Groundskeeper

Lawn Overseeding: Thickening Thin Grass

February 11, 2025
Groundskeeper Team
5 min read
Lawn Overseeding: Thickening Thin Grass

Over time, even a healthy lawn can develop thin or bare patches due to foot traffic, heat stress, or age. Overseeding is the process of spreading new grass seed over your existing lawn to fill in these gaps, improve turf density, and enhance its color. It's one of the best things you can do to maintain a thick, lush, and weed-resistant lawn.

📅 When is the Best Time to Overseed?

Timing is critical for successful seed germination.

For cool-season grasses like Fescue, which are common in our area, the absolute best time to overseed is in the early fall. The soil is still warm, but the air is getting cooler, and weed competition is lower. This gives the new grass plenty of time to establish its roots before winter.

🔧 The Overseeding Process

Proper preparation is key to ensuring good seed-to-soil contact, which is essential for germination.

1
Mow Low and Dethatch: Mow your lawn shorter than usual (about 1.5-2 inches) and bag the clippings. Then, use a stiff rake or a dethatching machine to remove the layer of dead grass (thatch) and loosen the soil surface.
2
Aerate (Recommended): If your soil is compacted, core aerating before overseeding is highly recommended. This will create the perfect pockets for the new seed to fall into.
3
Spread the Seed: Use a broadcast spreader to apply the grass seed evenly over the lawn. Follow the application rate on the seed bag. It's best to make two passes in a perpendicular pattern.
4
Fertilize: Apply a starter fertilizer that is high in phosphorus to promote strong root growth for the new seedlings.
5
Water, Water, Water: This is the most crucial step. The new seed must be kept consistently moist until it germinates. This means watering lightly once or twice a day for the first couple of weeks.

A thick lawn is the best defense against weeds. If your lawn is looking thin and tired, let us bring it back to life. The Box Advantage Group offers professional aeration and overseeding services to create the lush, green lawn you've always wanted.

Lawn OverseedingThickeningGrassTechniques
The Box Advantage Group - Professional Service Solutions