How to Reseed a Lawn – 9 Easy Steps

By: ROS Team

Is your lawn looking tired and patchy? Does it seem like weeds are winning the battle? Fear not! Reseeding your lawn is a surprisingly easy way to bring it back to life. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, from choosing the right seed to keeping your new grass healthy and green.

Why Is Lawn Reseeding Important?

Lawn reseeding is important because it revives patchy, bare spots, creating a thicker, greener carpet that’s more resistant to weeds, erosion, and pests. It’s like a makeover for your lawn!

Tools Required for Reseeding Grass Lawn

Tools

Weed Killer
Sod Cutter (optional, for digging up existing grass)
Shovel
Tiller
Black Poly Film
Rigid Tine Rake
Broom Rake
Soil pH Test Kit
Pest Test Kit
Furrow Maker
Lawn Mower

Materials

Grass Seed
Starter Fertilizer
Mulch or Grass Seed Accelerator

How to Reseed a Lawn?

1. Kill Existing Grass and Weeds

Depending on how quickly you want to work, you can choose from three different methods to get rid of an old lawn.

The quickest way to kill weeds is by using a weed killer. There are plenty of options, such as Ortho GroundClear Super Weed & Grass Killer, Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer. However, always follow the label instructions for use.

The second option is to dig it up. For this, you can rent a sod cutter or use a shovel or tiller.

If you have time, kill the existing weeds and grass by blocking sunlight exposure. Cover the existing grass with black poly film. The heat and moisture will destroy your existing “lawn” in about 6 to 8 weeks. After that, remove the dead grass and weeds with a rigid tine rake.

2. Prepare the Soil

Once you have killed the old grass and weeds using one of the methods mentioned above, it is time to prepare the soil. Perform these four steps to improve the soil:

Test Soil pH: Soil pH between 6.5 and 7 is ideal for growing grass. Test your soil to ensure it falls within this range and make adjustments if necessary.

Check for Pests: Before you reseed, the soil must be pest-free. Test the soil for common pests like chinchbugs, mole crickets, and white grubs.

Ensure Proper Drainage: Your new grass will only grow if the lawn is properly draining. Check the high and low spots and fix any grading issues.

Smooth the Soil: Level and smooth the soil with a broom rake and remove any clods.

3. Select the Right Grass Seed

Now it is time to choose the ideal grass seed for your lawn. The simplest way to decide which type of grass is best for your lawn is by location.

If you live in the Northern region where cool-season grass thrives, choose one of these seeds:

Ryegrass
Fescue
Bluegrass

If you live in the Deep South/Gulf region where the conditions are warm, you may select:

Bermuda
St. Augustine
Centipede
Bahia

If you live in the Transition zone (somewhere between the Northern and Gulf regions), then choose from these:

Sun and shade
Bermuda
Fescue
Zoysia

4. Add the Fertilizer

Once you have chosen the right seed, it is time to add a starter fertilizer to the soil. Consult with a nursery or an expert to choose the best fertilizer. Whichever fertilizer you use, make sure it is a high-phosphorus starter fertilizer like 10-10-10, 20-10-10, or 16-8-8 and is suitable for the type of grass you’re planting.

5. Spread the Grass Seed

Now it is seeding time! First, create furrows in your lawn soil and then spread the selected grass seed as per the label instructions.

6. Add Mulch or Grass Seed Accelerator

Adding a layer of mulch over your newly seeded lawn will help set the seeds and keep them from blowing or washing away.

7. Water Daily, but Not Too Much

After putting in so much effort to reseed your lawn, the last thing you want is to see the newly seeded lawn drying out. Water your newly seeded lawn 2-3 times a day, but only for about 5 to 10 minutes at a time to avoid over-watering. When the grass reaches a height of 1 inch, you can water it just once a day for a longer period.

8. Future Care

Once your new lawn reaches mowing height (around 3 inches), mow it to 4 cm. Make sure the mower has sharp blades. After the first mowing, cut back on watering twice a week.

Lawn Reseeding FAQs:

What Is the Best Time to Reseed Lawn?

The ideal time for reseeding your lawn is late summer or early autumn. Because, usually, the ground is still hot from the summer, yet, the air is already cool, which in turn is the best circumstance for the seed to germinate. Moreover, fewer weeds grow and there are fewer cases of disease during this period.

How Long Does It Take for a Reseeded Lawn to Grow?

Under ideal conditions, you can expect to see sprouts in 10-14 days, but the reseeding process is not over until after six to eight weeks of proper care.

How Much Does It Cost to Reseed a Lawn?

The price to reseed a lawn can vary based on its size and complexity. But, you can expect to pay between $0.10 and $0.20 for each square foot. This means for a regular lawn of 5,000 square feet, the cost will be around $450 to $900.

Can You Walk on a Reseeded Lawn?

Walking on a reseeded lawn is okay with caution. Gentle walks with flat shoes are fine, but avoid heavy traffic or playing on it. Focus on minimizing footprints and wait until the grass reaches 2-3 inches tall for regular use.