Reseeding your lawn can help restore thickness and beauty to a tired, patchy lawn. Knowing when to undertake this important lawn care task is key to getting the best results. Here is a comprehensive guide on determining the optimal time to reseed your lawn.
Why Reseeding is Necessary
Over time, all lawns can become thin and develop bare spots for a variety of reasons:
- Heavy foot traffic
- Pests or diseases
- Dog urine spots
- Seasonal stresses like summer heat
- Poor soil quality
- Improper mowing height
Reseeding helps fill in these problem areas by establishing new grass plants. It kickstarts growth and repair to give you a lush, green lawn again.
When is the Best Time to Reseed?
Timing is crucial when it comes to reseeding success. The optimal time to reseed coincides with periods when new grass plants can root and become established before facing environmental stresses.
Spring
Early to mid-spring is an excellent time for cool season grasses like fescue and bluegrass. The soil is still moist from winter rains, encouraging fast germination and growth. Young grass tillers can mature through spring before summer heat arrives.
Aim for March-April in most regions, or whenever overnight temperatures remain above 50 degrees F consistently.
Fall
Late summer to early fall is prime time to reseed warm season grasses like zoysia and bermuda. The intense heat of summer is waning, allowing newly seeded grass to establish before cold weather begins.
Target August-September, but monitor local weather and overseed approximately 6-8 weeks before your average first frost date.
Dormant Seeding
Dormant seeding means planting grass seed while the lawn is fully dormant, either in winter (for cool season lawns) or in summer (for warm season turf). This technique works but establishment rates are slower. Target late fall to early winter or June-July for dormant seeding.
Lawn Preparation Before Reseeding
Proper preparation is just as important as timing when it comes to reseeding success. Here are key steps to take before sowing new grass seed:
Dethatch and Aerate
Thatch buildup and soil compaction inhibit seed-to-soil contact and seedling development. Dethatching and aerating alleviate these issues, creating a receptive seedbed.
Amend pH and Nutrients
A complete soil test indicates any needed pH adjustments and fertilizer to correct deficiencies. Proper soil fertility and pH greatly increase reseeding success.
Eliminate Weeds
Kill existing weeds through herbicide application, hand weeding, or smothering with a dark tarp (a process called solarization). This minimizes weed competition with new grass plants.
Mow Low
Scalping the lawn down to 1-2 inches before seeding opens up space for new grass to grow and increases soil contact. Just don’t remove more than 1/3 of the blade height per mowing session.
Take these steps in advance and your lawn will be primed and ready for robust and vigorous reseeding results. Pay close attention to timing as well for optimal establishment. With proper preparation and timing, you can bring your lawn back to its former glory.
FAQs About Reseeding Your Lawn
How do I prepare the soil before reseeding?
Prior to seeding, dethatch and aerate to open up the soil and break apart any compaction. Test the soil pH and amend with lime if too acidic or sulfur if too alkaline. Apply starter fertilizer to provide phosphorus for root growth. Clear away any debris and rake or drag the area smooth.
How much seed do I need when reseeding?
Use 5-10 lbs of grass seed per 1,000 square feet when overseeding an existing lawn. For a full renovation where you kill the old lawn first, use 10-15 lbs per 1,000 square feet. Purchase fresh, high quality seed of improved grass varieties.
How often should I water newly seeded areas?
Keep newly seeded areas consistently moist for 2-3 weeks. This means watering 2-3 times per day in short 5-10 minute sessions. After seeds germinate, reduce frequency but water deeply 1-2 times daily until grass is 1.5-2 inches tall.
When can I mow newly seeded grass?
Wait until the new grass reaches 3-4 inches tall before mowing for the first time. Cut no more than 1/3 of the blade height. Gradually reduce mowing height over subsequent mowings to your desired length. Be sure to use sharp mower blades to avoid damaging young plants.
How do I prevent birds from disturbing newly seeded areas?
Deter birds by hanging shiny objects like aluminum pie plates, old CDs, or reflective tape over the lawn. You can also apply bird netting or noise makers early in the morning when birds are most active. Reapplying seed often helps compensate for any losses.
How long does it take grass seed to germinate?
Most grass seeds germinate in 10-21 days under proper growing conditions. Factors like seed type, soil temperature, moisture levels and depth of planting affect germination time. Be patient, keep seeded areas watered, and new sprouts should emerge within 3 weeks.
Conclusion
When reviving a struggling lawn, strategic reseeding at the optimal time can make all the difference. With the right timing, careful preparation, and proper follow-up care, you can thicken up thin and bare spots to restore a lush, healthy lawn. Pay close attention to regional timing guidelines and gear up when conditions align in either spring or fall to maximize your reseeding success. With a bit of planning and effort, you’ll be enjoying a vibrant green lawn again.