Overseeding is a simple way to revitalize your lawn. The process involves spreading grass seed over your lawn without removing the topsoil. This improves your lawn’s health and restores its lush green appearance. In this blog, we explain when to overseed and how to overseed a lawn in six easy steps.
Best Time to Overseed
The best time to start overseeding grass in Toronto is during the early fall, between the months of August and September.
The weather conditions in the early fall are perfect for lawn overseeding, as the days are shorter and the nights are cooler.
This allows the soil to retain both warmth and moisture without becoming overheated or flooded with standing water.
Overseeding lawns in the spring is also acceptable, but it’s vital to begin the process before the heat rises.
Steps to Overseeding Your Lawn
By following a simple overseeding process, you can quickly achieve a lawn full of thick, healthy grass. Review the steps below to learn how to overseed a lawn:
1. Cut Grass Short
The first step to overseeding grass is mowing your lawn short. After you cut the grass, rake the lawn to loosen up the topsoil and get rid of debris.
It’s important to make sure the new grass seeds can easily reach the soil, as this allows for germination and strong root development.
2. Select the Right Grass Seed
Choosing the right grass seed is crucial for optimal growth. There are cool-season and warm-season grasses which each thrive in different climate regions.
Warm-season and cool-season grasses have varying growth patterns and maintenance requirements.
In Toronto, cool-season grass is most common, which includes species such as Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and tall fescue.
3. Improve Soil
Soil nutrient and pH levels are vital for grass seed growth.
Consider performing a soil test to determine if your soil is optimized for germination and root development.
After the test, you can either proceed with seeding or make necessary amendments such as increasing soil acidity with sulphur or adding nutrients with compost.
4. Spread Grass Seed
Fill your grass seed spreader with seed and follow the instructions for distribution. Typically, 16 grass seeds per square inch of soil is ideal.
However, depending on the density of your current lawn, your distribution rate may vary.
Consult a professional landscaper for personalized lawn overseeding guidance.
5. Add Grass Seed Fertilizer
The size of your lawn, your soil type, and the climate conditions, influence which fertilizer and fertilizer spreader are best for you.
Once you have your spreader and fertilizer, begin fertilizing the perimeter of your lawn.
Next, ensure even fertilization by pushing your spreader around the lawn in straight rows, similar mowing your grass.
6. Water Regularly
The final step is watering your freshly seed and fertilized lawn.
Ideally, do this once a day in the morning for optimal water absorption.
When you water in the afternoon or evening, evaporation increases and it takes longer for your grass to receive the benefits of the water.
Related Article: Best Grass Seed for Ontario
Start Overseeding Your Lawn with Us
Overseed your lawn today, for better-looking grass tomorrow. With a little preparation, a good maintenance routine, and professional landscaping assistance, you can have the lushest lawn on the block. Contact the experts at JHC Landscaping to discover the benefits of specialized lawn overseeding services.