How to Reseed Your Lawn: Repair and Renew Your Grass

Reseeding is the process of completely replacing your existing lawn with new grass seed. Learn when and how to reseed for a fresh, healthy lawn.

2-3 hours
intermediate
fall

Tools You'll Need

  • Lawn mower
  • Rake
  • Seed spreader
  • Lawn roller
  • Garden hose or sprinkler
  • Work gloves

Materials

  • Grass seed (appropriate for your climate)
  • Starter fertilizer
  • Topsoil (if needed)
  • Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Assess Your Lawn

Determine if your lawn needs complete reseeding or just overseeding. Reseeding is needed when more than 50% of the lawn is damaged or dead.

Pro Tips

  • Consider the cause of lawn damage
  • Choose appropriate grass type for your conditions
2

Prepare the Site

Mow existing grass very short and remove clippings. Use a rake or dethatcher to remove dead grass and loosen the soil surface.

Pro Tips

  • Work when soil is dry but not hard
  • Remove all debris and thatch
3

Amend the Soil

Add topsoil to low areas and apply starter fertilizer. Ensure the soil surface is level and free of large clumps.

Pro Tips

  • Test soil pH and amend if necessary
  • Use quality topsoil
4

Apply Seed

Use a broadcast spreader to apply seed evenly across the entire area. Apply at the recommended rate for new lawn establishment.

Pro Tips

  • Apply half the seed in one direction, half perpendicular
  • Don't overseed
5

Care for New Grass

Water frequently to keep soil moist until seeds germinate. Gradually reduce watering as grass establishes and avoid heavy traffic.

Pro Tips

  • Water 2-3 times daily for first week
  • Don't mow until grass reaches 3 inches

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I reseed my lawn?

Early fall (September-October) is the best time for reseeding cool-season grasses. Spring works but requires more maintenance.

How long does it take to reseed a lawn?

The process takes 2-3 hours, but new grass takes 3-4 weeks to establish and become visible.

Can I reseed over existing grass?

Yes, but you need to prepare the existing grass properly by mowing short and removing thatch.

How often should I water after reseeding?

Water 2-3 times daily for the first week, then gradually reduce to once daily as grass establishes.

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