Overseeding a lawn - Ask Extension
When is a good time to overseed our lawn?
Do we need to rake in the seed if it is an established lawn that needs help after the drought?
Knowledgebase
Overseeding a lawn #825224
Asked April 11, 2023, 4:08 PM EDT
When is a good time to overseed our lawn?
Do we need to rake in the seed if it is an established lawn that needs help after the drought?
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
The best time to overseed a lawn is in the fall, however spring is the second best time.
If your turf was really stressed from the drought the soil has most likely compacted so I recommend you aerate before you overseed. However, don't aerate a dry soil, water a couple of days before you plan to aerate.
Check this article out for appropriate seed mixtures:
Renovating a lawn for quality and sustainability | UMN Extension
In general Fescue varieties are more drought tolerant.
A light raking will help with the seed to soil contact.
One final point: do not put down a preemergent weed killer just before or after seeding. These herbicides prevent "weed" seeds from germinating and, in this case, includes your new grass seed. Plan on using only post-emergent herbicides this season.
If your turf was really stressed from the drought the soil has most likely compacted so I recommend you aerate before you overseed. However, don't aerate a dry soil, water a couple of days before you plan to aerate.
Check this article out for appropriate seed mixtures:
Renovating a lawn for quality and sustainability | UMN Extension
In general Fescue varieties are more drought tolerant.
A light raking will help with the seed to soil contact.
One final point: do not put down a preemergent weed killer just before or after seeding. These herbicides prevent "weed" seeds from germinating and, in this case, includes your new grass seed. Plan on using only post-emergent herbicides this season.
