Why You Should Overseed Your Lawn and How to Do It
Spending time with your family and friends is a joy, especially in the summer when you can be outside where the kids and pets can play on the lawn. You take care to mow the lawn carefully and water regularly to keep it looking good, but it may not be enough. The truth is, older varieties of turf grass struggle in drought conditions, are prone to infestations and diseases, and they can’t handle heavy traffic well. Overseeding will invigorate your lawn, turning it into the lush, green carpet you and your family deserve.
What Is Lawn Overseeding?
Basically, overseeding your lawn is a technique that involves spreading grass seed onto your existing turf, especially bare or thin spots.
Due to the fact that grass seeds germinate easily, there is no need for elaborate preparations such as tearing up the turf to overseed your lawn. In fact, overseeding is one of the fastest, easiest ways to improve the appearance and health of your lawn.
For best results we recommend combining grass seed with an application of a lawn topdressing to improve root structure and grass health.
What Are the Benefits of Overseeding a Lawn?
Many established lawns were planted with grass seed varieties that aren’t suitable for the current conditions. They tend to be disease and pest prone and intolerant to drought. This leads to an increased need for water, pesticides and fertilizers just to maintain the lawn. Even with extra care, older turf can be difficult to grow and maintain. Overseeding provides many benefits including:
- Overseeding is an inexpensive alternative to replacing a worn out lawn.
- Fresh, green grass will fill in all those bare and thin spots to create a lush lawn in a short time..
- Newer grass seed varieties resist pest infestations and diseases, meaning you won’t need pesticides to keep your lawn protected.
- When overseeded, your lawn will require less water to thrive, so you won’t have to worry about turning on the sprinkler system.
- Drought resistance is a key feature for today’s grass seed varieties. Even under the harshest, driest conditions, you lawn will stay green and healthy.
- Overseeded grass requires less fertilizer, saving you money in the long-run.
How Do I Overseed My Lawn Properly?
Although overseeding is fairly easy to do, it’s important to follow the correct steps to ensure success. That begins with addressing the issues that may contribute to sparse growth such as poor soil conditions, drainage issues, and insufficient sunlight. If you have trouble identifying the issues, contact a local lawn care expert. Once you’re ready to overseed, the process is simple:
- Mow your lawn low. This will allow the seeds to penetrate deeper into the turf.
- Apply a specific lawn soil or top dressing to improve your soil and root zone.
- Choose the appropriate grass seed for your conditions.
- Evenly spread the seed throughout the lawn by hand or with a seed spreader.
- Water and feed your newly distributed seeds to encourage growth.
- Enjoy your lush, green lawn!
Where Can I Find Grass Seed and Other Overseeding Supplies?
Quality Garden Supplies is your one-stop-shop for all your lawn and garden needs. We offer a complete line of grass seeds, spreaders, fertilizers, and more to help you create the beautiful lawn your family deserves. Contact us if you have questions or if you require any other assistance.