Overseeding: Yay or nay? Your grass can tell you best

So spring is right at your doorstep. You most certainly do not want a balding lawn with those unwanted bare spots. It only makes sense to put all your effort on greening your lawn by overseeding, right? Well, not so fast. Let us take a look at the dynamics of spring time and how overseeding may fit in the picture. Spring calls for a ton of to-do’s for your lawn. Yes, you are excited to be finally rid of the long-staying cold. You can’t wait to set your feet on a lush, green turf. And by taking the right steps towards lawn maintenance, you will get there. So where does overseeding fit in the picture?

Perhaps your lawn has some bare patches from winter. Perhaps it acquired some damage from de-icing. Or snow mold might have chosen to settle on your lawn through winter. And then again, there may be those areas where weeds are already starting to awaken. As the temperature warms up, everyone looks forward to more time outdoors. Then there are those areas on your lawn that you just wish looked better. So then you gear up for the spring overseeding cycle.

With high hopes of making the lawn look much better this year, you overseed and look forward to seeing green through spring and summer.

Overseeding, as proactive stance on lawn maintenance, can certainly keep lawns looking great. It is the process of spreading grass seed over an existing lawn. Whether you are tending to your first lawn or have seasons of experience, knowing proper overseeding can improve your results. If done right, it is a straightforward process that bolsters your lawn’s health, youth, and vigor. Many like overseeding because it does not take you back to starting from scratch. The basic process is standard and the same everywhere. It’s the goals, area, and timing that vary.

Essentially, the type of grass also dictates whether your attempt at overseeding will generate success.

Knowing this, you must begin with a goal in mind. Many homeowners think of overseeding as a solution to correct thin lawns. Pros would say otherwise. Pros see it as a preventive measure against lawn thinning. Playing around with the types of grass gets you the green you want. For instance, if your permanent lawn grass is warm-season, overseeding with cool-season grass stretches your green til the winter season. Cool-season grass provides a temporary green while your permanent warm-season grass is dormant. Determine the type of grass you have and make the right choices when overseeding.

Another important thing in the process of overseeding is timing.

For some types of grass, spring is not the best time to do the task. Cool-season grass thrives in cool weather. So you will find that for this type, the best time to overseed is not spring, but autumn. It is the cool fall air that stimulates its growth. For warm-season grass, on the other hand, you may have a better shot at overseeding in late spring to summer. Be sure to get your lawn ready by mowing the existing grass short. That way, the new seed really gets to the soil. It is a great idea to rake off the grass clippings to loosen the soil enough to receive seed.

If you examine your lawn and identify problems, correct them before overseeding.

Soil testing can get you ahead with identifying the problem, if any. Make amendments first to set your soil up for a successful overseeding. Sometimes, soil aeration may be needed prior spreading the seeds all over your lawn soil. Find these things out first before proceeding. Then when all is well, spread your seeds evenly with a lawn spreader for the entire lawn or with your hand for bare, empty spots. When this is done, starter fertilizers come next on the list. Fertilize overseeded areas to give your grass sufficient nutrients to begin with. Lastly, keep your lawn well-watered. Your lawn needs consistent moisture after overseeding. Frequent, light waterings can do the job.

FAQ: What’s the difference between spring and fall overseeding?

Overseeding in spring gives you the advantage of less seed loss due to decay and wildlife consumption. Nevertheless, seed contact to the soil should be secured. Work the seeds into the soil one fourth to one half inch deep. Cool season grass germinates soon after seeding. Warm season grass, on the other hand, germinates within three weeks after the soil temperature reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fall overseeding is different in that it imitates the natural reseeding process. The irony is, when you overseed in fall, germination does not normally happen until spring. Cool-season grass will establish in between fall and winter. However, warm-season grass will definitely germinate in spring. During this period, some seeds may be lost to decay and wildlife consumption.

Neither of the two is better than the other. The type of grass should match the season where it would effectively establish and flourish. There are pros and cons on overseeding for each season, but proper management of the process still lies in the hands of the homeowner and the lawn care maintenance team he employs.

What All American Turf Beauty Says About Seeding and Overseeding in Spring

Lawn experts from All American Turf Beauty encourage observation of proper overseeding in late spring. Given this, it is always best to examine your lawn soil and other conditions that may affect grass growth before rushing into the process. You do not rush a green, healthy turf all year round. It involves careful planning, timing, and a sound foresight. There is nothing only the best lawn care experts in Iowa can give you. Get in touch with All American Turf Beauty to keep you on the right track as it is time to revive your lawn. Call us today and talk to our lawn care experts at 1-800-365-8873 or you may visit us at 311 Desoto Rd, Van Meter, IA.