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When To Overseed In Tennessee

In Tennessee, the best time to overseed your lawn is in late summer to early fall (mid-August to mid-October), when the cooler temperatures are just right for cool-season grasses. There is enough moisture in the ground to encourage proper seed germination, and the cooler air will stimulate grass growth.

When should I plant grass seed in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, late August to mid-October is considered an ideal time to seed these cool-season turfgrasses. Although late summer and early fall plantings are preferred, and wet, rainy weather may make soil preparation difficult, fescues and ryegrasses are sometimes seeded in late winter or early spring.

Is it better to overseed in the spring or fall?

There are two ideal times of the year to overseed your lawn – fall and spring. Fall is the best choice. Also, weed growth tapers off after summer, so your new grass won’t have to compete for sunshine, water, and nutrients. Overseeding in spring is the next-best option.

What is the best month to overseed your lawn?

Hands down, early fall is the best time to overseed your lawn. The absolute sweet spot for most northern regions of the U.S. is August 15 to September 15. That’s when daytime temperatures are still warm enough to encourage growth and nights get cooler, giving new seedlings a break from the heat. Lawn grasses like that.

When Should I aerate my lawn in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, aeration is the key to getting your grass green. We’ll aerate your warm-season grass during the spring, removing thousands of small plugs of soil when it will benefit from the warm temperatures and extended sunlight hours. The holes will allow air, water, and fertilizer direct access to the root system.

When can you plant grass seed in spring in Tennessee?

It is possible to plant grass seeds in Tennessee in the spring, between late February and early April, but cool-season grass seeds, such as Jonathan Green Black Beauty®, fare best when planted in the early fall (late August to mid-October). The warm days and cool nights in fall are ideal for seed germination.

Should I overseed my lawn now?

The best time to overseed your lawn depends on where you live. In the cooler northern climates, the best time to overseed is in late summer to early fall. In fall the soil is warm enough to support germination, but the temperatures aren’t too extreme for the tender new grass to develop before winter sets in.

Is March too early to plant grass seed?

In nearly all regions, March is too early to plant grass seed. Temperature is a better barometer; wait until days average about 80 degrees before planting grass seed for summer. March is too late to sow cool-season grasses.

Do you have to aerate before overseeding?

The most important step you can take before overseeding your lawn is aerating your soil. No matter what seed you use, they can’t germinate in compacted soil devoid of water, nutrients, and sufficient air exchange. That’s why it’s crucial to aerate your lawn before starting the overseeding process.

When can I reseed my lawn?

The Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance service recommends overseeding at least 45 days before your average first fall frost. In southern areas, overseed thinning lawns in late spring, as warm-season grasses enter active growth. For winter color, overseed southern lawns in fall.

When should I overseed in spring?

Fall is the best time to introduce new seed into an existing lawn of cool-season grasses. But, depending on your grass type, overseeding in spring can yield good results, too, if it’s done early enough in the spring to give seedlings enough time to mature before the onset of the summer heat.

Can you overseed in November?

Here in California it is common practice to overseed in the fall for winter-dormant grasses such as Bermuda and St. Augustine with ryegrass. It is always best to overseed when daytime highs range from 78° to 83° and nighttime lows are 55° or colder, typically between mid-October and mid-November.

Can you overseed too often?

It would not be good to put more seed overall. If you planted at the correct rate and then seed again, you could end up with seedlings that are too thick and don’t grow well. The seedlings come in as thin plants. They will thicken up, especially after you start mowing.

Can you just sprinkle grass seed on lawn?

Can you just sprinkle grass seed on top of your existing lawn? While it’s possible to simply sow the new grass seed over your existing lawn, taking the time to prepare your lawn beforehand will increase the likelihood of seed germination and improve your end result.

Should I pick up plugs after aerating?

Those aeration plugs are vital to the health of your lawn. Resist the urge to “clean” the lawn after it’s been aerated, and whatever you do, don’t remove the plugs.

How do I overseed my existing lawn?

Mow Low. Before overseeding your thin lawn, cut your grass shorter than normal and bag the clippings. After mowing, rake the lawn to help loosen the top layer of soil and remove any dead grass and debris. This will give the grass seed easy access to the soil so it can root more easily after germinating.

What does overseeding mean?

Overseeding is the planting of grass seed directly into existing turf, without tearing up the turf, or the soil. It’s an easy way to fill in bare spots, improve the density of turf, establish improved grass varieties and enhance your lawn’s color.

Can you sow grass seed in February?

Short answer… yes, absolutely! Here we answer a few of the questions you might have about sowing grass seed in winter.