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Lawn Care Tips: Reseeding and Top Dressing
The following is a question-and-answer exchange between a homeowner and Harold Enger, the Director of Education at Spring-Green. Harold provides some expert tips on two important lawn care practices—reseeding and top dressing—and stresses the importance of doing them in the right order. He also addresses the best time to weed and feed.Question:
"I planted about an acre of grass last spring. It has come in nicely, however, I do have a question. I would like to reseed and top dress the entire area. I would also like to "weed and feed". Which should I do first and how long do I wait in between?"Answer:
Mr. Campbell,Thank you for sending in your question. I am glad to read that you had good success in your seeding efforts last year. Top dressing is a good idea, especially if you have areas that have eroded or sunken over the last year. A good way to incorporate new seed into an existing lawn is to first core aerate the lawn. This will help to relieve any compaction issues, and it will also provide a good site for the seed to germinate. After aerating, it’s time for top dressing: spread either pulverized top soil or a good quality humus compost across the lawn. You don't need much—about a quarter inch or so is adequate. Then, go ahead and reseed. Be sure to invest some money in the seed and get good quality, weed-free seed. There are numerous blends available. I am assuming that you used a bluegrass/ryegrass blend. I suggest that you use a mix of 20% bluegrass and 80% perennial ryegrass. The reason why I suggest more ryegrass is that it germinates in 5 to 7 days, whereas bluegrass takes 28 days to germinate. It is difficult for most homeowners to maintain adequate watering for 28 days unless they have a sprinkler system.You will not be able to apply conventional crabgrass control products before or after reseeding, as they will prevent your new seed from germinating. In regards to broadleaf weeds, like dandelions and clover, you need to wait until the grass has germinated and has been mowed three times before applying that type of product. I do suggest you apply a fertilizer after seeding. I suggest you look for a product with an analysis of 14-14-14 or similar and supply about .75 to 1 pound of Nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. For that product, in a 50-lb. bag, you would apply about 5 to 6 pounds of product per 1,000 sq. ft. If your lawn area is an acre, then you would purchase between 5 and 6 50-lb. bags of a 14-14-14.Looking for some additional lawn care tips?You can ask Harold a question directly on his Ask the Expert blog.
FAQs
After aerating, it's time for top dressing: spread either pulverized top soil or a good quality humus compost across the lawn. You don't need much—about a quarter inch or so is adequate. Then, go ahead and reseed.
Should you top dress before or after seeding? ›
If you are top dressing and over seeding, our preferred method is to seed after applying the top dressing so the seed doesn't get moved around with the soil as you work it in. Once seeded, very lightly brush the seed into the loose top dressing, firm or roll the surface and fertilise with a seasonal fertiliser.
Can I put topsoil over grass and reseed? ›
Adding soil over grass can be another effective form of repairing a lawn. It is possible to dump new soil over top of what you have, and prepare it for sod or seed. This option will save you money on excavation costs of removing the old soil and grass.
Do you Fertilise lawn before or after top dressing? ›
The recommendation is to fertilise the lawn a week to two before applying a top dressing regardless of whether this is for nutrients or to repair holes or an uneven lawn. This boost to the lawn plant's growth will assist the turf to push through the dressing more easily and quickly.
What to do before reseeding? ›
How to prepare your lawn for overseeding
- Choose the right time of year to overseed your lawn. ...
- Mow the lawn before you start the overseeding process. ...
- Water the lawn enough to moisten the soil but don't saturate it. ...
- Aerate the soil before overseeding. ...
- Fertilize your lawn after aeration.
Do not put top soil over grass seed, but you can add a thin layer of organic matter to help the seed to germinate. 'Never put topsoil over newly planted grass seed,' says Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love.
Should I add topsoil after overseeding? ›
You should not place topsoil over grass seed as this can suffocate the seeds and stop them from sprouting-although you can add a thin layer of organic matter to promote germination.
Can I just throw grass seed down on an existing lawn? ›
When you just sprinkle grass seed on an existing lawn, it ends up just sitting atop of the soil and a lot of it may never germinate. Then homeowners end up asking the question, why can't I get my grass to grow? In reality, the best practice is to have lawn aeration performed followed by overseeding the lawn.
Will grass seed grow if sprinkled on top of soil? ›
Grass seed is surface sown, meaning it lays and roots on top of the soil, so it does not need to be buried. It's usually broadcast over the ground with a hand or rotary spreader. For that seed to sprout, it needs good soil contact, which makes soil quality a major factor in growing a healthy, uniform lawn.
What to do before top dressing a lawn? ›
When considering top dressing your lawn, it's a good idea to fertilise the lawn 1-2 weeks prior to carrying out the top dressing. Top dressing a lawn has the best results if it's done when the lawn is actively growing. We recommend top dressing from late Spring onwards after you've fertilised it to encourage growth.
In my experience, you're ready to mow when about 70-80% of the new grass is around 3 inches tall,' says Bryan Clayton, CEO of lawn care specialists GreenPal. 'Growth rates can vary based on grass type and growing conditions, but typically, you can expect to mow about 3-4 weeks after overseeding.
When to put top dressing on lawn? ›
You must top dress in the growing season, NOT in winter. It is usually best to top dress in spring or as soon as you have reached your regular weekly mow. The earlier in the growing season the better. Generally late spring to early summer is best.
Should I reseed or fertilize first? ›
Apply the fertilizer before seeding. When is the best time to plant a new lawn? Spring and fall are the best times to plant a new lawn.
Can you overseed and fertilize at the same time? ›
The optimal timing for fertilizing your lawn after overseeding is typically between six to eight weeks. Waiting until the newly sprouted grass is well-established minimizes the risk of harming the new growth.
How do I prepare my old lawn for reseeding? ›
Prepare the Area
Mow your lawn extra short and remove the clippings, so new seed contacts soil and gets sunlight and water. Set your mower at two inches or less for regular overseeding. For southern lawns and winter color, set the blade as low as it goes, and cut just above the soil—what's known as scalping.
When should top dressing be done? ›
Top dressing a lawn is best done during the growing season which is when your lawn is getting mown weekly, typically this is during late Spring/early Summer. Top dressing a lawn should only be done when the grass is actively growing.
Is it better to fertilize before or after seeding? ›
For seed or plugs, apply fertilizer with a regular lawn spreader before you plant. If you're starting a lawn with sod, fertilize after your sod is in place. With any new lawn area, avoid using crabgrass preventer fertilizers or weed & feed fertilizers within four weeks before planting time.
Can you top dress with a seed spreader? ›
If you're overseeding or using fertilizer, apply before adding a layer of top dressing. The most common method to apply top dressing is to use a wheelbarrow and shovel to toss top dressing across your lawn. Use a sweeping motion to spread as evenly as possible. The easiest way to top dress is with a spreader.
