How To Reseed Your Lawn Like a Pro
Step-by-Step Guide To Overseeding Your Lawn
Step 1: Choose the Right Time
When: The best time to overseed your lawn is during its peak growing season. For cool-season grasses, early fall or spring are ideal. For warm-season grasses, late spring to early summer is best.
Why: Overseeding during these times ensures the seeds can establish themselves before the stresses of summer heat or winter cold.
Step 2: Select the Appropriate Seed
Match the Grass Type: Choose a seed that matches your current lawn or addresses a specific need (shade tolerance, drought resistance, etc.).
Quality Matters: Purchase high-quality seed with a high germination rate and minimal weed seeds.
Step 3: Prepare Your Lawn
Mow Low: Cut your lawn to about 1.5 inches to reduce competition from existing grass and allow more sunlight to reach the seeds.
Don’t be afraid of mowing low or scalping your entire lawn. You will know you did it correctly once you start mowing low your lawn will turn yellow, that exactly what you want keep on going.
2. Power Rake: For this step you can purchase a special rake to remove thatch from lawn by hand but I will be hinest by doing it this way it is very time consuming and labor intensive. Second choice is renting a power rake machine or dethatcher same machine different names. After dethatching lawn make sure to pick up thatch with your mower or rankin git by hand in to a garbage can.
What Is Dethatching?
Dethatching is a lawn care process that involves removing the layer of dead turfgrass tissue known as thatch. Thatch is a mix of dead and living plant material, including grass clippings, roots, and stems, that builds up between the soil surface and the green vegetation of your lawn. A little bit of thatch can be beneficial as it helps to protect the roots, but too much can prevent moisture, oxygen, and nutrients from reaching the soil and can also inhibit the growth of new grass.
This a power rake machine and you can see how it removes and leaves behind layer of thatch.
3. Core Aeration: For this proccess I suggest hiring a professional or you can rent the machine and do it your self. If you really want a challenge you can buy a manual fork aerator from Amazon and do it by hand. By doing core aeration to your lawn you will loosen of the soil and compaction this allowing air and water getting deeper in to the roots. When you do this process there will be small core plugs on top of lawn. You can remove them but you really don’t have to it won’t affect the seed.
Core aeration plugs that machine pulls out.
4. Starter fertilizer: is crucial for successful overseeding because it provides essential nutrients that help new grass seedlings establish roots and grow strong. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for in a starter fertilizer for overseeding your lawn:
Key Nutrients in Starter Fertilizer
Nitrogen (N): Promotes leaf growth and gives grass its green color.
Phosphorus (P): Critical for root development, especially important for new seedlings.
Potassium (K): Aids in overall plant health and disease resistance.
Choosing the Right Starter Fertilizer
High Phosphorus Content: Look for a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content compared to regular lawn fertilizers. The label will show a higher middle number in the N-P-K ratio (e.g., 10-20-10).
Quick Release Formulas: These provide nutrients rapidly and are beneficial for fast-growing seedlings. However, be cautious with the application rate to avoid burning the young grass.
Application Tips
Apply Before Seeding: It's often recommended to apply starter fertilizer right before you spread the new grass seed. This ensures that the nutrients are readily available when the seeds germinate.
Follow Directions: Use the manufacturer’s recommended rates on the packaging. Over-fertilizing can harm your lawn.
Water After Application: Water lightly but consistently after applying the fertilizer to help dissolve and distribute the nutrients into the soil.
Overseeding
5. Reseeding: It is time to reseed your lawn. By this time I hope you have done your homework of choosing the correct type of grass seed for your region. You will want to use a spreader for this and adjust accordingly to the seed manufacturer recommendations. Make sure to spread out evenly for the best results.
6. Top Dressing: Top dressing your lawn after fertilizing and seeding is a beneficial practice that can enhance seed germination, improve soil health, and encourage a lush, green lawn. Here’s how to effectively use top dressing in your overseeding process:
What Is Top Dressing?
Top dressing typically involves applying a thin layer of organic material over your lawn. Common materials used include compost, loam, or a sand/soil mix. The goal is to provide a nutrient-rich environment for grass seeds and to help improve the soil structure.
Benefits of Top Dressing
Enhanced Seed Germination: Top dressing can protect new seeds from birds and the elements, and keep them moist to enhance germination.
Improved Soil Quality: Adding organic matter helps to improve soil structure, drainage, and nutrient availability.
Disease Reduction: A healthier soil environment can reduce the likelihood of lawn diseases.
How to Apply Top Dressing After Overseeding
Choose the Right Material: Compost or a mix of fine soil and compost is ideal for most lawns because it adds organic matter and nutrients. Make sure the compost is finely screened to avoid introducing weed seeds or larger debris that could smother new growth.
Prepare the Lawn: Ensure that seeding and any aeration are completed. If you’ve used a starter fertilizer, it should already be applied according to the package instructions.
Apply Evenly: Use a shovel and a rake to apply a thin layer (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch) of top dressing over the lawn. Be careful not to cover the grass seeds too deeply, as this could inhibit their growth.
Smooth and Level: Use the back of a rake or a lawn leveler to gently distribute and smooth out the top dressing. Avoid compacting the soil, which can prevent air and water from reaching the seeds.
Water Appropriately: After applying the top dressing, water the area lightly but consistently to keep the seeds and top dressing moist. This helps the seeds to establish and the organic material to begin breaking down and integrating with the soil.
Monitor and Maintain: Keep an eye on your lawn for signs of germination and growth. Continue to follow good lawn care practices, such as proper watering and eventually mowing when the grass reaches an appropriate height.
After you've overseeded, fertilized, and applied top dressing to your lawn, there are several key steps to take to ensure the best possible results. These ongoing maintenance practices will help establish the new grass and maintain the health and beauty of your lawn.
Post-Overseeding Lawn Care Steps
1. Watering
Initial Phase: Keep the top inch of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. This often requires watering lightly once or twice a day, depending on weather conditions.
After Germination: Once seeds start to germinate and grass begins to grow, gradually reduce the frequency of watering but increase the amount, encouraging deeper root growth.
2. Mowing
First Mow: Wait until the new grass is about 3 inches tall before mowing for the first time. This allows the grass to establish strong roots without being stressed by premature cutting.
Mowing Height: Set your mower to a high setting to avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. This helps prevent stress and promotes healthier growth.
3. Continued Fertilization
Second Application: About 4-6 weeks after the initial application of starter fertilizer, apply another round of fertilizer to support continued growth. This should be a balanced fertilizer, still relatively high in phosphorus if your soil test indicates a need.
Regular Schedule: Establish a regular fertilization schedule based on your specific type of grass and local climate conditions.
4. Weed Control
Manual Removal: During the initial weeks, avoid using chemical weed killers as they can affect the new grass. Instead, remove weeds by hand if possible.
Selective Herbicides: Once the new grass has been mowed 3-4 times, you can consider using selective herbicides if necessary. Always choose products safe for the type of grass you have and follow the label instructions carefully.
5. Disease Monitoring
Watch for Signs: Keep an eye out for any signs of disease or unusual spots on the grass, which might indicate fungal issues or pest problems.
Proper Treatment: Treat any issues promptly, using the appropriate fungicides or pesticides recommended for your specific grass type and problem.
6. Aeration
Annual Aeration: If your lawn tends to get compacted, consider aerating at least once a year. Aeration should be done during your lawn’s growing season to promote health and vigor.
7. Overseed Maintenance
Annual Overseeding: In areas with heavy wear or where the lawn seems thin, overseeding each year can help maintain a dense, lush lawn. This is especially effective in the fall for cool-season grasses.
8. Raking and Cleaning
Regular Cleaning: Remove leaves and debris regularly to prevent them from matting down and smothering the grass. This also helps to prevent disease and pests from taking hold.
By following these steps, you ensure that your newly overseeded lawn has the best conditions for growth and can thrive in its environment. Maintaining a regular care schedule and adjusting practices based on the season and your lawn's specific needs are key to a healthy, beautiful yard.
Schedule Overseeding Services Near Me
Contact Evo Lawn & Landscape at 224-777-0061 for a free quote regarding overseeding services in Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Mount Prospect and Glenview Illinois area.
