Question
I live in middle tn and need to over seed my 2 year old yard when and how is the best time to do this? I have a Kentuky 31 and blue grass mixture. Also Have a pesky friend's dog that i think has killed a new oak tree I planted last november is this possible for a dog to do this by urinating on it often, if so what to look for?

Answer
Barry:

When I overseed my lawn, I wait until the weather has cooled in the fall and rain commences, ideally.  Cool weather is key.  Since you already have fescue,  I would favor bluegrass for overseeding.  It has five times the seed per pound as fescue and is a superior turf.

If the oak was a small one and the dog urinated on it continuously, that may have caused decline and death.  Otherwise, it may have been drought, which, I understand, has visited you this summer.  Of course, excess salts from urine may add to that.  Oaks are difficult to establish as planted shade trees, but worth it once on their own.

A tissue analysis would have to be done on the tree to determine cause of stress.  Usually, that requires live tissue and it is sent to your state agriculture laboratory.

Best wishes.