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We recommend putting down 2lbs per 1000 square feet of grass. (For an average lawn of 2500 square feet, we recommend 5 lbs). If you are only doing small spots, one or two handfuls per square foot should suffice. Scarify (rough up) the top layer of soil in the bare areas if you are not topdressing.
How much topsoil do I need for overseeding?
Topdressing means to spread a thin layer (no more than ¼ inch) of topsoil, compost or peat moss over the turf that you have overseeded. An even covering about ¼ inch thick does not require much of the material, but there is enough to protect the new seed and help keep it moist.
Should I use top soil when overseeding?
When overseeding, use compost, not topsoil. Compost provides more nutrients and moisture than topsoil. Compost breaks down to increase soil performance. Topsoil will not provide the optimal habitat for grass seeds and it won’t break down over time, leading to an unsightly, dirty yard.
How much top dressing do I need for overseeding?
After aerating, it’s time for top dressing: spread either pulverized top soil or a good quality humus compost across the lawn. You don’t need much—about a quarter inch or so is adequate. Then, go ahead and reseed. Be sure to invest some money in the seed and get good quality, weed-free seed.
Should I put topsoil down before grass seed?
Should You Put Topsoil Down Before Grass Seed? If you are seeding a bare lawn or a bare patch of soil, you do not need to add topsoil before spreading grass seed. Instead, you can prepare the soil by tilling and loosening it, making it perfect for grass seed.
How much seed is needed for overseeding?
Overseeding requires about half the normal seeding rate, or the rate that would be used on bare soil, including totally bare spots in your lawn. For tall fescue, the normal rate is generally 6 to 8 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet on bare soil.
Can you put top soil over grass to level?
You can easily make your own lawn patching soil by mixing sand and dry topsoil in equal parts of half-and-half, spreading the leveling mix into low-lying areas of the lawn. Some people also use compost, which is great for enriching the soil. After leveling, fertilize lightly and water the lawn thoroughly.
How much soil is needed to top dress a lawn?
The amount of topdressing material needed will depend on the purpose of the topdressing. A light application, a 1/8″ – 3/8″ layer which is about ½ – 1¼ cubic yards for each 1,000 sq.Topdressing amounts. Approximate Depth (inches) Approximate Amount Needed cubic yards/1,000 sq. ft. 1/8 0.4 ¼ 0.8 3/8 1.2 ½ 1.5.
Will existing grass grow through topsoil?
If you only put a thin layer of soil down, the old weeds and grass will through your soil. This can be a problem if you are growing grass from seed over a previous weedy lawn, the old weeds will grow through as well. (Grass and weeds will grow through soil 2 or 3 inches thick quite easily.).
Do I need to Topdress When overseeding?
Aerating and top-dressing a lawn can be great preparation for overseeding, but it’s not necessary. You can also prepare a lawn for overseeding by mowing it at the lowest setting and bagging the clippings. After mowing, lightly rake the yard to expose and loosen the soil so the grass seed can make contact and take root.
Should I Overseed before top dressing?
On the question of whether to overseed before or after top dressing, it’s best to do it after so that the seeds receive adequate sunlight for germination. Choose the same kind of grass seed that is already growing in your lawn to achieve uniform color and height throughout the season.
Do you overseed before top dressing?
People have asked about the best time to seed, before top dressing lawns or after. If you are very accurate with spreading the 1/8 to 1/2 inch of compost, you can overseed first. This will also help move the compost from the grass surface to the soil. It is okay to fertilize after top dressing.
How much topsoil do I need?
Length in feet x Width in feet x Depth in feet (inches divided by 12). Take the total and divide by 27 (the amount of cubic feet in a yard). The final figure will be the estimated amount of cubic yards required.
Can you use too much seed when overseeding?
Ignoring recommended seeding rates New lawns or spot repairs take about twice the amount of seed needed for overseeding thin areas. Too much grass seed causes undue competition for resources such as light, water and nutrients, and grass seedlings struggle as a result.
How much area will a 50 lb bag of grass seed cover?
If your question is, “does a 50-pound bag of grass seed cover the area I want” then read the bag. Don’t just buy a bag and hope it’s enough. Read, then follow the recommended guidelines. Most seed bags will recommend a range such as 250-400 square feet per pound.
How much seed do you need to overseed 1/2 acre?
For example, if the recommended seeding rate for a specific blend of grasses is 6 pounds per 1,000 square feet, multiply 6 by 43.56 to get 261.36. Thus you would need just over 261 pounds of seed for 1 acre.
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.
