Q&A for How to Overseed a Lawn

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Can I just put grass seed on top of soil?

Jeremy Yamaguchi
Lawn Care Specialist
Jeremy Yamaguchi is a Lawn Care Specialist and the Founder/CEO of Lawn Love, a digital marketplace for lawn care and gardening services. Jeremy provides instant satellite quotes and can coordinate service from a smartphone or web browser. The company has raised funding from notable investors like Y Combinator, Joe Montana, Alexis Ohanian, Barbara Corcoran and others.

Jeremy Yamaguchi

Lawn Care Specialist

Expert Answer

To overseed a pre-existing lawn, cut the lawn shorter than normal and rake the lawn to loosen the top layer of soil. This will prep it for the seed.

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Question

Do you use a weed and feed before you overseed or after?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

Weed & Feed mixes should be used well after seeding is established and after the first mowing, if not longer. Be sure to carefully follow watering directions when using Weed & Feed mixes.

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Question

Is a very light application of peat moss beneficial to an over-seeded lawn?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

Yes, it is. Peat moss helps retain moisture and shades the germinated seeds.

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Question

Should I use starter fertilizer when reseeding?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

Yes, but do not overuse heavy nitrogen amounts, as it will burn seeds at germination and new seedling growth, especially in higher temperatures.

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Question

Can I carry out the reseeding process into the fall if the days are still relatively warm?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

Yes. Grass seed germinates and grows best with day time temperatures of 50°F and can take a light morning dew, but not heavy frost.

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Question

Should I fertilize before or after applying seed?

Community Answer

You should apply fertilizer first, then the seeds. When you are done, gently rake in a thin layer of topsoil.

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Question

How much grass seed per thousand square feet when overseeding?

Community Answer

Follow the directions on the bag of seed. There should be an amount listed for overseeding and new lawns.

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Question

Can I apply lime and fertilizer at the same time?

Community Answer

Yes. Check the pH first before adding lime to the soil. Lime may take several treatments to bring the pH to the desired level.

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Question

How do I match the grass seed to the grass I bought at Home Depot? I don't want ugly, thick grass coming in from new seeds when I have beautiful St. Augustine grass that I bought in a sod.

Community Answer

I don't think you can purchase St. Augustine seed. We have St. Augustine and killed a portion of our yard with over-fertilization. Centipede is a good match for St. Augustine if you need to overseed. But with St. Augustine, if it's not dead, Scott's fertilizer products might help, along with plenty of water.

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Question

Can I add a thin layer of topsoil over my yard to reseed it?

Community Answer

No more than 1/8” - 1/4”. Topsoil first, then seed. Rake gently. Water much until 1” tall.

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Question

Is it necessary to add a starter base to reseed a lawn?

Community Answer

Yes. First have the area aerated and thatched. Water to wet the surface prior to a top dressing. Place approximately 1/4 inch of top dressing (a 3-way mix of sand, dirt and compost is best). Then seed the lawn with half the amount you would for a new lawn and gently go over the entire lawn using the back of a metal tined rake, so the seed is just covered, as much as possible.

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Question

When can I mow after seeding my lawn?

Community Answer

About 8 weeks after over seeding or when the grass is 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches tall. Mow when the grass is dry.

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Question

How long should I wait to mow my lawn after reseeding?

Community Answer

Wait till the new grass is at least 2” long. Waiting longer ensures that the new grass is rooted well.

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