How To Overseed Or Reseed Your Lawn
There’s a secret behind achieving a beautiful, lush lawn. Landscape professionals know what it is, but many homeowners don’t. Overseedingas part of a comprehensive, proactive plankeeps lawns looking great. Whether you’re tending your first lawn or have years of experience, learning how to overseed your lawn can improve your results.
Overseeding is spreading grass seed over an existing lawn. Done right, it’s a straightforward process that gets results. As grasses mature, thinning is normalespecially if you enjoy your lawn and use it often. Overseeding keeps your lawn competitive and steeped in youth and vigor, without starting over from scratch.
The basics of overseeding are the same everywhere, but goals and timing vary based on geography and the type of grass grown. For success with overseeding your lawn, follow this basic guide:
How To Overseed Or Reseed Your Lawn In 10 Easy Steps
In order to avoid a lawn that looks like a barren desert, you need to know how to reseed your lawn. By following these simple steps, you can create a beautiful and healthy lawn that will last for years.
Seeding a lawn is the process of planting new grass seed in an area where the grass is thin or missing. There are two ways to do this: overseeding and reseeding. Overseeding is the best way to fill in small patches of thin or balding grass. Reseeding is done when you want to replace your lawns grass completely.
Overseeding is the technique of seeding an existing lawn. It is often done in the fall when the weather is cool and the days are shorter. The new seed will germinate and grow slowly over the winter so that by the time spring arrives, your lawn will be thicker and fuller.
Master Gardener: Time To Reseed Fescue Grass
- Brian JarvisAsk a Master Gardener
Fall is a good time to reseed fescue to ensure your lawn stays healthy.
- Courtesy, BILL SEVIER
Fall is the best time to reseed fescue, a cool-season grass.
- Courtesy, Tom Ingram
It is time to divide and replant spring-blooming perennials such as irises, peonies and daylilies.
- Tulsa World file
I love my fescue lawn, but this summer was tough on it. I probably need to reseed. When should I do that? G.R.
We primarily think of fescue around here as a shade grass, but all grass needs the sun. Fescue does a little better in the shade since its a cool season grass, but you can also use fescue in full-sun situations. However, if you think your water bill was high this year, wait until you try to keep that full-sun fescue alive.
Fescue does well as a cool-season grass here because in the fall, winter and early spring, most of the trees have lost their leaves, which gives fescue the sun it needs. But when the leaves come out and the high temperatures of summer arrive, fescue can take a beating. Because of this, many homeowners with fescue grass need to reseed each year, and fall is the best time to reseed fescue.
You can reseed in the spring, but your grass will have a better shot if you reseed in the fall. Reseeding in the fall gives it all winter to establish a healthy root system, giving it a better shot at surviving summer.
Recommended Reading: Where To Get Lawn Mower Tires Mounted
Make Sure To Water Properly For The Best Results
It is really important to make sure that once the overseeded grass is watered, it remains moist during germination. Be careful not to overwater or the seeds will drown. Depending on the time of year, you may need to water 2-4 times a day in short-duration-bursts to keep from overwatering and washing the seed away. If a seed is left to dry out after it has taken up water, it will not survive.
Can I Reseed My Lawn In Summer
Typical seasons to grow new grass are in the early fall and spring when temperatures remain mild, but it is possible to establish a lawn during the heat of summer. Planting grass by seed or sod in June or July requires some extra care to ensure that the seedlings have enough moisture for healthy growth.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Lawn Maintenance Contracts
Tips For Reseeding Bare Spots In Your Lawn This Spring
Posted byScott Stueber on May 28, 2019 10:10:41 AM
Are you disappointed with how your lawn looks this spring? Do you have bare spots? Harsh winters, insects, animals, and disease can wreak havoc on your lawn. While Im not striving for the perfect lawn, I do take pride in having a nice, healthy one.
If youre frustrated with how your lawn looks and you want to fix the bare spots, you can! For existing lawns, lawncare professionals recommend core aeration and over seeding in the fall. This process promotes overall healthy growth and can help thicken it. However, you can add seed to your lawn in the spring and experience good results.
Here are some tips for fixing your lawn.
1. Determine the best time to plant.Depending on where you live, certain times of the year will generate better results. In the Midwest, cool-season grass seeds will germinate when soil temperatures consistently range between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in southern states, warm-season grass seed will germinate when soil temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the soil temperatures are confusing, a less technical rule of thumb is grass seed germinates when the air temperature is consistently between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lastly, if you experience a cool spring or summer, germination may take longer, or it may fail.
- Does your lawn get full or partial sun?
- Do you have pets?
- Does your lawn get light, moderate, or heavy foot traffic?
Rake And Remove Debris
Rake or sweep the lawn to remove heavy debris and lawn clippings. The grass seed needs to make good contact with the soil to germinate properly, so we want to remove everything that could be in the way. If you have any bare spots, rough the surface of the soil with a rake or something like a Garden Weasel.
Also Check: What Should I Fertilize My Lawn With
When To Plant Grass Seed In Spring
If you have your heart set on planting grass in spring, early April is, in fact, the best time to do it. But, depending on where you live, spring seeding could come with complications.
Heres the thingspring elements in the Midwest or Northeast are actually great for growing cool seasons grasses. The problem is, weeds also thrive in these elements. That means your grass will be forced to compete with unwelcome weeds as it tries to grow. Not to mention, if springtime weather isnt just right, like for example, the soil is too cold or its overly drenched by rain, you probably wont have much success growing new grass. Also, if your lawn is scheduled to have pre-emergent weed control applications around this time, be aware that this will inhibit grass seed from germinating.
Now, lets say the weather is perfect for planting grass in April. Should you do it?
You could, but theres a chance youll run into issues come summertime. Stressful summer heat could slow or completely stop the growth of cool-season grasses. Warm-season grasses, on the other hand, are meant to be planted in late spring or early summer.
So yes, you can plant cool-season grass in spring, and you should shoot for April if youre doing so. But, your lawn will have a much better chance at survival if you wait until later in the year.
Final Local Foods Farm Tour 2022
Join OSU Extension-Fairfield County for the return of the Local Foods Farm Tour Series. Our last location will be Ochs Fruit Farm, 2161 Pleasantville Road, Lancaster. On Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m. Visit one of Fairfield Countys oldest agricultural operations, featuring over 90 varieties of apples, as well as apple cider and a selection of pumpkins, gourds and squash. To register, visit go.edu.osu/fclocal or call 740-653-5419.
Read Also: How To Kill Voles In My Lawn
The Two Methods For Overseeding
We mentioned before that you could use either a traditional broadcast spreader or a slit-seeder to overseed your lawn. A slit-seeder is the best option if you value the results more than anything else, although purchasing a slit-seeder is prohibitive for most homeowners, so most people opt for using a regular spreader for overseeding.
When To Overseed Your Lawn In Maryland
Timing is a big part of overseeding. But this does present a conundrum for you if youre noticing dead or brown spots in your lawn in spring. Heres why: Technically, early fall is the best time to overseed your lawn in Maryland. This is because Maryland temperatures begin to cool so lawn seeds have a greater chance to germinate before winter. Over the fall and winter, those early lawn blades build and store energy for a true growth influx come springtime. This is definitely why we recommend avoiding summer for overseeding. Temperatures can be too warm and water can evaporate too quickly for seeds to get a good start. Spring, like fall, certainly has the advantage of cooler temperatures. However, spring can be a challenge because you are fighting with other growth hindrances. For instance, conditions can get hot and wet very quickly, causing disease and drought to take advantage of young seedlings.
You May Like: What Kills Nutsedge In Lawns
What Are The Best Types Of Grass Seed
Grass seed is divided into two categories, cool-season grasses, and warm-season grasses. Typically, youll want to plant the cool-season grasses in New Jersey since these are better suited for our cold winters versus the warm-season grasses. Some of our recommended grass seed include Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass.
When To Reseed Lawn Uk
Asked by: Conor Kuhn
The best time to overseed in the UK would be spring March, April and early May, or early autumn late August to September. During these months, the weather is not too hot, not too cold, there is a high chance of rain and, as we mentioned a few times already, seeds need moisture in order to germinate.
Recommended Reading: Which Electric Lawn Mower Should I Buy
Expert Tips For Reseeding Your Lawn In The Spring
Are you looking for tips for reseeding your lawn in the spring? Many homeowners are disappointed with bare spots on their lawn during the spring which is commonly caused by harsh winters, pesky insects, and lawn diseases.
You may want to opt for lawn reseeding in the spring to keep it in tip-top shape. This process encourages the healthy development of your turfgrass and helps grow a thick lawn. Let’s discuss everything you need to know to achieve a lush, healthy lawn.
What Exactly Is Overseeding
To overseed your lawn, you will seed on top of your existing lawn. In time, you will begin to notice a change in your lawn. As your lawn ages, there is a decrease in the rate at which new grass blades grow. As the grass weakens, weeds may begin to take over. Your lawn needs overseeding when it has become brown, thin, and patchy. Warm-season grass becomes dormant during the winter so many people opt to overseed with a cool-season grass seed so that their lawn experiences growth all year.
Also Check: How To Remove Dead Grass From Lawn
Making A Plan To Overseed Or Reseed Your Lawn
If youre noticing your lawn is looking a little thin, or the color isnt as bright as it used to be, you may need to overseed or reseed your lawn. Overseeding is the process of adding new seed to an existing lawn while reseeding is planting new seed in an area that has been completely tilled.
No matter which process you choose, there are a few things youll need to do before getting started:
- Rake your lawn to remove any dead grass or debris
- Break up any clumps of soil with a rake or shovel
- Amend the soil with compost or fertilizer
- Water the area well
Once youve prepared the area, its time to choose your seed. If youre overseeding, select a blend that matches the existing grass.
When You Should Reseed Your Lawn
Geography determines the best time to reseed your lawn. Heres why fall is the best time for reseeding lawn in the North:
- For starters, thats when grass normally matures its own crop of seeds, if left to its own devices
- An ideal time would be at least 45 days before the first average fall frost date
- Unlike spring, the soil is already warmed up, encouraging germination.
These are the complete how-to instructions for how to reseed your lawn.
Don’t Miss: Can You Aerate Lawn In Summer
Helpful Tips For Lawn Reseeding In Your Region
Cooler climates:If you live in the cooler climates of the country, consider the early spring the perfect time to seed the cool-season grasses. You can also patch bare spots and tend to any damage from winter diseases such as snow mold.
Warmer climates:Those who live in warmer climates can consider seeding, sodding, or plugging the warm-season turfgrasses in the late spring months. You can also opt to bare patch spots in the recently hand-pulled or treated areas.
Kill Existing Grass And Weeds
The easiest and fastest way to do this is to use a weed killer such as Ortho® GroundClear® Super Weed & Grass Killer, making sure to follow all package instructions carefully. Put on protective clothing, apply it on a dry, wind-free day, and wait the recommended amount of time before planting new seed.
Got time to spare? If so, another option is to harness the power of the summer sun. Mow the grass as low as you can, soak it with a sprinkler, then cover it completely with clear plastic sheeting. Overlap the edges so grass cant grow up in between the rows. Hold the plastic down with bricks or heavy stones, then sit back and let the sun do its work. The heat and moisture will destroy your existing lawn in about 6 to 8 weeks, leaving the soil ready for reseeding.
You can avoid all the plastic by covering your lawn with 7 to 10 layers of overlapping newspaper, instead. Wet it down, then cover that with 5 to 7 inches of mulch, grass clippings, or compost. Without access to sunlight, the grass and weeds will wither and die, and in about 6 to 8 weeks, your soil will be ready for its makeover. Bonus: As the newspaper and other materials decompose, theyll add valuable nutrients to the soil.
Read Also: How To Use Topsoil On Lawn
Revive Your Lawn By Overseeding
Is your lawn looking thin and brown? Well, Scotts can help you get back to the thick, lush, green lawn you’ve always wanted and all you need to do is overseed. If you put down a layer of seed over your lawn in the spring or fall, the thin areas will thicken up, and your lawn will start to look terrific again.
Osu Extension: Reseeding Thin Patches In Your Lawn Should Happen Asap
In central Ohio, the entire month of September is acceptable for seeding. Lawns seeded later in the fall may fail because the seedling turf has insufficient growth to survive the winter. If seeding cannot be done very soon in central Ohio, postpone the job until spring. The earlier in the spring a seeding can be made the better the chances for success.
Unfortunately, all lawns cannot be seeded during the recommended late summer/early fall period. Besides the summer survival risks associated with spring seedings, these spring seedings also will be susceptible to heavy infestations of summer annual weeds including crabgrass, foxtail, barnyardgrass, pigweed and many others. Infestations of these summer annual weeds are greatly reduced in successful early fall seedings, since a good density develops before the weed seeds germinate the following spring.
Look for grass blend contain a variety of grasses or blends and be aware of the amount of sun or shade your seeding area receives daily. Sow seed, most recommendations call for 2-3 lbs per 1000 sq foot, evenly with a spreader. Plan to go over the area to be seeded twice, preferably in a different direction each time. With a low seeding rate, it is easier to get good distribution if something is added to the seed to make more bulk. Several materials such as sand or corn meal may be used. Starter fertilizer should be applied just prior to or after seeding.
Don’t Miss: Where To Recycle Lawn Mower
No Matter Where You Live In The Us Learn The Best Time To Reseed Your Lawn And How To Do It
Flystock/Shutterstock
Left alone, grass has no problem providing its own seed and replenishing itself. A manicured lawn often cant because repeated mowing chops off most, if not all, of the seeds before they mature. Thats why its important to reseed your lawn from time to time, especially if it gets a lot of wear and tear. Planting fall grass seed is one trick.
Heres more information on how long it takes for grass seed to grow.
Using A Mechanical Slit
Slit-seeders produce better results by cutting slits in the turf and placing seeds at the proper depth for optimal seed germination. This makes it much easier to get excellent results with a slit-seeder since you dont have to worry about controlling the spreading density or consistency by hand. If you dont own a slit-seeder, you could rent one from your local hardware store or garden center, but the best option is to hire a professional service.
If you have access to a slit-seeder, you should use it. Fill the slit-seeder with the appropriate amount of grass seed to cover your yard as per the instructions on the seeds packaging. Walk the slit-seeder across your lawn in rows, following your usual back-and-forth mowing pattern. When youre finished, repeat the process in the other direction, walking across the rows you just made.
Youll have an even grid of freshly sown seeds at the proper depth for growing when youre finished.
Read Also: How To Treat Lawn Brown Spots
