem is with rooting. Unless the young grass plants have a fairly extensive root

system, the freezing and thawing that takes place during winter heaves plants out of the ground, and they dry out and

die.  Regardless of when planted, be sure the new lawn is kept watered through the fall. More mature

lawns will need less frequent watering but all should go into the winter with moist soil. – Kstate Turfgrass