Is your lawn looking a little lackluster? Thinning grass, dull color, and bare spots are signs that your lawn may need to be overseeded, which is the planting of new grass seed over an already existing lawn. The result is thicker, greener grass and a healthier lawn overall. And, it’s the perfect time of year for it. In fall, the cooler weather and still-warm soil create an ideal environment for seeds to germinate. Follow these steps for fall overseeding and you’ll love the lush lawn you see in spring.

Preparing for Fall Overseeding

Before you spread the seed, it’s also a good idea to repair any existing issues like soil imbalances or poor drainage. Buy a soil testing kit at the garden center or call a lawn-care specialist to test the soil and make sure the pH levels are good. Lime may need to be added to adjust the levels.

In preparation for fall overseeding, the first step is to mow the lawn very short. Next, aerate or dethatch the lawn. Both of these steps give the seeds a better chance of making contact with the soil and allow sunlight to better reach the seeds. A layer of thatch, or even grass clippings, left on the lawn keeps the seeds from reaching the soil, so make sure to remove it. Aeration also loosens up the soil so that water and nutrients reach the seedlings’ roots.

Select the right product. Choose the highest quality seed or seed blend, it’s worth the extra money. The type of seed needs to be compatible with the climate and growing conditions in your area. There are specific seed blends for sunny areas or shaded areas, too.

Overseeding Steps

There are a variety of ways to spread the seed mixture. For smaller areas, using your hands is fine. A drop spreader or rotary spreader works best for larger areas. Follow the directions carefully on the package as to what amount to use.

After spreading the seed, loosely rake over the area to ensure the seeds are in contact with the soil. Give the area a light watering, taking care not to wash the seeds away. Newly overseeded lawns need to be kept moist, so water once or twice a day for the next couple of weeks. Apply a fertilizer to give seedlings the extra nutrients needed.

Call in an Expert

Overseeding is a time-consuming task, especially if you have a big yard. But come springtime, you’ll see that the effort was worth it. Grass is a living thing that ages. If you want your lawn to look great and have a long life, give it the extra care it needs. Or call in a lawn-care expert for fall overseeding and other treatments. Contact Free Spray Lawn Care today at 419-529-5296.