Overseeding is a reliable way to thicken up your lawn in Ohio if it looks patchy and thin. A fertilizer treatment should be applied after overseeding because it contains nutrients that will provide the grass seeds much-needed nourishment to germinate and develop strong roots. However, you should ensure that you are using a starter fertilizer for your overseeded lawn because this type of treatment contains a balanced set of essential nutrients meant for growing grass seeds. It's also important to apply the right amount because using too much will harm the seeds as well as your existing lawn.

How can a fertilizer treatment help new grass seeds?

New grass seedlings in the soil in Mansfield, OH.

A lawn fertilizer treatment should be applied after overseeding to kickstart the germination and continued growth of the grass seeds. Fertilizers provide essential nutrients to the grass seeds that will help them germinate and develop strong roots. Applying it after overseeding your turf is a much-needed nutrient boost for the grass seeds to aid in their early development, allowing them to grow into beautiful, green grass that will fill in thin areas on your lawn.

What's more, the nutrients found in fertilizer treatments are also essential in robust root development. A healthy root system is important in bolstering the overall health and survival of the newly germinated grass throughout the growing season. With strong roots, the new grass growth on your turf will be durable and resilient against stressful conditions! Without fertilizers, the grass seeds may not have access to the nutrients they need to germinate and grow into vibrant, green grass.

Make sure you use the right kind of fertilizer treatment after overseeding.

When fertilizing the grass seeds after overseeding, make sure you use the right kind of treatment. Starter fertilizers are made for grass seeds and are designed to support the early development of grass. This kind of lawn fertilizer provides a balanced set of nutrients in lower doses to avoid stressing out the seeds. The nutrients it should contain include:

  • Nitrogen: This nutrient will help make your grass green and aid in dense, upright leaf growth for a vibrant and lush appearance. It is also essential in helping your lawn convert sunlight into food and energy!
  • Phosphorus: This nutrient is a major ingredient in starter fertilizers. It boosts early development and helps the grass seeds establish deep, strong roots to ensure their long-term health.
  • Potassium: Your starter fertilizer will also contain potassium, the nutrient responsible for keeping your grass stress-free by boosting its resistance to drought, weeds, and insects.

Don't Apply Too Much Fertilizer to Avoid Harming the Seeds

While it is crucial to use the right kind of fertilizer for your newly overseeded lawn, it's equally important to apply the treatment in moderation. Anything too much or too little can either be harmful or ineffective. Grass seedlings are more vulnerable to stress and damage, and applying too much fertilizer can lead to the developing grass's stunted growth. Additionally, the excess product can cause fertilizer burn and dry up the surrounding grass and its roots. That's because the excess fertilizer treatment will draw out moisture from the grass and essentially dehydrate it.

Avoid mistakes when applying lawn fertilizer for your overseeded lawn by hiring lawn care professionals to do it.

Call us today to sign up for our overseeding service!

If you want to rejuvenate your lawn and make it thicker, we can help. Our team at Free Spray Lawn Care offers our overseeding service to commercial and residential properties in Mansfield, Wooster, Strongsville, OH, and surrounding communities. We offer a Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass seed mix and a turf-type tall fescue seed mix for this service. After overseeding, our team will administer a starter fertilizer to give the grass seeds a health boost and help them germinate. Give us a call today at 419-529-5296 to sign up for our overseeding service.