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Fine fescue grass can germinate within 12 to 22 days. Of course, factors such as soil and climate can determine how long it will take for your no-mow grass to sprout. New grass seed needs adequate sunshine, oxygen, moisture, and healthy soil for successful germination. The best time to plant fescue grass is early spring or early fall.

Reseeding your lawn can help eliminate thin or patchy portions of grass. If you’re paying a professional to aerate your lawn, it’ll cost you an additional $50 to $80 on average to reseed it  in the same trip. Reseeding a lawn yourself can cost between $500 to $1,000, meaning you’ll probably save time and money hiring a professional service. 

Provided you're using an appropriate starter fertilizer for grass seed, you can put down seeds and fertilizer at the same time. However, putting them down separately, one after the other, on the same day will help to avoid over- or under-applying the lawn food. Avoid using a fertilizer with weed control elements, as these will likely keep the grass seeds from starting.  

Choosing between sod and seed depends on your budget, timeline, and maintenance preferences.

Sod:

• Pros: Provides an instant, lush lawn and immediate curb appeal. It's more resistant to weeds and erosion, can be installed any time during the growing season, and offers a consistent appearance.

• Cons: Has a higher upfront cost, typically $0.90 to $1.80 more per square foot than seed. It offers fewer grass varieties and must be installed immediately upon delivery.

Seed:

• Pros: Less expensive upfront, making it a budget-friendly option. It offers a wider variety of grass types and is easier for a DIY installation.

• Cons: Takes much longer to establish, potentially up to two years for a full lawn. It requires more maintenance, including regular weed control, and is more difficult to cultivate.

Ultimately, if you want a beautiful lawn quickly and have a larger budget, sod is an excellent choice. If you are patient, want to save money, and prefer a wider selection of grass types, seeding may be the better option.