Knowledgebase
Lawn care #894221
Asked March 12, 2025, 1:42 PM EDT
Hi,
Is there any disadvantage to spreading grass seed on my lawn at some point before the end of March? I plan to properly overseed at the recommended time in April or May, but I'm hoping to take advantage of potential seed germination before that point.
I overseeded in the fall and "dormant seeded" following this. My lawn rehab effort started last spring/summer, and I want to continue the process this spring.
Thanks,
Dave
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Dave- Thank you for sending you question to AskExtension.
I applaud you for your efforts to have a beautiful lawn!!!
The short answer to your question is, No.
You have put a lot of time, effort and money into this project. I’m thinking that you could re-examine your efforts. Analyze your efforts thus far, match them to best practices in reseeding a lawn, and be assured that your time and money are well spent. Pinpoint the best time of year for success in planting, correct seed-to-soil application, kind of seed planted, watering practices, and soil requirements.
Your current plan has included five over seedings—spring/summer 2024, overseed in fall, dormant seeding, possible end of March and then again in April/May.
I have attached a few articles that talk about turfgrass establishment and reseeding.
For best time for success in planting: Which you did!
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/late_season_lawn_seeding
“In Michigan, mid-August through September is the ideal time to repair or seed a new lawn, but if the weather is favorable, it may be possible to seed into early October and still achieve good establishment. It is more risky to start in October because you never know what the weather is going to do. If it stays warm through the month, newly seeded grass will have some time to become established. If it get cold too soon, the seed may germinate, but the plants may not have enough time to become established.”
Overseeding: Which you also did!
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/late_season_lawn_seeding
“One option for this time of year is to overseed directly into the existing turf. As the new grass grows in, there will be less room available for weed seeds such as crabgrass to germinate next spring and become established. In my opinion, the best way to accomplish this goal is to use an overseeder, or a slit seeder. This machine, which is about the size of a push lawn mower, will slice grooves in the turf and will place the seed in the grooves, resulting in good seed-to-soil contact. This method requires no soil preparation and provides good results if cared for properly.”
To ensure success:
- A soil test is always a good idea: homesoiltest.msu.edu. This will tell you exactly what fertilizer you need to feed your lawn.
- Watering
- Seed selection. Mid-August-September is the ideal time to repair or reseed a lawn. Proper seed selection should be a consideration. From: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/late_season_lawn_seeding
“Most northern lawns in our area are composed of a mixture of Kentucky bluegrasses, fescues and perennial ryes. Having a diversity of species is better for disease resistance and adaptability to a wide range of light and soil conditions, but you are not limited to what is available in packaged products. I like to buy mixtures, but I generally purchase additional Kentucky bluegrasses separately and add them to my mix because I like the look of Kentucky bluegrass.”
An important point in all these applications is the seed-to-soil contact. As long as you are confident that you properly seeded in the fall (good seed selection, watered properly, soil requirements), followed by the dormant seeding with good seed-to-soil contact, any extra seeding in the spring might not be necessary.
Again, there is no disadvantage in spreading grass seed before the end of March, if all other best practices are performed—choice of seed, good seed-to-soil contact, watering, and soil requirements, you should have a wonderful thick turf.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/six_steps_to_fall_turfgrass_establishment
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/tips_for_reseeding_lawns_in_the_spring
https://ag.purdue.edu/department/btny/ppdl/potw-dept-folder/2022/spring-seeding-lawns.html