I need to overseed a sodded shade fescue with a grass that can withstand heavy sun.

Suzanne D. - National Garden Association Expert EXPERT September 09, 2009

Fall is a good time to renovate cool-season lawns. The best type of grass depends on what region you're in. Your county cooperative extension service will have recommendations for your climate and soil type. Most fescues do fine in full sun, so I wonder if it was just too dry for any type of lawn without regular irrigation. I suggest you take some steps to improve the water-holding capacity of the soil. Have you ever core-aerated? Use a machine that pulls up small plugs of soil and dumps them on the soil surface. Core-aerating opens up the soil so water and nutrients can penetrate more easily. After core-aerating, apply a thin layer of compost over the entire lawn. It will filter down into the holes, feeding the beneficial soil life that will, in turn, help nurture a healthy lawn. Any grass seed you apply will also have a place to lodge and germinate.