Growing a healthy, lush lawn is one of the most important tasks.Grass plants slow down their reproduction after a few years.It is much easier for weeds to overtake the lawn if it has not been overseeded.If you have a large lawn, overseeding is not difficult, and the results are worth the effort.
Step 1: To overseed, choose the right time of year.
The best time to overseed is in September, at least six weeks before temperatures reach freezing or there is an overnight frost.In the spring, if you can't overseed in September.The best time to grow grass seed is during the day when daytime temperatures are around 50F (10C).Germination won't take place if there is heavy frost.Allow at least one to three weeks for the seeds to grow.You should allow the grass seed a few weeks to grow before a frost.
Step 2: Take care of weeds.
You will need to spray your lawn with a weed killer at least two weeks before you start.A broadleaf weed killer with a 2-4-D base will only kill weeds and not grass.
Step 3: Take care of your lawn.
Your lawn should be Mowed down to a height of 1 to 1 1/2 inches (2.54 to 3.81 cm) in order to minimize competition from grasses already established in your lawn.To keep grass seeds from getting trapped in tall grass, and to allow more sunlight to reach the new seedlings, mow the lawn short.
Step 4: Remove the thatch and grass clippings.
Thatch is a layer of dead organic matter.After mowing your lawn, you should remove grass clippings.A heavy layer of thatch or cut grass will keep seeds from germinating, as seeds need to be in direct contact with the soil in order to germinate.Until it is thicker than 2.5 cm, thatch is beneficial.Go over the top of the soil with a thatch rake.The process is called dethatching.You can use a leaf rake if you can't find a thatch rake.You can rent a gas-powered dethatching machine from a hardware rental center.This will save you a lot of time.
Step 5: The most appropriate method to loosen the soil is based on the compactness of your soil.
Heavy raking, aerating, and dethatching can be used to loosen the soil.When seeding a new lawn, roto-tilling is a common practice.New lawns require 4 to 6 inches of depth while overseeding only requires 1 or 2 inches.Use a broadfork to aerate the soil, but be careful not to break the underlying structure.The root structure of the grass is damaged by breaking the soil open.Renting a gas-powered aerator is a good idea if you have a large area to aerate.
Step 6: To determine the pH of your soil, conduct a soil test.
The ideal pH level is between 6.0 and 6.8.If you don't know how to do a pH test, you can either buy a kit or do it yourself.If you want your local city to perform a pH test for you, you can hire a professional.The difference between a successful project and a waste of time and hard work can be determined by this step.It is usually worth it if you skip this step.
Step 7: Lime can be applied to your lawn.
If necessary, lime will help balance out the pH.The amount of lime needed depends on the pH and the size of the lawn.
Step 8: The soil should be top-dressed with additional compost.
Adding a thin layer of material to the top of the lawn is called topdressing.Adding compost to the seeds will help them grow.You can find enriched soil at a local home improvement store.A thin layer of compost is laid over the lawn.Too much is better than too little.Too much compost will cause your grass to die.Spread the compost evenly over the entire lawn with a thatch rake.Compost should not be on the top of the grass.When spreading compost, rake lightly.
Step 9: Spread grass seed over the lawn.
Depending on the size of your lawn, use the amount specified in the seed packaging.To spread seeds, you can either use a spreader or a hand spreader.You should choose a variety of seed that blends well with your lawn.It probably doesn't blend well with Fine Fescues.It's best to avoid cheaper brands of seed.You get what you pay for.The lawn may carry a sign if you decide to save too much.
Step 10: To help the seeds settle on the soil, lightly rake the newlyseeded area.
Any seeds that do not come into contact with the soil will not grow.
Step 11: Slow-release nitrogen can be applied.
The soil sample results indicate that you should use afertilizer that is appropriate for your lawn conditions.The seeds should be covered with a light layer of topdressing.Use the back of a leaf rake.
Step 12: Immediately after over seeding, water the lawn.
The key to keeping the seeds moist is to keep the lawn watered frequently.Don't let the seeds get completely dried out.Water the lawn less frequently once the grass seed is firmly established.The seeds need to be moist or damp around the clock in the beginning.This will help them grow.Too much water can eventually kill the seedlings.
Step 13: Get quick-release nitrogen.
About five weeks after the seeds have sprouted, use a quick-releasefertilizer at a rate of 1lb per 1,000 square feet.Six weeks later, spread another application of quick-release nitrogen.Don't use the nitrogenfertilizer.Nitrogen can burn the new seeds.
Step 14: The lawn should be mowed after it reaches 2 to 3 inches.
The lawn should be mowed to a height of 2 inches (5.08 cm) for the rest of the season.