Do I Have to Grass Seed My Lawn Every Year?

Thatch

• Thatch is the naturally occurring build up of living and dead organic matter between the soil and grass. Lawns that accumulate over 1/2 of an inch of thatch should be de-thatched every year, according to Kansas State University. Sometimes, de-thatching can stress out the lawn and cause bare areas. In this instance, your lawn will have to be seeded every year. Choosing a slow thatch producing grass type such as tall fescue can help avoid yearly seeding.

Fungal Disease

• Fungal diseases such as powdery mold, leaf spot, snow mold and rust can infest grass. These diseases can kill off areas of grass, which will require reseeding. If your grass is healthy, it can defend itself from succumbing to diseases. You can help prevent diseases by avoiding over watering the yard. Saturated soil provides a hospitable environment for fungal disease. To prevent over watering place tuna or coffee cans in the yard. Measure the amount of water your grass has received that week and only supplement water when you need to. Most grass types need 1 inch of water to survive.

Winter Damage

• Oftentimes, winter damage is caused by new growth late in the growing season. This new growth is caused by late applications of fertilizer. When nitrogen is applied to lawns late in the fall, the nutrient encourages grass growth. Tender grass is damaged by the freezing temperatures and areas of the lawn die out. In the spring, gardeners must replant these areas to avoid weed growth. Prevent winter damage by fertilizing when grass stops growing, but remains green, according to Pennsylvania State University Extension.

Pests

• Pests like armyworms, southern chinch bugs, white grubs and lawn moths damage grass by chewing at blades and roots. The result is thinning grass or bare patches within the yard. In fact, grubs can damage grass roots to the point that gardeners can roll up grass like they would carpet. Yearly pest infestations can necessitate grass seeding. Keeping the grass healthy can prevent pest damage, according to the University of California. Keep the grass at a height appropriate for its grass type. Short grass often means weak root systems. Maintain cool season grass types at 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches and warm season grass to 3/4 to 1 inch.