How and When to Overseed a Lawn
Updated on July 26, 2024 / 4 min read
Overseeding is the practice of adding grass seeds to an existing lawn. This is done to hide any thinning patches and achieve a fuller, greener, and lusher look. Overseeding is a worthwhile solution in regions that have suffered drought stress, insect infestations, disease damage, or even seasonal thinning. Adding newer, healthier varieties of grass through this practice can not only help improve the lawn’s appearance but also make it damage-resistant.
How to overseed a lawn
Several tools and materials are required for overseeding. For instance, one would need a lawn mower, rake, fertilizer spreader, grass seed, enriched topsoil, lawn starter fertilizer, tools like a dethatcher, power rake, or verticutter for bigger areas, and a core aerator. By keeping these tools prepared and handy, one can get a headstart on the overseeding process.
Depending on the growth in the lawn, it may be necessary to dethatch and aerate it before overseeding if the soil underneath is hidden behind a thick layer of existing grass. Here, one can begin by poking holes through a core aerator to ensure that the roots aren’t packed too tightly. This will help new seeds reach the topsoil, improving the chances of successful germination. Then, one can begin overseeding.
1. Prepare the lawn
On the day of the overseeding, begin by mowing the existing grass short to about an inch or less. This will give the new grass a better chance to reach the soil underneath. It is important to clear the clippings while mowing, as leaving them behind could hinder the seeding process. So, after mowing, one can pick a rake up and get rid of all clippings, twigs, fallen leaves, and debris. This is also a good time to loosen the topsoil to give the seeds a better chance of growing.
2. Add a layer of enriched topsoil
To help speed up the grass growth and seed germination process, one can lay down a quarter-inch layer of enriched topsoil or nutrient-rich compost over the existing grass. This should be done before adding any more seeds. It is important to note here that some grass seed varieties are sold pre-mixed with topsoil. So, one should skip this step when using such varieties.
3. Choose and spread the right grass seed
Next, it is time to pick the right seed for the lawn. The choice largely depends on the existing grass, the soil’s fertility, and the regional weather conditions. To find the best option, one can speak to a local nursery.
Then, one can start laying down the seeds using a seed spreader. For larger lawns (over 5,000 square feet), use a broadcast spreader. A drop spreader will suffice for smaller areas (less than 5,000 square feet). While spreading seeds, one can try to follow the mowing pattern. Additionally, one should follow the package instructions to determine the right quantity of seeds for their lawn.
4. Fertilize and water the lawn
Once the grass has been spread, it’s time to add fertilizer. Here, one must pick a formula specially manufactured for new grasses, as it will be more delicate than others.
Additionally, one should thoroughly water the area. For the first time, one must water the lawn heavily, giving it about an inch of water. This can then be followed by light hydration daily. One can continue this process until the seeds begin germinating, which can take up to two weeks. Watering the lawn in the morning (before 10 am) helps reduce the risk of excessive evaporation.
5. Care and maintenance
Regular maintenance helps ensure that the grass stays green and lush. Upkeep involves keeping the soil well-hydrated, adding fertilizers at regular intervals, and overseeding as and when necessary. Additionally, watch out for any signs of overwatering, like the formation of puddles or spongy soil, to minimize damage to the grass and ensure steady and even growth.
When to overseed a lawn
The best time for overseeding is entirely contingent on the location and the type of grass being sown. Ideally, the soil needs to be warm enough to support germination but not too warm, as that would hamper the health of the new grass before winter. One must also monitor the number of weeds in the lawn, as they could hamper new grass growth.
Cool-season grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fescues, should preferably be overseeded in the fall months, at least 45 days before the first expected frost. Here, the soil temperature should ideally be between 50 and 65°F.
For warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, centipede grass, and others, overseeding during the early summer or late spring when the soil temperature is between 70 and 90°F is preferable.
Some lawns tend to thin out periodically and may require overseeding each year. That said, most lawns can be overseeded once every few years.
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