Grass overseeding—sometimes called “lawn reseeding“—is the process of planting seed over an existing lawn in order to improve the density and overall health of the lawn. This is often done in the early fall when the weather is cooler and there is more moisture in the soil, which allows the new seed to germinate and establish roots more easily.

There are several reasons why homeowners might choose to overseed their lawns. One common reason is to fill in bare or thin areas of the lawn, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as heavy foot traffic, disease, or pests. Overseeding can also be used to introduce new grass varieties that are more resistant to disease or better suited to the local climate.

It is important to note that while overseeding can improve the appearance and health of a lawn, it is not a substitute for proper lawn maintenance such as regular mowing, fertilizing, and watering. Additionally, overseeding is not recommended for lawns that have severe problems such as heavy thatch build-up or a history of disease. In these cases, it may be necessary to remove the existing grass and start with a fresh seedbed.

Overseeding is a valuable project, and it’s a lot of work. It can take a lot of skill, patience and most of all, knowledge to do it correctly. Simmons Sports & Services provides tractor service Idaho Falls residents rely on, and we can make sure your lawn overseeding project is completed quickly and efficiently.

Preparing for Overseeding

To prepare for overseeding, the existing grass must be mowed short and the soil must be loosened to allow the new seed to make contact with the soil. The seed is then spread evenly over the lawn and should be watered regularly to ensure germination. After the seed has germinated, the lawn should be mowed regularly to encourage growth and maintain an even height.

Mowing & Aerating

Mowing and aerating are important steps in preparing for grass overseeding. It’s important to know how to mow the lawn, whereas aerating is often something the professionals do.

• Mowing: Before overseeding, the existing grass should be mowed short so that the new seed can make contact with the soil. This also helps to remove any dead or brown grass, which can inhibit the growth of new seed. It is important to mow the lawn at the proper height for the type of grass you have.
• Aerating: Aeration is the process of removing small plugs of soil from the lawn to improve air, water and nutrient movement to the roots. This can be done by using a manual or powered aerator, which pulls small plugs of soil out of the lawn. Aerating prior to overseeding is important as it allows the new seed to reach the soil and establish roots more easily. It also helps to relieve soil compaction, which can inhibit the growth of new seed. Aerating should be done when soil is moist, not dry or waterlogged, to get the best results.

Evaluating the Soil

Evaluating the soil before overseeding is an important step in ensuring that the new seed will have the best chance of germinating and establishing roots. There are several factors that should be evaluated when assessing the soil for overseeding:

• Soil pH: The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0 for most grasses to grow well. A pH that is too high or too low can inhibit seed germination and growth.
• Nutrient Content: The soil should have adequate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for the new seed to germinate and grow. A soil test can determine the nutrient content of the soil and recommend any necessary amendments.
• Texture and Drainage: The soil should be well-draining and have a texture that allows for good seed-to-soil contact. Heavy clay soils can be compacted and don’t allow the roots to grow freely, while sandy soils don’t retain moisture or nutrients well.
• Thatch: Thatch is a layer of dead grass and other organic matter that accumulates on top of the soil. A thick layer of thatch can inhibit seed germination and growth. Thatch should be removed prior to overseeding to ensure proper seed germination.

Evaluating these factors will give you a good understanding of the soil conditions and help you to make any necessary adjustments before overseeding. This will ensure that the new seed has the best chance of germinating and establishing roots, resulting in a lush, healthy lawn.

Choosing the Right Seed

To choose the right seed for overseeding, consider the climate and soil conditions in your area, and the specific needs of your lawn, such as high traffic or pets. It’s recommended to check with a local nursery or lawn care professional for recommendations on the best seed for your specific area and needs.

Learn more about seed types here.

Overseeding Techniques

There are several techniques for overseeding a lawn, including:

• Broadcast Seeding: This is the most common method of overseeding, where seed is evenly spread over the entire lawn. This method is best for filling in bare or thin areas of the lawn, or for introducing a new grass variety.
• Slit Seeding: This method involves using a specialized machine that creates small slits in the soil and drops seed into them. This method is best for overseeding lawns with heavy thatch build-up or for planting a new lawn from scratch. The seed is placed directly into the soil, which increase the chances of germination.
• Hydroseeding: This method involves mixing seed, fertilizer, and a protective mulch in a water-based slurry and then spraying it onto the lawn. Hydroseeding is best for large areas, steep slopes or hard-to-reach areas. It’s also a fast and effective method for planting a new lawn.

Each of these techniques has its own advantages and disadvantages and the choice of the method depends on the specific needs of the lawn. Broadcast seeding is easy to do and can be done by homeowners, while slit seeding and hydroseeding are best left to professionals.

Aftercare

Aftercare is an essential step in ensuring the success of an overseeding project. Proper aftercare will ensure that the new seed germinates and establishes roots, resulting in a lush, healthy lawn. The following are important steps in aftercare:

1. Watering & Fertilizing: The new seed should be watered regularly, at least once a day, or as often as necessary to keep the soil consistently moist. Avoid over-watering, which can cause the seed to wash away or lead to disease. Fertilizing the new seed with a starter fertilizer can help to promote seed germination and growth.
2. Mowing & Maintenance: Once the new seed has germinated, the lawn should be mowed regularly to encourage growth and maintain an even height. It is important to mow at the proper height for the type of grass you have. Also, it is important to keep an eye on the lawn for signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action.
3. Monitoring the Progress: Keep an eye on the progress of the new seed, monitoring the seed germination rate, and the overall health of the lawn. It is important to identify and address any issues that arise, such as bare spots or disease, as soon as possible.

Proper aftercare is essential for the success of an overseeding project. By following these steps, you can ensure that the new seed germinates and establishes roots, resulting in a lush, healthy lawn.

Conclusion

In conclusion, grass overseeding is a great way to improve the health and appearance of your lawn. It involves planting new grass seed over existing grass, which can fill in bare or thin areas, improve the density of the lawn, and introduce new grass varieties. However, it’s important to properly prepare the lawn before overseeding, by evaluating the soil, aerating, and mowing.

Also, it’s important to choose the right seed for the specific needs of your lawn, and consider the method of overseeding that best fits those needs.

After overseeding, proper aftercare is essential, including regular watering and fertilizing, mowing, maintenance, and monitoring the progress of the new seed. With the right preparation and aftercare, you can achieve a lush and healthy lawn.

To get started on grass overseeding, contact Simmons Sports & Services today.