By spreading grass seed over your existing lawn, you can thicken up the thin areas, and your lawn will start to look terrific again. This is not the same as reseeding, which is when you start over and plant a completely new lawn.
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When should you reseed your lawn?
Alliance service recommends overseeding at least 45 days before your average first fall frost. Warm-season grasses enter active growth in the late spring in southern areas. Southern lawns were overseen in the early fall for winter color. For more information, visit www.turbgrass.org.
How do you remove old grass to reseed?
A sod cutter slices under the grass, enabling you to pull up strips of old turf. If the soil is moist, it will be easier to use a hoe or sod cutter. After heavy rain or deep watering, remove the old lawn. If you want to make 2-inch deep cuts in the turf, you have to use a manual or a rotary sander.
After the cuts are made, cover the cut with a layer of mulch to keep the soil from drying out. If you have a lawn mower, use it to cut the sod. If you don’t have one, you can also use a garden hose to mow the lawn. The hose should be at least 3 feet long and 3 inches in diameter. When you are mowing, be careful not to over-mow, as this can cause damage to the roots of the plants.
Can I put topsoil over grass and reseed?
It is possible to dump new soil over top of what you have, and prepare it for sod or seeds. The cost of removing the old soil and replacing it with the new will be cheaper with this option.
If you do not have the time or inclination to dig up your lawn, you can use a garden trowel to remove soil from the surface of the grass. You can also dig a hole in the ground and fill it up with soil. The soil will then be ready for planting.
Do I need topsoil when overseeding?
Topsoil has fewer benefits than overseeding. Compost is your top dressing when you choose between the two. When overseeding, use compost, not topsoil. It’s easier to work with compost than it is with soil. If you’re not sure what type of soil to use for your garden, check with your local garden center. They can help you choose the best soil for you.
Do I overseed or fertilize first?
Stop fertilizing for at least a month before overseeding. The faster the grass grows, the harder it will be for the new seeds to grow. Fertilize your lawn at the same time every year. If you don’t fertilize, the grass won’t grow as fast, and you’ll have to water it more often to keep it healthy.
Should you cut grass before seeding?
If you want to mow the grass lower than usual, follow these seven steps. You are only trying to open the canopy. The seed should reach the soil surface if the clippings are removed. Use a lawn mower to cut the lawn down to the ground level. Place the mowed lawn on a flat surface and cover it with a layer of mulch. Let it sit for a few days.
After a week or so, mow it again. Repeat the process until you have removed all of the dead grass. If you want to keep your lawn looking good, you will need to trim it back to its original size. When you are done mowing, place it in a cool, dry place and let it dry out for at least a couple of weeks.
Once it has dried out completely, it is time to water it. Water it once a day for the first week, and then once every other day. Keep watering it until it starts to look like the picture below. This is when you can start to see the difference in the look of your turf.
