Be sure to check out our archive of Garden Journal articles!
Lawn Renovation/Overseeding
Complete Renovation
- When to plant grass seed? The best time to renovate a lawn is in late summer/early fall. The second best time is in early spring.
- Assess situation. E.g., weediness (if 50% or more consider completely redoing lawn), drainage, shade/sun, soil pH, fertility, compaction, etc.
- Test soil for pH and fertility. The pH level for a healthy lawn ranges from 6.0 to 6.5. Test kits are available from gardens centers that are generally satisfactory for the average gardener for soil pH.* A more accurate test is available from the Maryland. Extension Service (for $5.00) plus that test provides information on nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium levels. A soil testing kit can be obtained from MD. Farm and Home, 301-342-2507.
- Select the proper seed variety. Tall fescue grass seed is recommended by the University of Maryland for this area. It is appropriate for use in sun to partially shaded situations. Creeping red fescue grass seed is recommended by the U. of Md. for shady lawns.**
- Eliminate existing vegetation, if completely redoing an area, with an herbicide, e.g., glyphosphate (“Round-up”).
- Remove thatch. Can be done by hand with a dethatching rake or a rent a dethatching machine.
- Prepare soil. Add fertilizer and lime per soil test and loosen top layer of soil. If a soil test is unavailable, add starter fertilizer per instructions.
- Seed. Spread seed in area and rake into loosened soil - ˝ the recommended rate north and south, the remaining east and west. Good seed contact with soil is essential for germination. Cover with a loose mulch such as straw.
- Water. Keep moist during germination. Water lightly if rainfall is insufficient. Usually takes upwards of 2 weeks for germination.
Overseeding
- Overseeding can be used to revive an existing lawn (less than 50% weeds) or conversion to improved grass variety (which may require 2 to 3 years to achieve.)
Methodology
- Assessment: soil analyses, timing of seed application, and seed selection same as for complete renovation
- Mow grass to 1 inch
- Rake out grass clippings
- Remove as many weeds as possible by digging out or using spot weed killer
- Sow seed at ˝ the normal rate
- Rake seed into soil lightly
- Water thoroughly to depth of 4 to 6 inches and then keep moist until seedlings appear
- Do not mow until grass reaches 3 inches
*Stadler Nursery is now carrying Rapidtest soil test kits
**Stadler Nursery carries Class Act and creeping red fescue grass seed. The former is a blend of tall fescues grass seeds for use on lawns with sun to partial shade and the latter is for use on shady lawns. Both are recommended for use in Maryland.
Note: Stadler’s now has available the product “Emerge” to be used with planting grass seed. This product acts as a mulch for maintaining moisture, moderating soil temperature and reducing soil erosion, and it contains a starter fertilizer for promoting faster growth. These attributes increase probable success. “Emerge” is available in a 6 lb. canister suitable for seeding a small area - it covers 100 sq. ft.
See Home and Garden publication #37 “Lawn Renovation,” for more detailed information on lawn renovation. It is available from Maryland Farm and Home, 301-342-2507, which is part of the Maryland Extension Service.
Be sure to check out our archive of Garden Journal articles!
