Ideally, every grass seed spread across a lawn will sprout and grow. The reality is not all seeds will germinate, perhaps because of extreme heat, a lack of rain or other environmental conditions. The ratio between the number of grass seeds planted and the number that grow is referred to as the germination rate.
Lawn aeration can help move the needle in the right direction. In combination with the increased level of contact with the soil, these so-called hiding spots create an ideal, protected space where grass seeds can germinate. This makes overseeding far more effective in clearing up bare patches, or simply evening out lawns.
While lawn aeration can take place in either the early spring or early fall we recommend applications during both seasons , overseeding is best paired with the fall application. Between warm soil temperatures and cooler air temperatures, this is the time of the year when conditions are most favorable for seed germination.
Clearing out these elements will enhance the contact between the grass seed and the soil and subsequently deliver better seeding results. This same rule of thumb also applies to clumps of dead grass, which can actually weaken the grass seeds planted around it. However, because they are heavy to push you could end up missing some parts of the turf, or ripping apart your lawn when turning the machine.
Watch some online videos beforehand, and take the first pass with the machine over a part of your lawn that is the least visible from the street in case you make a mistake. We have already covered the best time of the year to aerate and overseed your lawn, but some people will still do this project at the wrong time of year and be disappointed with the results.
Harsh winters and hot summers will cause problems for seed growth if you overseed later than you should in the fall or spring. Unfortunately, those seeds you planted are not magical. The good news is simply ensuring the soil covering the seeds is kept moist is a good start for driving growth.
One of the most common mistakes when laying seed is to think normal lawn mowing can resume right away. This is especially true when overseeding, because your existing grass will keep growing and may grow faster with the extra water. Mow too early and the mower will just rip your young seedlings out of the soil and kill them. I usually recommend that you avoid mowing the lawn for 2 to 4 weeks after overseeding.
You want your seedlings not your existing grass to reach at least 3 inches in height. You should mow at about 2. Weeds are a problem and can cause a lot of damage to your lawn. At some point, weed mitigation needs to be at the top of your to-do list.
But that time is not right after aerating and overseeding. Whether you use chemical herbicides or organic solutions, weed management can damage growing seeds and new grass.
It takes some time after overseeding before you can tackle weeds again, usually around 4 or 5 mows. Pulling the occasional weed by hand should still be okay. But just live with any new weeds that grow during the days when your new grass is young and vulnerable.
You can address those problem areas later. Choosing the correct seed for your lawn is an art form. Shopping at a box store may be convenient, but a lot of that seed has been sitting there for years.
When you buy seeds, the packet will tell you the seeding rate. This is a requirement and not a recommendation that helps you understand how much seed your lawn needs.
By following the guidelines, you can ensure an even spread that allows the seeds to grow in a healthy way. As I mentioned earlier in this article, I usually apply about 1. I also use an online tool to measure my lawn square footage and get the seed quantity correct for my lawn.
I've learned to love caring for my lawn naturally and enjoying it daily. On this blog I'll share some of my best tips and tutorials to help you make your lawn the best on the block!
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