Fall lawn care typically includes overseeding or reseeding to revitalize a lawn that shows some wear from weeds, summer heat, and even drought, but don’t rule out springtime seeding. If fall overseeding didn’t go the way you expected or your decision not to overseed in the fall is starting to give you regrets, you still have an opportunity to fill in bare spots and thicken sparse grass. Harsh winter weather can be hard on grass too, so even if you added seed in the fall, snow, ice, wind, and even driveway salt can have a harmful impact. Read on for what you need to know about overseeding your lawn in spring.
Why You Should Overseed In The Spring
If your lawn was damaged by a particularly snowy winter or it has bare patches, snow mold, and thin grass, overseeding can strengthen it before intense summer heat settles in. Overseeding done at this time of year is typically to repair any winter damage, thicken thinning grass, and fill in bare spots and patchy areas. Particularly thin lawns can be overseeded more than once a year, in spring and fall, if needed.
When To Overseed In The Spring
For seeding cool-season grasses in spring, aim for mid-March to early April for the best results. You want to time overseeding to when the soil is beginning to warm but before summer kicks in. Soil temperatures should be between 50 and 65ºF, so wait until winter has definitely gone. Early spring is a good time because weed growth hasn’t peaked and roots will have time to establish before temperatures rise.
Warm-season grasses thrive in heat so overseeding can be done in late spring to early summer, typically from mid-May to early June when soil temperatures are at least 65ºF and the threat of frost has passed. A good sign is when outside temperatures are consistently around 80ºF.
How To Overseed Your Lawn
Prepare your lawn for overseeding by identifying problem areas with bare patches or thin grass. Use a rake to de-thatch any dry brown spots, which can keep seeds from coming into contact with the soil and prevent nutrients and moisture from reaching the roots.
Mow the lawn to a lower height than usual, being sure to bag the grass clippings and rake up any remaining debris that can keep the seeds from coming into contact with the soil.
Loosen the top layer of soil with a rake. If it’s very compacted, you may want to aerate the lawn. Work in a layer of compost for an extra boost.
Spread grass seed by hand or with a spreader for even coverage.
Water the lawn each morning to keep the grass moist until seedlings emerge, giving it plenty of time to dry before nightfall to prevent fungal diseases.
What’s The Difference In Overseeding Vs. Reseeding?
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably and both are used to boost a struggling lawn, but there is a difference. Reseeding a lawn requires removing an existing lawn and starting over with new seed. Overseeding is done by adding seeds over your existing grass so it will grow in thicker and more lush.
When To Address Weeds
If you’re planning to overseed, hold off on the crabgrass preventer. A high-nitrogen pre-emergent will not only stop weeds from sprouting, but it will also keep grass seed from germinating. If you need both, overseed first and wait four to six weeks to apply pre-emergent. Alternatively, you can use a pre-emergent herbicide that targets weeds but is also safe enough to be applied after planting new seeds, such as Siduron.
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