When spring arrives and the turf appears to be patchy or you need to establish a whole new lawn, although best recommended in fall, spring can also provide a good environment for grass seed germination. Even well maintained lawns can become patchy and thin over time for multiple reasons; some factors that can lead to damage include, insects, grass disease, environmental stresses and weather. Spring weather offers frequent rain showers and ideal temperatures that warm the soil to assist with seed germination, allowing new turf to mature before the summer heat hits. There are three different techniques to manage thin or spotty turf, they include: spot seeding, overseeding/ reseeding, or total lawn renovation or installation. 

Although its recommended to seed in fall, its sometimes unavoidable and a lawn will need to be filled in or planted come spring (the second-best time to of the year for planting grass seed). It’s important to understand that the times between March-May are best times to plant grass seed because soil temperature range between 50-60°F, the ideal temperature for grass seed germination. 

When planting new grass seed it’s important to determine which grasses grow best in your area. Grass types such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue or perennial ryegrass are most commonly found in northern regions while grass types such as Bermuda, centipede, St. Augustine and zoysia are commonly found in southern regions. Your local lawn care expert will be able to help identify whether cool season grasses or warm season grasses are more common in the area and then can direct you to the proper grass seeded need.

In order to cultivate a healthy lawn with rapid germination and growth, the proper soil preparations need to be prepared.

This process should take place a few weeks prior to new seeding.

This process should take place a few weeks prior to new seeding.

With the proper soil preparations, including applications of soil amendments, fertilization and watering, your grass seed should be on its way to growing into a beautiful lush lawn. Take the proper steps will ensure your seed become strong, healthy turf that will be able to survive against environmental stresses, weeds, pests and disease. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the new grass has plenty of water (not saturated). Please note, a freshly seeded lawn should have limited activity so be sure to refrain from walking on or mowing it. Once it reaches 3 inches it’s okay to mow again; this includes having patience after over seeded or patch/spot seeded lawns because the established lawn will continue to grow. Allow 2-4 weeks until mowing can resume when using these techniques. Follow up with proper lawn care treatments and fertilization and you should have a healthy looking lawn that will last for season to come.