Overseeding a lawn is the process of planting new grass seed into existing turf. It’s a simple and effective way to improve the appearance and health of your lawn. Overseeding can be done for a variety of reasons, including:
- To thicken up a thin lawn
- To fill in bare spots
- To introduce new grass varieties that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and drought
- To improve the overall quality of your lawn
When To Overseed A Lawn
The best time to overseed your lawn is in the Fall, when the soil is still warm and the days are shorter. This will give the new grass seedlings a chance to establish themselves before the winter dormancy period. Overseeding can also be done in the Spring, as long as the soil temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, however, weed pressure will be greater than in the Fall.
To overseed your lawn, you will need the following supplies:
- Grass seed: Choose a grass seed mix that is appropriate for your climate and soil type. You can find grass seed mixes at your local garden center or online.
- Fertilizer: A starter fertilizer will help the new grass seedlings grow strong and healthy.
- Topdressing (optional): Topdressing is a thin layer of compost or soil that is spread over the lawn after overseeding. It helps to hold in moisture and protect the new grass seedlings.
- Lawn roller (optional): A lawn roller is used to press the new grass seed into the soil and improve seed-to-soil contact.
How to Overseed a Lawn
- Mow your lawn to a height of about 2 inches. This will allow the new grass seed to make good contact with the soil. This will also temporarily stun the existing grass which gives the new seed time to germinate and develop.
- Apply the grass seed according to the directions on the package. Be sure to spread the seed evenly over the entire lawn by using a spreader. DO NOT over apply as it can result in not enough space for the new grass to develop, competing with each other for nutrients, making it weaker and prone to disease.
- Use a lawn roller to press the new grass seed into the soil.
- Spread a thin layer of topdressing over the lawn (optional, but recommended on bare spots).
- Water your lawn lightly to help the grass seed adhere to the soil.
- About 10 days later, apply a starter fertilizer according to the directions on the package. Waiting a week will allow the new seeds to germinate and develop some roots to take in the fertilizer. Applying the fertilizer on the same day will feed your existing grass giving it a head start over the new seedlings.
Tips for Overseeding Success
- Water your lawn lightly (about 2-3 times per day), just enough to keep the seed moist, especially during the first 2 weeks after overseeding. After the first 2 weeks, you can start to back off to once a day.
- Keep traffic off of the new lawn until it has established itself.
- Fertilize your lawn regularly after 2-3 mows and according to a soil test (optional).
How Long Does it Take for Overseeded Grass to Grow?
Under ideal conditions, overseeded grass will germinate within 7-10 days. However, it may take up to 6 weeks for the new grass seedlings to become fully established. During this time, it is important to water your lawn regularly and keep traffic off of it.
How Often Should You Overseed Your Lawn?
How often you need to overseed your lawn will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of grass you have, the climate you live in, and how much traffic your lawn gets. In general, it’s a good idea to overseed your lawn every 2 years. However, if your lawn is thin or damaged, you may need to overseed it more often.
Benefits of Overseeding Your Lawn
There are many benefits to overseeding your lawn, including:
- A thicker, healthier lawn
- Fewer weeds
- Improved drought tolerance
- Increased resistance to pests and diseases
- Enhanced curb appeal
Overseeding is a simple and effective way to improve the appearance and health of your lawn. By following the tips above, you can easily overseed your lawn yourself and achieve professional-looking results.
