Tall Fescue Overseeding Rate Calculator
Calculate tall fescue overseeding rate in pounds per 1,000 square feet from a target live seed rate, with pure live seed and bag counts.
How This Calculation Works
Bulk pounds per acre equals the target live seeds per acre divided by seeds per pound, then divided by the pure live seed fraction. Tall fescue has roughly 227,000 seeds per pound, so 3 million live seeds per acre needs about 15 pounds of bulk seed at 88 percent PLS. Dividing by 43.56 converts to pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Field Calibration & Rate Reference Chart
| Species | Seeds/lb | Target seeds/ac | Bulk lb/ac |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tall fescue | 227,000 | 3,000,000 | 15 |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 1,100,000 | 1,500,000 | 2 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 227,000 | 4,000,000 | 20 |
| Bermudagrass hulled | 1,900,000 | 2,000,000 | 1 |
| Bermudagrass unhulled | 800,000 | 2,000,000 | 3 |
| Alfalfa | 200,000 | 5,000,000 | 28 |
| Winter wheat | 12,000 | 1,200,000 | 105 |
| Soybean | 2,800 | 160,000 | 63 |
| Corn | 1,400 | 34,000 | 27 |
| Cereal rye | 18,000 | 1,200,000 | 73 |
Common Questions
How much tall fescue seed per 1,000 square feet for overseeding?
Overseeding rates run about 4 to 6 pounds per 1,000 square feet, while new lawns take 8 to 10 pounds. Adjust for the seed tag's pure live seed percentage. Higher rates help thin stands recover faster.
How many seeds per pound does tall fescue have?
Tall fescue has roughly 227,000 seeds per pound, though the figure varies by variety. Use the seed tag value when available. The count drives the bulk rate calculation.
When is the best time to overseed tall fescue?
Early fall is ideal because soil is warm, moisture is more reliable and weeds are less competitive. Spring overseeding works but faces more weed pressure and summer stress. Avoid midsummer seeding.
Do I need to aerate before overseeding tall fescue?
Core aeration improves seed-to-soil contact and is strongly recommended for compacted or thatchy lawns. It also relieves compaction that limits root growth. Rake lightly after seeding to cover the seed.