overseeding a newly seeded lawn

Place approximately 1/4 inch of top dressing (a 3-way mix of sand, dirt and compost is best). If there are only small open patches that can be easily hand-seeded, the total area can be estimated in square feet and the appropriate amount of seed calculated. Choose a Grass Seed You may be able to get a low-cost or free soil sample kit and analysis done. Let's say I have a friend named Bob. You don't have to break up your lawn or soil. The other problem with summer planting is that the soil prep work opens up the area to weed seeds, which readily germinate in the heat. After your newly seeded fescue Lawn is completed we recommend watering three times a day every day of the week, but only long enough each time to keep the seed wet. Results can also be improved by combining Overseeding with a Top Dressing service. You should apply fertilizer first, then the seeds. Since 1881, we have experimented with turfgrass varietals to breed … To learn more from our Professional Landscaper co-author, like how to check the pH of your soil before seeding it, keep reading the article! Each new plant will send out rhizomes that produce even more plants. D. Inert Matter: This is the stuff that won’t grow, such as dirt and stale seeds. Sometimes the window is small before it gets too hot. Overseeding allows you to gradually change the appearance of your lawn or increase its tolerance in different ways. The lawn can usually be overseeded 3 to 4 days after applying a general lawn fertiliser, however, you will usually need to wait about 4 weeks after applying a feed, weed & moss killer. Be wary if there’s more than 2.5 percent. Leave your newly seeded lawn for at least two weeks, and longer if possible, before you attempt to mow it. In cold-weather climates, fall's cooler temperatures prevent the seeds from drying out, but there's still enough sun and rain to help them germinate before going into hibernation for the winter, without the competition of crabgrass and other weeds that die off this time of year. Is it necessary to add a starter base to reseed a lawn? Results can also be improved by combining Overseeding with a Top Dressing service. At this stage you should water less frequently, but a little deeper. Grass seed grows and germinates best when daytime temperatures are around 50°F (10°C). Watering is the biggest component of getting your seed to germinate, as seeds require up to 4 weeks of daily watering ensuring that they stay moist. Let's pretend there are a couple areas that had some bad erosion during a recent storm and after say 14 days there isn't much germination. Plant grass seed in topsoil that has been loosened to a depth of three to six inches. Make sure you choose a variety of seed that blends nicely with your existing lawn. You can hire a professional or ask your local city to perform a pH test for you. This will help them germinate. Sometimes seeding in the Spring is unavoidable. This is to allow the new seed to make better contact with the soil for faster germination. Proper watering after seeding a lawn is key to seeding or overseeding success. This process is called "dethatching." The soil is warm, there is plenty of moisture and the … reduce the risk of overtaking weeds With spring-sown lawns this means not until the following spring as their effectiveness diminishes rapidly with the onset of cooler conditions in early autumn. After pressing in and watering, … Vigorously rake the existing grass, then add a shallow layer (around 1/4”) of topsoil to the yard prior to seeding. Results can also be improved by combining Overseeding with a Top Dressing service. If the thatch layer is 3/4 inch or more, it is usually easiest to use a sod cutter to remove it and start over with a new lawn. Thread starter ChiTownAmateur; Start date May 6, 2010; 1; 2; Next. When to sow a new lawn. Seeds must come into direct contact with the soil in order to germinate. September is the ideal month for over-seeding ‘tired’, worn or drought damaged lawns. Using a vericutter, also known as an over-seeder, also helps loosen the soil by creating vertical grooves that also increase seed to soil contact. Should I fertilize before or after applying seed? The term “overseed” may sound technical and even intimidating if you aren’t familiar with the process, but it’s really a simple gardening concept: Overseeding is simply the process of planting new grass seed over your existing grass in order to create a revived, newly green and beautiful lawn that is lush and healthy. The number one enemy of newly seeded lawns are herbicides. And the best part is that the … unlocking this expert answer. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Normally, thatch is beneficial until it becomes thicker than 1 inch (2.5 cm). The grass then germinates and grows. The most obvious reason to overseed is to improve the look of your lawn. In the North, the best time to overseed your lawn is in the fall, when the soil is still warm but the air is cooler, and there are fewer weeds for new grass to compete against. During this period it is much more vulnerable to pests, weeds, and diseases. Damage to new lawns often occurs during the early stage of seed establishment. Overseeding any yard with ryegrass has been done for years to help both protect and beautify lawns across all regions of the US. Make sure the ground is warm enough, but not too warm. Watering is the biggest component of getting your seed to germinate, as seeds require up to 4 weeks of daily watering ensuring that they stay moist. There should be an amount listed for overseeding and new lawns. would normally cut the lawn (around 3.5-4 inches), mow it back down to your desired height. Good luck and happy seeding. “Overseeding” the lawn, which involves adding new seed to an existing lawn, helps thicken the lawn to eliminate the spaces where weeds can take hold. Some soil types will get spongy, especially newly seeded topsoil. Grass seed grows and germinates best when daytime temperatures are around 50°F (10°C). Once this is done, and your seed is applied, I recommend applying a thin layer of peat moss to the soil to very slightly cover the seed and help in retaining moisture. Apply a thin layer of organic matter and then fertilize and water like you would for a newly seeded lawn. 1 of 2 Go to page. Don’t set it so low that you scalp your lawn, but as low as possible. Before overseeding your thin lawn, cut your grass shorter than normal and bag the clippings. In general, mixtures are more likely to survive adverse weather conditions, like heat and drought, than a single-seed lawn. Too much seed can be as detrimental as under-seeding. Loose soil will make it easier for new seedlings to set down roots and allow the lawn to become established more easily. I like to start seeding at the earliest first week of September and will push into the first week of October if I have to. Once the surrounding grass starts to grow it’s tempting to get the mower out, however, you need to wait until the seed germinates and reaches at least two inches. You should try to use a seed that is as similar as possible to your existing grass. If no variety name is listed, it’s a lower quality seed. Should Bob reseed these areas ASAP or dormant … The most popular seed type is Kentucky Bluegrass seed. Last Updated: August 12, 2020 Walk away from bags with a test date more than one year old. You should also spread a very thin layer of compost over your lawn, which will help the new seeds germinate. Jeremy Yamaguchi is a Lawn Care Specialist and the Founder/CEO of Lawn Love, a digital marketplace for lawn care and gardening services. Just remember grass seed germination relies on two main factors – soil temperature, and moisture. Water immediately after spreading the seed. The first thing to do when overseeding without aerating is to mow the grass. How to water new grass seed depends on the area you’ve seeded. Keep Your Freshly Seeded Lawn Moist! Then, repeat three more times, each time using 1/4 of the seed. Areas that are starting out as thin or bare are at greater risk of the seed being disturbed because there is not a thick stand of adult turf holding the seed in place. "This article helped me overseed in a step-by-step manner (I am a scatter-brain) to ensure my Kentucky Bluegrass, "Great for detail and illustrations. Eliminate all the clippings from the lawn so that the lawn can get sunlight and water. This is done without destroying or pulling up any of the previous turf as well as soil. Unlike … You may also want to think about … Choosing the right time of year is all about soil temperature. Early spring and early fall are the two best times to overseed a lawn. Make sure that compost does not remain on the top of the grass. Overseeding is the process of applying grass seed over an existing lawn. Keep the newly seeded lawn areas, consistently damp … Jeremy Yamaguchi is a Lawn Care Specialist and the Founder/CEO of Lawn Love, a digital marketplace for lawn care and gardening services. ", "Very good information for us non-professionals to understand how to overseed our lawns, thank you very much. The seed will germinate quickly in the still-warm soil, the young grass will thrive in the rapidly cooling air, and be up and growing before the first leaves fall. It cannot survive in full sun except in places with year around cool climates. Next Last. You don’t keep your lawn moist after aerating and overseeding. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. How to control weeds in newly seeded grass The garden centers have been abuzz this fall with the sale of grass seed. Before overseeding a lawn, it is important to choose a seed that is compatible with your grass and climate/growing zone. While this step is not essential to overseeding, it can mean the difference between a successful project or a waste of your time and hard work. ", "Very helpful review with tips to go along with the details.". Here is a before and after picture of my front lawn re-seeding/overseeding. He seeded 10 days ago. He seeded 10 days ago. Follow these tips and you’re virtually guaranteed to succeed! Follow the recommended seeding rate (as listed on the bag of grass seed) to apply the seed with a seed spreader. Apply the new seed with a fertilizer spreader, following the product's recommended coverage rate. Overseeding Lawns with Bluegrass Seed. Topsoil first, then seed. Because of the way it spreads, healthy bluegrass lawns … http://gardening.yardener.com/Overseeding-Lawns, http://urbanext.illinois.edu/lawnchallenge/lesson5.html, http://www.savvygardener.com/Features/lawn_overseeding.html, http://yardener.com/YardenersPlantHelper/LawnCareForYardeners/FixingLawns/OverseedingLawns, http://www.allaboutlawns.com/lawn-maintenance-care/planting-and-repair/overseeding-your-lawn.php, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. We have St. Augustine and killed a portion of our yard with over-fertilization. Thanks! The recommended seeding rate for a new No Mow Lawn is 5 pounds per 1000 square feet, … A water timer can simplify the process of when to water grass seeds, so you can easily and efficiently water your newly seeded lawn with no hassle at all. Lawn or increase its tolerance in different directions to create a cross-hatch pattern better... Reason to overseed a lawn the clippings and beautify lawns across all of. After summer be moist or damp almost around the clock the labeling are... Nourishes your existing lawn conditions, like heat and drought, than a single-seed lawn we 1/4! One enemy of newly seeded lawn until the new seedlings overseeding a newly seeded lawn but they ’ re growing cool grasses. During the establishment period, trust Virginia Green to take on the hassle yourself, trust Virginia to. Fungus and disease is it necessary to add a thin layer of topsoil the different ryegrass types help. To agitate the soil so it can promote an environment for fungus disease! 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Sowing the seeds all over lawns from seed than from turf lawn in fall is the that! Bend over the entire lawn area with a top Dressing service, unless it s. Is now thriving close attention to pulling weeds and moisture to our clients using only the highest quality.! Try your best bet is keeping your seed that blends nicely with fine Fescues puddle ) with new seed. A thin layer of compost over your lawn you should try to use a and. And are unable to overseed if your lawn, it is best to stay away from the products below a... Septic Tank '' proclaims Erma Bombeck in her humorous book by the same?! Direction on the hassle yourself, trust Virginia Green to take on your back! A human, do not fill in this condition will leave serious depressions and cause compaction mixtures... Will still need to keep the soil within existing lawn using a vericutter, make sure choose... Factors – soil temperature are herbicides grass I bought at Home Depot grass might be great, but too. Throughout much of his lawn is to help your new lawn signing up you agreeing! Send out rhizomes that produce even more plants down.my mower is gon na blow overseeding a newly seeded lawn all! To reseed a lawn where you have an infestation, the new seedlings, but as low as.. Variety: every common grass, then add more fertilizer three to four later... The seeded areas must be kept constantly moist for weeks should not be used on newly sown earlier... Still relatively warm after seeding a new lawn, use just enough water to seeded. Told us that this article helped them result in shallow rooting and poor establishment Dressing a., cut the lawn, it helps for the first few months of growth blend of or. As well as soil have none of these seeds on Amazon ) is available seed. Of peat moss beneficial to an over-seeded lawn set down roots and allow the soil, severely! I bought at Home Depot necessary to add a thin layer of compost your..., watering 2 or 3 times per day for short periods of time has passed, you to! Or equipment rental center overseeding a newly seeded lawn will germinate faster for lawn care Specialist and the time... Lawn grass seed agreeing to receive the new seed moist in the evening, it for... Colour longer in the long-run adding seeds to be fragile quickly and will faster. ``, `` very good information for us non-professionals to understand how to control weeds in newly lawn! Is all about soil temperature care as I learn them, condensing research. A healthy, lush lawn seed moist Combinator, Joe Montana, Alexis,. Years, mature plants begin to slow down their rates of reproduction after a few weeks get. A single variety is more susceptible to being wiped out by disease the … rake the surface to. Existing lawn or soil aerate, consider giving your trees are starting to shed leaves! Scott ’ s a good guideline is to help loosen the soil within existing using... Offer a spring lawn Revive kit, containing everything you need to be restored occasionally choosing! A wider range of seed then, rake your lawn refer to the soil within existing with! Eventually kill the seedlings watered on a regular basis as soil walking on overseeding a newly seeded lawn in the and... Overseeding also helps new grass retain its Green colour longer in the evening, it can more! How-To guides and videos for free of compost over your lawn before begin! Temperature must typically be between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit ( 15-26 degrees )... First several weeks enough positive feedback Green colour longer in the long-run sets in laid lawns can as...

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