Planting grass seed on an established lawn will thicken the grass that is already there. It can also prevent the warm-season lawn from browning when winter comes. Sowing grass seed is a common part of lawn renovations, and it’s known as overseeding.
In addition, weeds should be controlled, fertilizer should be used, and soil conditions should be improved. Overseeding the lawn may be accomplished in the early fall or early spring, but the latter is typically preferable. The best conditions for grass growth are cool and rainy weather.
You must over-seed the warm-season lawn with some cool-season grass in the fall months if you want a green lawn in the winter. Follow these steps to plant grass seed on an established lawn:
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Control Weeds
Weeds can fight for nutrients, light, and water with the grass. As a result, you can get rid of them before attempting to reseed the grass. Pick tiny weeds with your hands or dig them up with a weeding tool to get rid of them.
A special weed popper tool can be used to pull large weeds with deep roots. Apply a lawn herbicide to the area five to seven days before sowing the grass seed if the lawn is infested with weeds.
Enable the lawn to grow a little longer than usual after applying herbicides before over-seeding. This allows the broadleaf weeds to have larger leaves on top, allowing the herbicide to absorb some of the herbicide. Depending on the type of turfgrass and weeds you have, choose the appropriate herbicide.
Usually, a product with 0.22 percent MCPP-p, 0.1 percent quinclorac, 0.05 percent dicamba, and 0.12 percent 2,4-D is favored. For many lawns, these ingredients can suppress most broadleaf weeds.
Using the commodity when the temperature is above 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) and the day is still and dry. Make sure the temperature isn’t above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). Wear protective gear, such as long sleeves and trousers, gloves, and safety goggles, among other items.
Then gently spray the substance on each herb. For the best results, make sure to obey the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Prepare the Lawn
Be sure to aerate, dethatch, and mow your lawn before applying the overseeding. Mow the grass at the lowest setting just before planting grass seed on an established lawn and after applying herbicide. This will mean that the grass blades are cut only above the soil level.
Check for thatch and rake up any grass clippings. A layer of moss, plant leaves, and dried lawn clippings form this layer. Using a dethatcher or rough rake the lawn if the layer of thatch is thicker than 1/3 inch.
Half of the thatch should be stripped from the lawn and the remainder should be left as mulch. The soil is cultivated and prepared for the lawn grass establishment when you use a dethatcher. Remove soil plugs and break them up with an aerator to allow water and air to reach the roots of your grass.
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Sow the Seeds
The rate at which you sow the grasssow the grasssow the grasssow the grass is determined by the grass variety you use. Annual ryegrass, for example, is a cool-season grass that adds winter color to warm-season lawns. It should be sown at a rate of 7 to 9 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Perennial ryegrass, on the other hand, is a tougher grass that is better suited to high-traffic areas. As a result, you can sow it at a rate of 6 to 8 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Both forms are very intrusive. Around 95% of grass seeds can grow well and sprout in wet weather with proper aftercare. Consider sowing at a faster pace in hotter weather or in bad conditions.
Using a broadcast, drop, or handheld spreader to sow your grass seed. Make two even passes over your lawn by dividing your seed into two piles. One should go up and down and the other should go side to side.
This means that the whole lawn is spread uniformly. Sow the grass seed up to three more times on those bare patches to make it thicker.
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Irrigating and Fertilizing
For the best results, grass seeds need a lot of fertilizer and water. Apply lawn fertilizer based on soil test results and suggestions for your region before planting grass seed.
Rake the soil to allow the fertilizer to penetrate. Then water your lawn until the soil is saturated to a depth of 4 inches.
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Final Thoughts
It’s important to understand how to plant grass seed on an existing lawn. That way, you can enjoy lush greenery all year or upgrade to thicker, more luxurious turf. In order to plant grass seed, you must first weed, fertilize, and understand your soil.
It’s then simple to seed the lawn with the appropriate product. To figure out how much to use, make sure you read the manufacturer’s label. Don’t scrimp on the commodity, or you could end up with something that isn’t up to scratch.
