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No, it's not a good idea to put grass seed directly on top of dead grass. For successful germination and growth, grass seed needs good soil contact. To prepare the area, start by removing the dead grass using a shovel or a sod cutter. Then, loosen the soil, add soil amendments if necessary, and spread the grass seed evenly. This allows the seed to come into direct contact with the soil, promoting better germination and establishing a healthier lawn.

Depending on the species, most fescue grasses thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8, though some varieties can thrive as far as zone 10. While it’s a cool-season grass, it has the unique ability to adapt and thrive in many different types of climates. For this reason, you'll mostly find fescue grasses throughout the transitional temperature zones of the country.

The best grass type for shady areas depends on your region, your preferences, and your yard’s microclimate. Overall, the best cool-season grass for shade is ryegrass or tall fescue, while the best warm-season grass for shade is St. Augustine. But again, this can depend on what you’re looking for in the grass. The best grass for your shady yard might be one that looks good to you, one that tolerates high foot traffic, or grass with other characteristics that make it fit your lawn needs. 

For optimal results, water newly planted grass seed at least twice a day—once in the morning and again in the late afternoon. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist for the first two weeks, but be careful not to overwater or flood the seeds. After about two weeks, you can reduce the frequency to once per day. Always monitor weather conditions and adjust your watering schedule accordingly; for instance, you won't need to water as much if it rains.