Fescue – Germination Concerns

Q: I had my back yard graded and seeded last fall with fescue. The landscaper used an enormous amount of wheat straw to cover the seed. The wheat seeds have germinated. Will the wheat shoots die off this spring?

A: Yes, the wheat seedlings will eventually die. Wheat is only an annual grass while fescue is perennial. Regular mowing helps the process along. Straw should only be spread at a rate of one to two bales per 1000 square feet. Any more than that is overkill and will inhibit fescue seed germination.