Lawn Overseeding: A Primer

When it comes to lawn care, you can be faced with a real conundrum. On one hand, you want to have a lush, beautiful lawn. On the other hand, you want to be able to use that lawn. Sure, the look of your lawn is important, but so is letting the kids play there and using it for entertaining (e.g., cookouts, get-togethers, etc.). That foot traffic can really take its toll on your lawn, though. All is not lost, however. If you are one who uses the lawn for such purposes, overseeding might be just what you need to achieve both goals. As such, you may need to overseed or reseed your lawn from time to time. That said, let’s take a deeper dive into what overseeding is and if/when it is best for your particular situation.

What is Lawn Overseeding?
An alternative to a total lawn renovation, overseeding is a much less involved process that can help keep high-traffic lawns looking green and healthy. In general, there is a threshold for lawn overseeding, though. If more than 40% of your lawn needs to be fixed, a total lawn renovation is likely your best option. Less than 40%, however, and you will probably be just fine with lawn overseeding.

Why Would You Need Lawn Overseeding?
There can be a great number of reasons why your lawn could need to be overseeded. We have compiled a list of some of the most common reasons.

• Thin spots in the lawn
• Bare patches in the lawn
• Brown, lifeless appearance
• Damage in some places because of overuse
• Damage caused by weeds (which may also be starting to take over the lawn)
• Insects causing problems
• Moles or voles have caused problems
• Hardier seed needs to be added to create a thicker appearance
• Soil issues complicate lawn growth
• Excessive thatch

When Should You Overseed?
Late summer and early fall are the best times for overseeding. Aim for August/September.

The 12-Step Process of Lawn Overseeding

• Pinpoint all of your lawn issues. Unless you pinpoint the root cause of your lawn issues, overseeding will simply be a Band-Aid, at best, or completely ineffective, at worst. Look for issues such as poor drainage, too little sunlight, pest problems, and the like. Treat those issues first.
• Finding the right seed. If you are trying to create a seed blend with your existing grass, do your homework to find out which combination(s) will deliver the best results.
• Clear your lawn. Make sure your lawn is free from all cover, such as branches, leaves, and any miscellaneous debris.
• Treat the weeds. To prevent weeds from undermining your overseeding efforts, treat them and remove them before putting down new seed. Otherwise, the weeds will just keep growing.
• Test your soil. If your lawn is having issues because of a pH imbalance in the soil, any additional seeding you apply may also have the same issues. Get your soil tested and correct any imbalances as necessary.
• Fertilize the yard. By applying fertilizer first, you can help ensure that the newly planted seeds have every advantage to help them grow right from the start.
• Mow your lawn. You’ll want to keep your lawn at a good height to help ensure seeds make it to the soil and don’t get caught up in long grass.
• Raking and Aeration. These are two methods to help combat soil compaction. Reducing soil compaction can help the lawn be better able to take new seeds.
• Let’s get planting. Once you have taken the previous steps to prepare your lawn and soil, spread the new seeds evenly across the lawn.
• Watering is essential. As with any new plant, regular watering is key to help it grow to its potential. That said, don’t overwater. Too much of a good thing is usually a bad thing and that is certainly true for grass seed.
• Be very careful with the new grass. Right after planting the seeds, it’s very important to just water it and nothing else. Give it time to grow. No walking on it or mowing it until it is about three inches tall.
• Sharpen you mower blades. Get your mower blades sharpened before mowing the new grass. This grass will be more delicate and sharp mower blades ensure clean cuts. Further, cutting with dull blades leaves grass more susceptible to disease.

In Conclusion
Overseeding your lawn helps to keep it healthy and looking good. It also allows you to use it to its fullest potential. If your lawn looks like it needs to be overseeded, it’s better to address the situation early to avoid a complete lawn renovation. Yes, it can seem like a lot of preparation and care to do it right. If your lawn or grounds need special attention, it might be best to contact the lawn care professionals at E.P.M. Lawnscape and Supply. Give us a call at (517) 990-0110 today!