Q: I have fescue grass in my back yard and have had problems getting it to look good. There are bird feeders along the back lawn edge. I wonder if having so many birds in the area might cause problems with my fall overseeding. Do birds eat fescue seed?

A: Yes, birds do eat some of the fescue seeds. But in my experience, if the rate of seeding is correct (5 or 6 pounds per 1000 square feet) and if a little bit of straw is used to protect the seeds, little damage is done. One of the best things you can do for fescue in semi-shade is to mow it high: 3 – 4 inches. This gives fescue an advantage over weeds and their seeds.