Proper Overseeding of Lawn

Why Overseed?

• Overseeding should be done when your lawn is generally healthy but there are some thin or bare spots. It can also be part of your annual lawn maintenance to keep your turf thick and healthy.

When to Overseed

• Lawn areas should be overseeded at the same times of year that seeding should occur. For most areas of the United States, fall is the best time. While overseeding can be done in the spring, the competition from emerging weeds and the warmer temperatures can stress young seedlings.

How to Overseed

• Prior to the application, it is necessary to loosen the soil of the area to be overseeded as grass seed will not germinate well on unprepared surfaces. Prepare the area to be overseeded with a hand rake, core aerator or vertical mower. For most grass seed types, overseed at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Keep the seedbed moist with applications of water twice a day until the seedlings fully mature.