Should i overseed my lawn every year

Use a seed spreader to make the job faster and ensure that the seed is spread evenly. If your soil is especially compacted, you may wish to aerate the lawn before you overseed. Keep in mind, though, that if you aerate before overseeding, you need to choose a type of grass seed that spreads easily, such as bluegrass.

Otherwise, the seed is likely to get caught in the aeration holes, creating a patchy or clumpy lawn. Watering is one of the most important aspects of successful overseeding.

You need to water the seeds into your lawn immediately after spreading, and continue to water daily until the seeds germinate, which can take up to two weeks. The first watering should be a heavy watering about an inch of water. After that, your watering can be lighter. Once the grass has germinated, be sure to water every few days giving the grass a good deep soaking. When the grass is fully established and the same height as the existing lawn, water it according to the instructions for that type of grass.

While the new grass is getting established, try to limit activity on the lawn and avoid mowing as long as possible. Once the grass is the same height as the existing lawn, you can continue to mow as you normally would.

Most homeowners only need a lawn mower, rake, and seed spreader to overseed the lawn. In some cases, you may need to invest in an aerator or have your lawn aerated by a professional lawn care company beforehand, but otherwise, simple tools are all that are needed. There are some benefits to hiring a professional lawn service A professional lawn care company can help you make sure that overseeding is something your lawn actually needs. Since patchy, scraggly lawns can be caused by other problems, you could be wasting your time and money on overseeding.

A professional lawn care service can thoroughly evaluate your lawn and come up with a more complete plan to get your lawn green and healthy. Professional lawn service also have more advanced equipment than most homeowners. Tools like de-thatchers, power rakes, and slit seeders get the job done quickly, accurately, and more effectively than you can with a rake and a seed spreader.

Ensuring that the job is done right the first time is often well worth the investment. Make one or two passes with the rake. Without direct contact, the grass seed will not germinate. Aerate compacted soils with a core aerator, advises the University of Maryland Extension. Before planting seed, apply a starter fertilizer high in phosphorous, such as a multipurpose fertilizer, then water it in thoroughly. Overseeding the lawn can be done by hand or with a seed spreader depending on how much space you need to cover.

Spread the seed onto the bare or thinning areas of your lawn and rake it into the soil with a leaf rake. Lawns that are old and worn looking, ravaged by insects or disease, or that require increasing amounts of water and fertilizer to thrive can benefit from reseeding. Areas smaller than a salad plate typically fill in naturally as long as you provide adequate water and nutrients. Areas larger than this, though, might benefit from reseeding.

Lawns damaged by pet urine or high traffic or lawns with spongy or soft areas can also be repaired by reseeding.

Better seed yields better lawns. Always use grasses recommended for your regional climate and choose top-quality grass seed you can depend on. Pennington Smart Seed products provide premium grass seed appropriate for sun, shade or high-traffic areas in lawns in northern or southern regions. Three-in-one Pennington Lawn Booster combines superior Smart Seed varieties with premium-grade fertilizer and soil enhancer.

Apply seed at label-recommended overseeding rates, using the lawn spreader that suits the job. Use drop or broadcast spreaders for large lawns and handheld spreaders for smaller areas.

For small spots, simply seed from your hand. Work when the air is calm, so seed distributes evenly. Starter fertilizer, such as Pennington Ultragreen Starter Fertilizer , delivers essential nutrients for new grass. Phosphorus supports vigorous root growth, while nitrogen fuels top growth and greening.

Some states and counties restrict phosphorus lawn fertilizers due to environmental concerns regarding runoff, but exceptions may be made for new seedings.

Check with your local county extension agent about nutrient application restrictions. Newly overseeded lawns need consistent moisture. Keep seed and soil moist with frequent, light waterings twice a day for the first four days; water more heavily every other day for the next five days; then water as needed to prevent wilting. This encourages deep, healthy roots.

Keep your newly revived lawn looking its best with a regular, comprehensive maintenance plan that includes diligent watering, best mowing practices and proactive overseeding. A simple weekday lawn maintenance schedule can keep your lawn lush and your weekends free.

For a simple, all-in-one approach to a thicker lawn, you can put your lawn on the fast track with Pennington Lawn Booster.

This easy-to-use product simplifies overseeding to give your lawn the boost it needs. In just one application, your lawn will grow quicker, thicker and greener than ordinary grass—guaranteed. Lime-enhanced, pure-bred Pennington Smart Seed, backed by years of breeding and research, adds beauty and sustainability. Once established, these water-conserving grasses require up to 30 percent less water than ordinary grasses.

That's year after year, for the life of your lawn. Plus, they stay green up to three weeks without watering. That means less work and more leisure time for you.