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Bare spots and thinning patches are common occurrences, often caused by playful kids and pets, or pests and diseases. Over time, lawns can become dull, sparse and weak. Repairing this damage is a natural part of lawn maintenance. Using lawn seed to overseed (also known as over-sowing) can help repair your grass, improving its colour and appearance.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Overseeding involves spreading new lawn seed over the existing grass area, where patches are bare or thinning. “It’s a way to repair dead patches, fill out lawns, reduce the risk of weed invasion and improve the overall appearance,” explains Melissa King, horticulturist and Scotts lawn ambassador. “All lawn types can be over-sown; it’s just a matter of finding the right match to blend in with your existing lawn.”
While lawn seed is widely available for common couch and kikuyu, cultivars such as Santa Ana or Eureka are offered only in turf rolls or plugs. Similarly, buffalo varieties are exclusively available as turf rolls or plugs.
Most lawn seed blends contain a mix of rye and tall fescue seeds, which germinate and fill out areas of an established lawn quickly. Although they may not be a perfect match your existing lawn type, they are effective in thickening it up and filling in gaps, helping to repair grass.
Tip: These lawn seed blends are versatile and can also be used to sow a new lawn or replace lawn from scratch, making them handy (and cost-effective) for large areas.
The best time to overseed your lawn is when the grass is actively growing. “For warm-season grasses like buffalo, couch and kikuyu, overseed from late spring to early summer,” Melissa says. “Overseed cool-season grasses like tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass in late spring or early autumn.”
Overseeding can be done whenever the lawn requires a refresh. This may be a yearly occurrence, depending on how often the lawn is used, or once every couple of years.
Mow the lawn close to the ground, taking care not to scalp it (cutting so low the stems of your grass are exposed). Rake and remove any grass clippings. This will allow sunlight to better reach the seedlings.
Use a garden fork or lawn aerator to aerate the lawn, and a rake to remove the thatch (dead grass and organic matter built-up under the lawn). Doing this will help water and nutrients soak deep into the root area.
If required, top-dress the soil to level out the lawn. Spread a thin layer of top-dressing mix such as Scotts Lawn Builder Topdress Mix and Underlay over the lawn area. This will help improve the soil, giving the seeds a good base for establishment.
Calculate how much lawn seed is required for your area. “Sow the seed by hand or use a spreader to ensure even coverage,” advises Melissa. “If most of your lawn is looking good, then you don’t need to overseed big patches – just target thin or bare areas.”
To prevent lawn seed from washing away, water in with a fine spray. Keep the soil consistently moist by lightly watering a few times each day until the seedlings have established. This can take between six to 12 weeks.
Tip: Water more frequently if conditions are warm and dry.
Avoid mowing the area until the lawn reaches 5-7cm tall. “Once established, water the grass deeply but less often to encourage a stronger, deeper root system and a more dry-tolerant lawn,” says Melissa.
Check out our guide to growing a lawn you’ll love from seed.
Photo Credit: John Downes, Getty Images
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
