Question
I just purchased a new home in Athens Georgia. I have Bermuda sod in the front and what looks like patches of fescue of some sort in the back and lots of red clay showing. What would be the best grass seed to put down in the back to get a good thick lawn. My wife likes centipede grass and I don't know much about it. Will it take over what little grass I have or what do you recommend just to have a lawn and not to see the red clay anymore?

Answer
Brandon:

You will have to choose the type of turf you desire.  There are advantages to each.  You are still in the Piedmont, so I would consider fescue.  If you want another summer grass, Bermuda, St. Augustine, and centipede are good choices. You will need more than half a day sunlight for a solid summer turf.

The key will be in soil prep during renovation.  I would add at least one cubic yard per thousand square feet of a high quality compost, tilled in, before seeding.

Ask your local ag agent about what varieties would do well or are available in your area.

Red clay is a fine soil.  Learn to treat it well and it will reward you.

Best wishes.