Is it better to overseed in the spring or fall?

Fall is the best choice. The soil is still warm which means the seed will germinate faster. Also, weed growth tapers off after summer, so your new grass won't have to compete for sunshine, water, and nutrients. Overseeding in spring is the next-best option.

What is the best month to overseed your lawn?

Hands down, early fall is the best time to overseed your lawn. The absolute sweet spot for most northern regions of the U.S. is August 15 to September 15. That's when daytime temperatures are still warm enough to encourage growth and nights get cooler, giving new seedlings a break from the heat.

What month should I overseed my lawn in spring?

Best time to attempt spring grass seeding

The best time to seed in the spring is mid-March through early April. Like fall seeding, the soil must first be prepared. The recommended method is verticutting. A verticut slices grooves in the soil that allows for the necessary seed and soil contact for germination.

When should I start fall overseeding?

Plan to overseed your lawn 45 days prior to the planting zone's first frost in the fall. This can help strengthen a weak or thinning lawn. In the Spring, it can be best to strengthen your lawn once the threat of any freeze passes.

How many times a year should you overseed?

Make it an annual practice.

"Annual overseeding is recommended to thicken lawns and make them more attractive, but also to introduce improved varieties of grass that are hardier, less prone to insects and diseases, and more drought tolerant," explains Mayer.

Do not FALL OVERSEED! Or do…

Can you put too much seed down when overseeding?

If you put down too much grass seed, you will encourage competition that will cause your grass seedlings to struggle after germination because there will be excessive competition for sunlight, soil nutrients, and water. You'll know if you seeded too heavy when the grass grows in very thick patches.

Can you put down too much overseed?

Ignoring recommended seeding rates

Don't overdo or cut corners. Too much grass seed causes undue competition for resources such as light, water and nutrients, and grass seedlings struggle as a result.

Is October too late to overseed?

When it's October, people often wonder if it is too late to plant new seed. The good news is if you hurry, seed can still be planted in October with the hope that it will survive the upcoming winter. Although September is the best time, often we can still plant grass seed up to October 15 with good results.

Do I need to water after fall overseeding?

It's critical that you properly water your lawn after aeration and overseeding. Not doing so could have negative results such as a lawn that won't grow, wasted money, or needing to re-seed all over again. It's important to keep in mind that lawn care is a partnership between you and your lawn care company.

Should you fertilize or overseed first?

Stop fertilizing for at least a month before overseeding. The fertilizer makes your grass grow faster, which makes it harder for the new seeds to take hold. Identify your grass type or the type of grass you want to grow.

Can I just throw grass seed down on existing lawn?

Overseeding can help you get back to the thick, lush, green lawn you've always wanted. By spreading grass seed over your existing lawn, you can thicken up the thin areas, and your lawn will start to look terrific again. (This is different from reseeding, which is when you start over and plant a completely new lawn.)

What is the best way to overseed an existing lawn?

Is March too early to overseed?

Is March too early to plant grass seed? March is too early to plant most grass seeds. Unless you live in a warm region, temperatures will be too low at this time of year. Be sure to wait until daily temperatures average around 80 degrees Fahrenheit to plant grass.

Can you overseed both in the spring and fall?

There are two ideal times of the year to overseed your lawn – fall and spring. Fall is the best choice. The soil is still warm which means the seed will germinate faster. Also, weed growth tapers off after summer, so your new grass won't have to compete for sunshine, water, and nutrients.

Should I mix grass seed with topsoil when overseeding?

Should you mix grass seed with topsoil? If you're looking for a quick answer, yes, you should mix grass seed with topsoil for small areas of your garden and other applications.

Do I need to aerate before overseeding?

Aeration will help ensure your soil is ready to absorb all of the nutrients and seeds that come its way with topdressing and overseeding. That's why you should aerate before overseeding.

What to put down after overseeding?

Broadcast seed with a cyclone or drop-type seeder

After overseeding, give the area a heavy watering right away to wash seed into the aeration holes and help break up the aeration cores on the surface.

Should I overseed twice?

It is recommended to fill in a lawn with 50% or more grass coverage. However, at 50% you will likely need overseeding twice to get the lawn to 90-100%. Just throwing seed on your lawn without aerating or working up the soil will have little to no positive effect on your lawn.

Should I fertilize when I overseed in the fall?

The autumn season comes with a mix of warm soil and cool air, perfect for planting grass seed and allowing time for new grass roots to develop before winter sets in. It is also a good time to fertilize to build stronger, deeper roots for winter, resulting in a thicker, greener lawn next spring.

Can I overseed twice a year?

You can overseed at almost any time of the year for a fraction of the cost of a complete reseeding. There is no risk of erosion from sudden downpours, and it's faster, neater, and less expensive than starting from scratch.

Can you overseed and fertilize at the same time?

Applying fertilizer at the same time you seed your lawn is not a recommended idea. Many experts will tell you that doing so you could risk to destroy a large part of your lawn where the soil was heavily fertilized.

When should you not aerate your lawn?

Spring is not the ideal time to aerate the lawn, but circumstances may require it. If the soil is so compacted that existing grass can't grow, it may be necessary to aerate in the spring. 1 Generally, though, spring aerating is discouraged because the aeration holes provide a perfect spot for weed seeds to germinate.

How long should you stay off grass after overseeding?

Should I Stay Off My Lawn After Overseeding? Yes, it is best to reduce foot traffic and wear on your lawn for at least two weeks after seeding.

What temperature is best to overseed?

1. Overseed at the right time. Cool season seeds germinate when air temperatures are about 60 to 75°F, and when soil temperatures are about 50 to 55°F. Planting too early or too late in the season will lengthen the time it takes for the seeds to germinate, or prevent them from germinating at all.

How many square feet does a 50 lb bag of grass seed cover?

The 50lb option covers 10,000 square feet for overseeding and 5,000 square feet for bare ground.