Overseed for a Thicker, Healthier Lawn

Even the best kept lawn thins over time from traffic, drought, or age. Overseeding, or planting grass seed into an existing lawn, is one of the simplest ways to bring your old lawn back to life. When done right, overseeding keeps turf dense, vibrant, and resilient.

Why Overseeding Matters

• Thicker turf: Fills bare or thinning spots.

• Improved look: Restores rich color and uniform texture.

• Better resilience: A mix of varieties helps resist pests, disease, and drought.

• Extended lawn life: Mixes in new grass with aging turf.

• Cost savings: Repairing your existing lawn is much more affordable then full renovation.

Preparing for Overseeding

1. Mow low: Cut grass to about 1.5–2 inches so seed reaches soil.

2. Clear debris: Rake up clippings, leaves, and thatch.

3. Loosen the surface: Lightly rake or aerate for seed-to-soil contact.

4. Test and amend: Adjust pH or add starter fertilizer if needed.

Best Practices

• Pick the right seed: Match to your lawn’s sun, shade, and use.

• Spread evenly: A broadcast spreader ensures good coverage.

• Fertilize lightly: Use a starter fertilizer to give seedlings a growth spurt.

• Water consistently: Keep soil moist with light, frequent watering.

• Limit traffic: Give seedlings time to establish.

Grass Varieties for Washington Lawns

Kentucky Bluegrass

• Strengths: Dense, fine texture, self-repairing rhizomes.

• Notes: Slow to germinate (14-28 days). Often mixed with ryegrass for quicker cover.

• Best for: Durable, sun-exposed lawns.

Perennial Ryegrass

• Strengths: Germinates quickly (5-10 days), tolerates wear.

• Notes: Great for fast fill-in but doesn’t spread aggressively, reseeding helps.

• Best for: High-traffic lawns or quick results.

Tall Fescue

• Strengths: Deep roots, heat and drought tolerance.

• Notes: Germinates in 7-12 days. Clump-forming, so overseed to maintain density.

• Best for: Large lawns with less irrigation.

Fine Fescues (Slender, Hard, Creeping Red)

• Strengths: Shade tolerant, fine texture, low maintenance.

• Notes: Germinate in 7-14 days. Creeping red spreads slowly; slender and hard are clump-forming.

• Best for: Shady lawns and traditional Northwest style.

Choosing the Right Mix

No single grass is perfect everywhere. Blends often combine bluegrass for resilience, ryegrass for quick cover, and fescues for shade and adaptability. Think about your lawn’s sun, shade, traffic, and water availability, then choose a mix that meets your goals.

Overseeding is a smart, sustainable way to thicken and refresh your lawn. With good prep, steady care, and the right seed mix, you’ll have a greener, more resilient lawn that thrives from the Pacific Northwest to the east coast!

Check out our Lawn Care Playbook to learn how you can prepare your best lawn this fall!