Healthy Lawn
Licensed & Certified

PO Box 276
Youngstown, NY 14174

Phone Numbers:

In Buffalo Call:
716-692-4433

In Youngstown Call:
716-692-4433

In Lockport Call:
716-433-9433

In Niagara Falls Call:
716-692-4433

In Grand Island Call: 
716-692-4433

In Tonawanda's Call:
716-692-4433

OUR RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Fertilizer Facts

How to Apply Fertilizer

Plant Nutrition

Tools for a Beautiful Lawn

Reseeding & Over Seeding...

Reseeding...
Grass like every living thing on the earth has a life cycle. Even though most lawns are perennial in nature they get old and tired. Because of the mowing process the seeds never get to form or if they do, they probably get mowed off. So, the opportunity to thicken up the lawn is negated.

That's where we have to step in and help nature via lightly reseeding. Reseeding should be done on an annual basis, primarily in the fall (September and early October).

Lawn Overseeding
The benefits of overseeding...

Many home lawns, especially those 10 years old or older, were established with common type turf grasses which don't meet the needs of today's homeowner. These lawns tend to be more disease and insect prone, take more fertilizer and water, or they just have a plain old "worn out" look. Newer turfgrass varieties have been developed to withstand insects, disease, drought, shady conditions and heavy traffic better. The investment in overseeding pays off by reducing the amount of fertilizer, water and pesticides required. Most importantly, however, is that a renovated lawn looks better. It stays greener and looks healthier!
If a lawn has at least 50% or more healthy turf, it is usually worth saving by following good renovation practices:

• dethatching,

• core aeration

• and overseeding.

However, if the lawn has less than 50% healthy turf, complete renovation and replanting may be the best alternative. This involves killing out the old turf, weeds, etc., and reseeding the entire lawn.

When is the best time to overseed?
Late summer early fall is the best time to overseed lawns. Soil and atmospheric temperatures are most favorable for optimum seed germination and growth. With adequate moisture, fertilizer and sunlight, the new seedlings will be well established before cooler fall weather sets in. Also, weed competition is less of a factor at this time, giving the grass seedlings a better environment to grow and develop.

Spring overseeding can also be done, but there is more of a chance of weather related problems (heavy spring rains, extreme high temperatures) and weed competition is more prevalent in the spring. Also, spring seeding may interfere with application of pre-emergent weed killers; concurrent application of seed and herbicides is generally not recommended because the herbicides may cause poor seedling establishment. It is best to delay herbicide treatment 4-6 weeks after new grass seed germinates.

Midsummer overseeding can be done, but it is not recommended. Increased chances of disease, heat and drought stress, and weed competition tend to make seedling establishment more difficult. Proper weed control and adequate irrigation are musts if overseeding is attempted in midsummer.

What about care after overseeding?
Proper watering is critical to successful overseeding. The following is a recommended watering program:

• Immediately after overseeding:

  • Water heavily to wash grass into slits.

  • Until grass seeds germinate: Water lightly on a daily basis, soaking first 1" of soil.

  • After grass becomes established: Water at recommended level for the type of grass planted.

Methods of overseeding an existing lawn...

• Overseeding with a broadcast spreader...
  Aerate several times before broadcasting seed. Use a core type aerator, that removes soil plugs for better seed-soil contact. After overseeding, give the area a heavy watering right away to wash the seeds into the aeration holes.

• Slit seeding with a mechanical seeder...
  This is the best method of overseeding established turf. Slit seeders usually have verticutting blades that cut through the thatch layer and open up a slit or miniature furrow ¼" in the soil. Slit seeding generally takes less seed than broadcast seeding, because most of the seed gets into the soil so it can germinate. More seed-soil contact means a higher germination rate and a better stand of new grass. It is best to seed in the same "cross hatch" pattern as described and illustrated above.

For more information...

If you would like more information on our services, please click here for our easy to use submittal form or give us a call, In Buffalo call 716-692-4433, in Youngstown call 716-692-4433, in Lockport call 716-433-9433, in Niagara Falls call 716-692-4433, in Erie County, Grand Island & the Tonawanda's call 716-692-4433.

Our New York Lawn Care Service Areas...