How to Reseed Your Lawn for a Healthy Yard All Year Long

Give Your Lawn the Best Chance to Thrive with Fall Reseeding

Why Reseed in the Fall?

1. Cooler Temperatures: The scorching heat of summer fades, giving young grass seedlings a chance to become established without being burned.
2. Longer Growing Period: The fall weather allows new grass to grow strong roots before the cooler winter months set in.
3. Less Competition: Weeds are less active in fall, giving your new grass a better chance to grow without competing for nutrients.
4. Rainfall: San Diego tends to receive more natural rainfall in the fall, making it easier to keep your lawn hydrated without excessive irrigation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reseeding Your Lawn

1. Prepare the Soil: Before you start spreading new seed, you need to prepare your lawn’s soil for optimal growth. Here’s how:


• Low Mow: Cut your grass to a lower height (about 1 to 1.5 inches) to allow the new seeds direct contact with the soil.
• Dethatch and Aerate: Use a dethatcher or rake to remove any buildup of dead grass, and aerate your lawn to create holes for better seed-to-soil contact.
• Amend the Soil: If your soil is compacted or lacking nutrients, spread a layer of compost or a soil amendment to improve soil structure and nutrient content.


2. Choose the Right Grass Seed: For San Diego’s climate, it’s important to select a grass type that thrives in the mild winters and hot summers. Popular choices include:


• Cool-Season Grasses (such as tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass): These do well in San Diego’s cooler coastal regions.
• Warm-Season Grasses (like Bermuda or St. Augustine): Ideal for inland and hotter areas of San Diego, these grasses go dormant in winter, but come back strong in spring. Consider overseeding with a blend of warm- and cool-season grasses to keep your lawn green year-round.


3. Spread the Seed


• Even Distribution: Use a broadcast spreader or drop spreader to evenly distribute the grass seed across your lawn. Be sure to follow the recommended seeding rates on the seed packaging.
• Top Dress with Soil: Lightly rake over the seeded areas with a thin layer of soil or compost to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.


4. Watering: Proper watering is crucial for seed germination:


• Initial Watering: After spreading the seed, water your lawn gently but thoroughly to moisten the soil without washing the seeds away.
• Frequent Watering: Water lightly 2 to 3 times per day for the first week to keep the soil consistently moist, then reduce to once a day after the grass begins to sprout. After 2 to 3 weeks, water deeply every few days to encourage deep root growth.


5. Fertilize and Feed


• Starter Fertilizer: Apply a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus to promote strong root development in the new grass.
• Timing: Fertilize once after seeding, then again in about 4 to 6 weeks once the grass is established.


6. Care and Maintenance


• Mowing: Once your new grass reaches 3 to 4 inches in height, mow it for the first time, but avoid cutting too short. Set your mower to a high setting (about 2 to 3 inches) to avoid stressing the young grass.
• Weed Control: Hold off on using herbicides until your new grass is well-established, typically around 6 to 8 weeks after seeding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Reseeding

• Overseeding without Preparation: Failing to properly prepare your lawn (mowing, aerating and dethatching) can prevent new seeds from taking root effectively.
• Overwatering: Too much water can wash seeds away or lead to fungus growth. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
• Ignoring Fertilization: Without a starter fertilizer, new grass may struggle to develop strong roots.

Final Thoughts