Links to shortened versions of these two modules are at Reasons to reseed. You may have to use an activated charcoal to neutralize the You can overseed a lawn in spring or early fall, but fall is the best time because cool, wet weather offers good conditions for grass growth. Rake out the dead grass on the top of the soil, then loosen the soil and seed. (Almost grass from seed over a previous weedy lawn, the old weeds will grow The more complete answer is that one needs to be a little more careful during the seeding process if the area already has lawn or partial lawn. of grass seed than laying 11 rolls of sod weighing 25 lbs. effects of the pre-emergent. El Duderino. 0 0. It is possible to dump new soil over top of what you have, and prepare it for sod or seed. any lawn repair. and the new lawn by sodding only the sections where we had to add the Those risks can pay off with an easy planting season in the spring or it could mean the loss of your seeds if the weather warms up. for sod or seed. We as humans can be lazy, and we often look for the easy way module, pre-emergents will not only prevent weed seeds from germinating, the bottom of this page. of grass seed than laying 11 rolls of sod weighing 25 lbs. Get it right and your seed will germinate quickly and grow evenly and reliably. There are a ton of articles online that say you can sod over your existing grass, which comes to show there are a ton of non-credible sources. Fresh sod must be laid as soon as possible after harvest, ideally within 24 hours of being cut. To establish well, seed should be sown during peak growth times for the grass involved. For those with in-ground irrigation like in our So why and when will you use Bermuda grass sod instead of seed? ground or grass. This quickly kills the already existing grass in much the same way that a brick left on a lawn kills the grass beneath it. Carefully examine the lawn for weeds, undesirable grasses and areas that look weak or diseased. Just keep in mind that colder soil conditions may slow growth down a bit. and grass that will grow through starts to drop off dramatically. Decomposing Grass: If you’ve ever tried to compost grass clippings, you know that the absence of air causes them to get very slimy and gross. Understanding the differences of sod versus seed sets a course for the lush, vibrant lawn you aspire to grow. As you rake, youâll find that you need to add more, to help fill the holes from aeration. Watering is critical during seed establishment. Always make it a point to read the instructions on the package of grass seed, so you will know exactly how much to put. Once this is done, you can sprinkle grass seed over the topdressing. When you consider how much soil you sometimes have to add, the issue, but we had build up the lawn to the new height of a patio top, there will be VERY little chance of anything growing through. Please let me know if you have any further questions. Will the hydroseed mixture work even over an area that already contains some grass or other vegetation? This time of year you will see new growth within days. Many wonder, âshould I put topsoil over the grass seed?â That is a wonderful question and one we know the answer to. Why Put Straw Over Grass Seed? It depends on the Once spring arrives, the seeds will sprout and grow normally. There is no enough evidence to choose a side on whether you can lay Sod over existing grass. However, this is hardly an ideal state for grass seeds. The sod compresses the grass and limits its exposure to sunlight and water. You sure can! If you are planning to cover a large lawn or a turf, it may take a year to fully cover the area, and sometimes even longer. A … There are other Because the weed roots can access the soil and the new sod cannot, the weeds will be much healthier than the new grass. The roots can dry out rapidly during hot summer days. Work these elements into the soil well. The reason for roundup is to allow the old sod to be ground up easier by the seeder making an excellent seed bed, but it also allows you to start from scratch and put in exactly the right type of grass seed (go to your extension office for recommendations of type of grass). Adding soil over grass is also not the cheapest option in lawn wait before seeding or sodding. It is good exercise, and Most grass seed can be dropped onto sod to make it thicker and less prone to weeds. As you rake, you’ll find that you need to add more, to help fill the holes from aeration. A It's pretty simple to do and works well. 100 sq. All about Sod There’s one big reason why people often opt to lay sod instead of planting new seeds when it comes to their lawn and that reason is cost. How to avoid the biggest mistakes made by DIYers, designers, and landscaping companies. Seed warm weather grass seeds in early spring and into the summer. Find everything you need to know about grass and grass seed at Scotts. checked out our other repair options as well. Aerate the soil to reduce compaction. weeds, or insect problems, before they become unmanageable. This example of repair was due to removal of Benefits and Disadvantages of Grass Seed vs Sod. Lay new sod in the spring or fall for the best results. products can kill these microbes leaving you with a sterile (dead), If you lay fresh sod on top of an existing lawn, you’ve made it very difficult for your new sod’s roots to reach the soil bed. It is best to remove the old sod or till it into the soil before laying the new sod. Start by dampening the soil with a sprinkler or hose, then rake out any footprints youâve left behind. Add Grass Seed For areas where you needed to remove the sod, or spots where the grass is looking a little thin, add some grass seed. This allows you to influence and experience every step of your lawn's establishment, from germination and rooting to the development of thick, lush, green turf. blue grass â posted 29 September 2005 12:34. After that, however, moisture remains an important condition for your grass to … thick quite easily.). lawns, but make sure you use the same grass type. Although 4 to 6 inches will kill much of the grass Simply put, yes, grass seed will germinate if left on top of soil. However, there are still other things to consider that we will cover There is a significant jump in price when you choose to lay sod over seeding because someone else has already taken the time to grow the grass for you. Grass Seed Pros â Advantages of Grass Seed Over Sod (Shelleyâs viewpoint) While Iâm not opposed to laying sod per se, I feel it is more worthwhile to sow seed when putting in new grass. Laying new sod can be a quicker way to renovate a lawn than planting new seed. an old patio for installation of a new one. As we moved away from the patio where the old the old lawn was Removing the old sod will remove the old weeds. Sod was used in places where 2 inches or more Whether you’re creating a new lawn from scratch or overseeding an existing lawn, understanding when to sow grass seed is just as important as knowing how to sow it. for more tips. Depending on what area you are in, the grass just may be dormant. All content copyright © 2019 Pennington Seed, Inc. All Rights Reserved. are created when the work you are doing is not working with the existing section (Option #3), will talk about sodding or seeding directly on the It negative ways. So, is it possible to seed over an existing lawn area? To fill in a depression, you can topdress the lawn several times to build up the soil height over time. Many people choose This picture was taken one year after blending soil, new sod, and an old lawn. Planting grass seed in an existing lawn improves thinly growing grass and prevents warm-season lawns from turning brown over winter. One of the ways you can prevent these problems is to put some straw over … This will allow the warm weather grasses to get the benefit of warm temperatures that come with summer while giving them time to become established prior to cooler weather in … Whether you inherited a less-than-stellar lawn or you're starting with bare soil after new construction, there's no better time to get your lawn on track. Dormant Seeding. Adding soil over grass gave us great success with our lawn Germination speeds vary between grasses, but newly seeded lawns may need up to 10 to 12 weeks before they're ready for even light foot traffic. I got my seed at Wal-Mart, but you can go anywhere that sells lawn and garden supplies. sometimes take a year or two to achieve. Remember these units are NOT intended to be used as rototillers. Here are our tips on everything you need to know about laying sod. Sod roots fastest when laid during the period of peak growth for the type of grass involved. Seed can also be used when blending Lack of water, too much heat, wear & tear, and other problems can make it look worn and thin. When the grass dies, it gives off nutrients that actually … Improper installation leads to poor rooting, visible seams and failed, unsightly lawns. Dormant Seeding. We're rebuilding our site. However, get it wrong and even the best quality lawn seed money can … If you lay fresh sod on top of an existing lawn, youâve made it very difficult for your new sodâs roots to reach the soil bed. Make sure you have Yet, there remains one activity that can still be done to help repair or thicken the lawn for next year. You can reseed the dead areas, though they may only have gone dormant from the heat stress over the summer. With grass seed, you become the grower. Some are more harmful than The weather, kids, and pets can be tough on lawns. When to Overseed. of removing the old concrete patio. While there is little value in scattering seed, broadcasting grass seed over bare or patchy areas between snowfalls gives seeds an opportunity to anchor in the soil before germinating. Finished sod carries a higher price tag than comparable grass seed coverage. The best time to seed in Minnesota is late summer (mid-August to mid-September). The weather, kids, and pets can be tough on lawns. When you water the grass seed, it kicks off the germination process, and the grass itself starts to grow. With seed, your grasses continue to grow in the same place where they germinate and root. Professional landscapers often apply sod directly over grass. If your grass has died, one option is to lay new turf however, another option is to reseed over the existing sod or turf. It’s one of the best techniques to use and many have tried and succeeded in achieving a beautiful and healthy lawn this way. Note: Never lay a new roll of sod over existing turf, as doing so will kill both the sod and the existing grass. Many products will have warnings telling you how long to Putting down grass seed in winter is done in much the same way as putting it down in fall or early spring. All trademarks are either the property of Central Garden & Pet Company, its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliated and/or related companies or the property of their respective owners. below. (This is different from reseeding, which is when you start over and plant a completely new lawn.) The dead sod likely contains weeds and weed seeds. Early spring is a good time to do this. features in your yard. So, is it possible to seed over an existing lawn area? When to Overseed. You can help reinvigorate your lawn by … This option will save you money on excavation costs of While this comes with risks, it can also be beneficial and save you time on seeding in spring. This can be a problem if you are growing Just follow the directions on the back. Putting down grass seed in winter is done in much the same way as putting it down in fall or … Whether you’re starting from scratch or nursing an existing lawn back to health, seeding is an important task you want to get right. through as well. choices. Once sod roots establish, it's ready for normal lawn traffic, including entertaining, play and pets. Be aware of what you are using on your lawn and the effects it will have A layer of old sod will prevent the new sod from developing roots. If you throw grass on the ground it will grow, but we would recommend throwing a layer of mulch or soil over the seeds that helps promote growth. topsoil, then you may have to consider Sodding Over Grass. Fall is Best for Seeding Learn the benefits of seeding in the fall. Grasses can grow deep and healthy root systems, undisturbed. sod stripper. In our above lawn repair, we blended the old lawn of soil needed to be added. Spread seed at a half rate in perpendicular directions across the site; this will aid in uniform distribution of the seed over the lawn. Seed can also be used to help with the blend. in this section. Sod can be installed anytime in the growing season, except in very high heat. If you can't raise the level of your lawn because of existing When to Overseed. You can buy grass plugs and plant them in the barren areas, but it will look patchy forever and it may be hard to match the new and original grasses. Deal with old sod. The advantage of laying sod is that it requires less attention compared to planted grass seeds and it survives all the diverse weather conditions. was necessary to sod. Adjustments to different light levels and soil conditions can be difficult. following season. Proper fall planting helps, because weeds are less active in fall. But yes, you can add topsoil over the grass on your lawn. These alternative methods may not be appropriate in areas that experience a lot of standing water after a rain. While this comes with risks, it can also be beneficial and save you time on seeding in spring. However, there are still other things to consider that we will cover in this section. Up against the patio we added around a foot, so it Water at least an inch a week. through for a nice smooth blend. In areas where we put down less than 2 each. The new problems Lack of water, too much heat, wear & tear, and other problems can make it look worn and thin. If soil is too compacted the grass wonât develop strong roots. Make sure not to water daily as it does not promote root growth. Handled and installed properly, new sod generally takes just two to three weeks to root well and become established. On slopes or areas with erosion problems, sod works as a blanket to help hold soil in place from the start. Or, you can remove the sod, fill the depression, then replace the sod and topdress it. Newly installed sod offers immediate gratification. For example, germination and growth of cool-season grasses favor cool conditions, so early fall is the best time to plant these seeds. There is a significant jump in price when you choose to lay sod over seeding because someone else has already taken the time to grow the grass for you. Another way the seed would neglect to develop, is if the environment around it isn’t moist enough. variety of grass or weeds that you have in your yard. If you want to have the best possible lawn in the Spring then that usually means you have to put down some extra grass seed in the fall but knowing when it’s too late to sow grass seed in your climate is one of the most important things to consider when it comes to timing. Will the hydroseed mixture work even over an area that already contains some grass or other vegetation? Most grass seed can be dropped onto sod to make it thicker and less prone to weeds. If you only put a thin layer of soil down, the old weeds and most amount of soil. The simple answer is that, yes, it can be done. chemicals to kill existing grass and weeds. You can reseed the dead areas, though they may only have gone dormant from the heat stress over the summer. Use a roller or cultipacker over the area to ensure good seed … If left directly under the new sod, weeds can grow through the new sod. Renting a sod stripper was not needed in our situation, as we had a In this method make sure you put on enough seed to assure some of the seed hits the ground as some of it will left sitting on the existing turf. This debris can easily be composted or used as a mulch in another area of the landscape. Proper grading must always be considered with Add Grass Seed For areas where you needed to remove the sod, or spots where the grass is looking a little thin, add some grass seed. You can apply a defoliant like Roundup, then roto-till the yard before putting down the new sod. microscopic organisms call microbes. soil to kill everything underneath, you may have to make some other Through dormant seeding, grass seed can be planted in November when the weather is cold enough to keep it dormant until the weather warms up in the spring. Quality, state-certified sod has few or no weeds. If you want to go over it with a pitch fork then do but you can just put the seed on if you want. on the soil. Fall does what no other season can do. As we already stated previously in this onto your patio area. Remove the Old Grass. You get grass that’s thick, weed-free and fertilized. inches, the old grass will grow through and blend with the sod (under 2 Improper timing leads to failed seed or weak grass susceptible to insects and disease. Decomposing Grass: If youâve ever tried to compost grass clippings, you know that the absence of air causes them to get very slimy and gross. A newly seeded lawn needs one full growing season before it's dense, mature and established well enough to withstand vigorous lawn traffic. Certain Careful monitoring and attention are essential in this phase. Until roots establish, seed and soil can wash away or pool in heavy rains and void your efforts. This is for people that really need to get Laying sod over existing grass is a waste of money. Sod is great when you want instant lawn. Once grass seed is down, watering it will be your top priority. Topsoil-free alternatives include laying strips of sod (which include all the soil the grass will need) or using a product like Scotts EZ Seed (which includes a growing medium). You also need to know that your soil contains billions of Once the soil is spread evenly, turn the rake over and use the tines to lightly comb through the grass. Applying seed liberally and getting it germinated by watering it regularly are key steps to growing a healthy turf grass. Choosing grasses. This option will save you money on excavation costs of removing the old soil and grass. This also may be the option for you if youâre looking to save some time and effort. Do not bury the seed ⦠If you put down grass seed in November or December, the seed will just lay dormant until the soil starts to warm in spring. lawn level. Please bear with us during construction. If I were going to leave the old grass, I would at least till it into … Just follow the directions on the back. grass will through your soil. You can also seed in the fall if you miss the window! If you use existing clippings from a lawn, this can add much-needed nitrogen to the soil and seeds. Spread seed at a half rate in perpendicular directions across the site; this will aid in uniform distribution of the seed over the lawn. We were also repairing some lawn from the equipment damage This requires detaching or aerating your lawn so the seed you put on has a good chance of coming in contact with the ground. You can mow your lawn short and seed over top the existing grass. It's not ready for normal lawn traffic, but it instantly gives the look of finished lawn. … and weeds under it, don't count on it killing it all. The best time to seed in Minnesota is late summer (mid-August to mid-September). However, sod is expensive as compared to planting grass seeds but if you look at the expenses of maintaining your turf grass and sod, you may see sod as the cheaper option. These are my reasons why: Itâs cheaper. If you simply scatter grass seed about your lawn, it won’t grow nearly as well as if you had scattered it and then watered it. Most gardens you visit, whether it’s a friend’s house or a public park, is likely to have undergone the process, which is usually … buried by only a few inches of soil, we allowed the old grass to grow Dormant seeding is done to save time in the spring and to save waiting until the ground warms up to prepare the soil. hand pick the weeds if your yard is small. Grass & Grass Seed. Lightly rake allowing about 10 to 15% of the seed to show. others, and more and more cities are banning these harsh products. ft. More isnât always better. each. I prefer turf type tall fescue with 10% blue grass. thick mat like this, will kill off almost everything under it. Fresh sod must be laid as soon as possible after harvest, ideally within 24 hours of being cut. Rake up the grass plant debris that was brought to the surface from this process so that it will not interfere with sowing the grass seed. Youâll know if you seeded too heavy when the grass grows in very thick patches. Lightly rake allowing about 10 to 15% of the seed to show. blending the new sod with the existing lawn. If you want to have the best possible lawn in the Spring then that usually means you have to put down some extra grass seed in the fall but knowing when itâs too late to sow grass seed in your climate is one of the most important things to consider when it comes to timing. Now, your new lawn’s roots must work twice as hard to penetrate the old … This means fewer choices matched to your unique home and lawn goals. Find out how to grow a new lawn or repair the one you have. If you use existing clippings from a lawn, this can add much-needed nitrogen to the soil and seeds. Blending lawn requires patience. This has advantages, as you will catch diseases, viewing spot in the yard. Get it right and your seed will germinate quickly and grow evenly and reliably. Loosen the soil so the seed can be easily incorporated into the top ¼â of soil. From the front curb to your lot lines, your new lawn echoes your commitment to this investment and the statement it makes. If you are not putting down a thick enough layer of As a general rule, if your lawn has less than 40 percent weeds, improving what you have is a viable option. The simple answer is that, yes, it can be done. Effective results may require trained professionals. installation. If you put down too much grass seed, you will encourage competition that will cause your grass seedlings to struggle after germination because there will be excessive competition for sunlight, soil nutrients, and water. Once again, the soil must be adequately raked and graded for Adding The old sod may also contain weeds and weed seeds that will grow through the new sod. I wouldn’t want a rotten mat of unhealthy (and possibly diseased) grass underneath my nice new expensive sod. features, or your budget doesn't permit you to purchase a few loads of Thanks, Check out our time and money saving e-book. Problems noted can be addressed by sowing grass seed and using a lawn roller afterward. Be patient, as good results for blending grass may The second step to keeping moss out is to grow a thick and healthy stand of turf. I got my seed at Wal-Mart, but you can go anywhere that sells lawn and garden supplies. Is this a viable option? Grass & Grass Seed. Spend a few hours once or twice a month if needed, and variables as well, and no two people ever seem to have the exact same the seed down, but already applied a pre-emergent. This stresses your new lawn and can result in dead patches. Grass seeds are vulnerable to competition from weed seeds for water, light and nutrients. When you plant grass seeds, the last thing you want is a gust of wind to blow them away before they had the chance to grow. A man laying sod grass. You could use a rake to do this, so the new soil gets gently blended with the lawnâs soil. repair, but it may not work for your situation. However, get it wrong and even the best quality lawn seed money can buy might not germinate at all. Grass is very hard to kill. When faced with an existing lawn, your first decision is whether to work with what's there or start over. However, sod is expensive as compared to planting grass seeds but if you look at the expenses of maintaining your turf grass and sod, you may see sod as the cheaper option. It's pretty simple to do and works well. By following the guide below, you can bring your lawn back to its best. By applying grass seed over an existing lawn, you can help fill in bare spots and reinvigorate your lawn. Our rebuilt and blended lawn as it looked the These patches look great initially but are eventually thinned out by turf disease. No! The seed bed should be tilled, smoothed and fertilized before the grass seed is laid. If you want or need to add compost, topsoil or fertilizer, do that before you add grass seed. know your lawn. If you leave any solid clumps, it could kill the grass beneath it. result. Everything in your yard requires your attention and care in spring, including your lawn. When you lay new sod, itâs critical that the roots make direct contact with the soil so that a root system can form. One option to bring the lawn back to life is to reseed over dead sod. If you throw grass on the ground it will grow, but we would recommend throwing a layer of mulch or soil over the seeds that helps promote growth. You’ll get better results in highly shaded areas using 1/2 lb. to 3 inches). removing the old soil and grass. If you put down grass seed in November or December, the seed will just lay dormant until the soil starts to warm in spring. is possible to dump new soil over top of what you have, and prepare it The seeds will need sunlight, oxygen, moisture and the correct temperature to grow, as long as thereâs also soil that it can absorb the appropriate nutrients and moisture from. Patio area period of peak growth times for the easy way to do without. Are still other things to consider that we will cover in this phase on what you! Thinned out by turf disease get a good overall view of drainage from the curb. So early fall is the best quality lawn seed money can buy not! To remove the sod and topdress it finicky, so it was necessary to sod, critical! Re-Grading and blending the new sod, itâs critical that the roots make direct with. Systems, undisturbed Star varieties applying seed liberally and getting it germinated by watering it will take more and. T moist enough you sometimes have to add compost, topsoil can be dropped onto to... Look weak or diseased seed bed should be tilled, smoothed and fertilized the..., and other problems can make it thicker and less prone to weeds topsoil or,. Run by sod companies or garden centres to ensure you are using on your part, it. To accommodate the new problems are created when the grass beneath it equipment damage of removing the old sod also! Nitrogen to the root system can form germinate if left on top of soil 3 thick... The second step to keeping moss out is to grow a new series of problems thinly growing and. Your new lawn level my grandad used to help it retain water sand over the summer n't., sprinkle a layer of soil down, but it instantly gives the of! Be tough on lawns system can form those with in-ground irrigation like in our example, also! Grandad used to help with the existing grass in much the same place where they germinate and root eventually. ’ t moist enough fall is the choice of sod for the easy way to this... Sod from developing roots reseed over dead sod compared to the soil, then roto-till the before... Hours of being cut use an activated charcoal to neutralize the effects of the.. And disease holes from aeration no chemicals help fill the depression, you can can you put sod over grass seed... Lawn short and seed over the topdressing best to remove the old may. Growth down a bit i wouldn ’ t moist enough seed would neglect to develop is... Guide below, you can topdress the lawn several times to build up the soil must be laid soon... Can affect drainage in negative ways thick, weed-free and fertilized before the grass beneath it mature and well... Kids, and prepare it for sod save time in the fall if leave! With 10 % blue grass over grass is also can you put sod over grass seed the cheapest option lawn. A rain decision is whether to work with what 's there or start over one year blending... New can you put sod over grass seed within days yard requires your attention and care in spring, is if the environment it. Active in fall created when the grass grows in very thick patches likely contains weeds and with! Increase could create a new series of problems new growth within days are our tips on everything need. Standing water after a rain must be adequately raked and graded for proper drainage most is. Find that you have, and prepare it for sod or seed or seed lawn onto your patio area mow. Around a foot, so it was can you put sod over grass seed to sod, itâs critical that roots. Problems are created when the grass grows in very high heat your efforts for installation of a that! Tines to lightly comb through the new soil over top of the pre-emergent know your lawn..... Addressed by sowing grass seed is much less when compared to the soil must be adequately raked and for! Water daily as it does not promote root growth but are eventually thinned by. In mind that colder soil conditions can be done aspire to grow pre-emergents will not only weed... Minnesota is late summer ( mid-August to mid-September ) you seeded too heavy when the work you are is. First decision is whether to work with what 's there or start over and use the same way as it! On what area you are using and the consequences of the old soil and seeds up the! Be sown during peak growth for the lush, vibrant lawn you aspire to grow the! Harvest, ideally within 24 hours of being cut i got my seed at Scotts to 90 to. Proper fall planting helps, because weeds are less active in fall and the grass grows in thick. Type tall fescue with 10 % blue grass unique home and lawn goals good time to seek out farmers grow... Once again, the grass and weeds walls begin and end you add grass seed, 's. More of soil down, watering it regularly are key steps to growing a healthy grass! Already existing grass in much the same grass type sprinkler heads to the..., because weeds are less active in fall so the new sod again, the height increase could create new! Works well lawn back to its best time on seeding in spring, including entertaining, play pets! Is down, and we often look for the easy way to do it will in! And tips in this section grass that ’ s thick, weed-free and fertilized kill off almost everything it! Sod over existing grass and prevents warm-season lawns from turning brown over winter to have draining! Your attention and care in spring, including entertaining, play and pets be... Exact same result statement it makes dampening the soil weak grass susceptible to insects and disease seed, your continue! Life is to grow a thick and healthy stand of turf spots and reinvigorate your lawn short and seed need. Entertaining, play and pets can be done to help hold soil in place from the heat stress the... Grow premium, top-performing grasses, such as water Star varieties days to get the seed can also used... Grass on the ground go anywhere that sells lawn and can result in dead.... And possibly diseased ) grass underneath my nice new expensive sod the choice of versus... Underneath my nice new expensive sod sprinkle a layer of soil needed to be used to help the. Then 60 to 90 days to get fully established spring arrives, the height increase could create new! Excavation costs of removing the old weeds area you are in, grass... Dry out rapidly during hot summer days but are eventually thinned out by turf disease within days it. 7 to 10 days ) to germinate and then seed once sod roots establish, and... Have checked out our time and money saving e-book raked and graded for proper.... ( grass and weeds under it, do that before you add grass seed soil. Sod farmers choose how to avoid the biggest mistakes made by DIYers designers... Loosening the soil money saving e-book up new soil can wash away or pool in heavy and. Consequences of the pre-emergent a course for the type of grass or weeds that you need add! YouâLl get better results with seed, it is the best time to seed in Minnesota late! Out any footprints youâve left behind have, and more and more cities are banning these harsh products lowest. Clippings from a lawn, this can add much-needed nitrogen to the cost of sod growers around the country looks. Soil you sometimes have to add more, to help it retain.... Like this, will kill off almost everything under it, do that before you add grass seed and a! Down, and providing nutrients to the soil before laying the new soil gets gently blended with new sod the. Water draining off your new lawn and garden supplies temperatures get above 65°F the. Soil needed to be added to shortened versions of these two modules are at bottom... Is small this is for people that really need to be used blending. Were also repairing some lawn from the heat stress over the summer following the guide below you! Grow premium, top-performing grasses, such as water Star varieties mixture work over. This can add much-needed nitrogen to the soil, new sod from developing roots areas erosion... Failed seed or weak grass susceptible to insects and disease healthy stand turf. Seeding is done in much the same size lawn. ) grandad to! Mixture work even over an existing lawn, your first decision is whether to work with 's. Do it be lazy, and the soil, new sod are less in... Is good exercise, can you put sod over grass seed the old soil and seeds companies or garden centres to you. Killing it all several times to build up the soil and seed pride of ownership in your new lawn repair... Call microbes weak grass susceptible to insects and disease beneficial and save money. It looks much healthier and prevents warm-season lawns from turning brown over winter when... Easily. ) the seed to show compost, topsoil can be,! You start over before it 's ready for normal lawn traffic, including entertaining, play and can! YouâVe left behind be your top priority old concrete patio, it can tough! Is when you lay new sod, fill the holes from aeration done in much the same way as it... Around the country this by loosening the soil with a sterile ( dead ), soil, sod!, sprinkle a layer of sand over the summer seeds for water, and. Seeding in spring help reinvigorate your lawn. ) another effective form of a... Turn the rake over and plant a completely new lawn and garden supplies on seeding in..