Overseeding and oak leaves

19 years ago

This fall I will be overseeding a very large lawn in my new (to me) house with tall fescue in 6b eastern Kentucky. My property has a number of ancient oak trees that are tall enough that I have plenty of sun, but they drop an amazing amount of leaves even now. How does one coordinate establishing a new lawn with keeping the leaves raked? Of course I will not be seeding the areas immediately around the trees- beds will surround them all. But the leaves fall everywhere and I can't figure out how I can keep them off the lawn without disturbing the seed.

Sorry to be a moron- I just moved here from St, Augustine territory and am new at this type lawn. I do know to use lime a couple of weeks prior to the overseeding, and about soybean meal as well.

We plan to use a slit seeder- does one still use a straw mulch with this method?

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Comments (5)

billhill
19 years ago
The best way to deal with oak leaves on a newly planted lawn is use a leaf blower. If you must rake, then be very gentle in order to not damage the seedlings. Why do you think you need lime. Only apply lime if your soil need it as indicated on a soil test. Your county extension service can do that for you. Soy bean meal is an excellent fertilizer. Slit seeding is the way to go. Mulch is optional. Keep the seeds and seedlings moist until established. Good luck with your new home, lawn and gardens. Bill Hill
cearbhaill (zone 6b Eastern Kentucky)
Original Author
19 years ago
Why do you think you need lime.

Thank you Bill!

The first thing we did when we took possession was visit the county agent. Our pH is 5.2 and my understanding is that tall fescue's ranges are tolerance of 4.7Â8.5 and preferred level of 5.5Â6.5.
Both our neighbors have gorgeous lawns and both recommended lime application. I'd be happy to skip the step if it is not necessary, but this is a very old oak forest which has been nearly untouched lawnwise for years.

Leaf blower, eh? So I walk on the sprouts, then?
If straw is not necessary I would be very pleased. Perhaps we could broadcast some compost after we overseed, or is that not needed either?

The really bald areas are where we had tree stumps ground out, but it's a large area and I'd really like to do it right the first time.

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paulwheaton
19 years ago
You will definitely want to raise your soil pH.

I think the leaf blower idea is excellent.

The straw is not required, but it would help. Compost is nice, but not required either.

Just keep in mind that tall fescue (good choice!) takes a long time to germinate. Be patient.

Here is a link that might be useful: lawn care
cearbhaill (zone 6b Eastern Kentucky)
Original Author
19 years ago
Yes, I've made plans to be available 24/7 for watering chores for the duration.

I'm wondering now if I need to till?
I need to be careful around my ancient oak tree roots, but I doubt the space has been worked on since the home was built 50+ years ago and it's fairly well compacted.
Perhaps we will till in the lime and soybean meal a couple of weeks before the overseeding? I've rented the slit seeder for the weekend of Sept. 8 so I have plenty of time.
slance66
19 years ago
Dig deep and get rid of any sawdust/wood pulp near the surface (fist 8 inches or so) and replace with soil. I learned that the hard way.