Overseeding a Lawn

Consumer Question
I keep hearing that overseeding a lawn can be harmful over time. Is there any truth to this? If not, when should I overseed my lawn and how do I go about doing this?
-Kathy M.



Expert Answer
Generally speaking overseeding will not harm your lawn. Overseeding is done to thicken up a lawn that has been damaged or gotten thinner over time. Additionally, overseeding with newer and better seed varieties can improve the quality of a lawn. Look for varieties with improved disease, drought and heat resistance.

As far as when to overseed, late summer/early fall is the best time to plant cool season grasses like Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass. The best time to plant warm season grasses like Bermudagrass, Zoysia and centipede is late spring/early summer.