Overseeding
You can improve the appearance of existing lawns dramatically by overseeding. New grass retains its green colour longer in periods of drought because of better rooting than the old sward. Weed invasion is also minimised as the sward gets denser. This will reduce the need to use chemicals making it environmentally friendly.
The old sward will slowly die out over the years. By sowing new lawn seed into the existing lawn a technique that is used by professional groundskeepers (known as overseeding) it is possible to rejuvenate the lawn. Overseeding can be done in spring or in early autumn. Early autumn is preferable as the soil temperature is high and there is normally sufficient moisture. At the same time there is less competition from the old sward towards the new young plants.
A 10 step guide to improve existing lawns by overseeding:
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Mow the lawn closely. Choose a time when the lawn is dry. Remove any rubbish from the surface of the lawn before mowing.
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Rake the lawn using a spring tine rake to remove and break up the layers of dead matted grass or thatch. This process can be made easier using a machine.
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If the ground is compact, it needs to be loosened to improve the root growth and the drainage. It can be spiked with a fork to a depth of at least 15cm. This job can also be done by machine on large areas.
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Select a suitable mixture of lawn seed from our range. Ideally the mixture should contain the same species as the original old sward in order to avoid differences in appearance.
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Mix the seed and sow either by hand or machine depending on area mass. To ensure an even lawn the seed should be sown in two directions at right angles. Mix the seed with sand to give a more even seed distribution.
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Feed the lawn with Advanced Seed Starter Fertiliser after sowing the seed and with Advanced Seed’s Renovator Plus after 6-8 weeks.
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To get a dense grass growth and to remove minor hollows it is recommended to top dress the lawn with a mixture of sand peat and loam.
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To improve germination the area should be raked. This ensures that the seed comes into contact with moisture and that the topdressing is worked into the grass. Lightly roll if possible.
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Irrigate if necessary with a fine spray keeping the seedbed constantly moist. After establishment irrigation should be restricted. Water between 30-40mm at time to secure a deeper root system.
- Mow on a high cut when the grass is 40-50mm. Trim lightly and gradually lower blades to an ideal cutting height of 25-30mm. Mow regularly, however, try not to remove more than 1/3 of the growth at any time.
