The Benefits of Overseeding and Choosing the Right Seed

Grass gets old. Did you know that? Just like any other plant, it has a peak life span where new growth and spread is rapid and after five or six years that slows down. Not unlike us! Whether you have a bare patch of dirt that needs seeding, a patchy lawn, or an older lawn, overseeding is the answer to keeping your lawn fresh and looking its best.

When lawns get older, they don’t spread as quickly and new growth slows. Most grasses designed for a Canadian climate are bunch grasses. They have a crown and send roots down and blades up (which is why it’s important not to cut your grass too short). Over time, bunch grasses can leave your lawn looking patchy which leaves room for weeds and other undesirables to take root.

By overseeding, your lawn has a continuous supply of younger grass plants to fill in the gaps. A green fountain of youth, so to speak. But what questions should you ask before buying grass seed? How do you choose a grass seed type?

Choosing The Right Grass Seed

Whether you’re doing your own research or you’re headed to a nursery (or Nutri-Lawn Burlington), there are some key questions you should have the answers to before buying grass seed.

1. What kind of traffic do you need your lawn to withstand? Is your lawn just something you like to look nice and only needs to handle a mower once a week or do you have young children, a budding soccer player, or pets? Many turf grasses can withstand a fair amount of traffic, others can’t handle much at all.
2. How much sun does your lawn receive? Some grasses need full sun to thrive, others are able to withstand some shade. If you need a full shade grass seed that’s important to know as it will influence what kind of grass you buy.
3. Do you want one kind of seed or is a variety of grass types OK? There are pros and cons to both, but many commercial grass seed includes a variety of types: one grows quickly to provide shade cover to slower growing varieties, one is more drought resistant, one spreads to fill in the gaps, etc. Both options provide a consistent look to a lawn with uniform growing conditions (soil type, light, etc.).
4. How much time and money do you want to invest in lawn care? Some types of grass seed require more maintenance than others. Some will thrive best without regular fertilizer and other treatments, others require moderate maintenance. How often are you willing to water your lawn – not at all or you have inground sprinklers? Knowing the answers to these questions can greatly influence the type of grass seed you should buy.

Choosing the right grass seed can mean the difference between a lush green lawn you’re proud to have your neighbours notice, or a lawn that’s vulnerable to pests, weeds, and seasonal changes.

Your Nutri-Lawn Burlington experts are able to help you choose the best grass type for your yard, your budget, and your outdoor needs. Take back your yard with a consultation from Nutri-Lawn!