Between Summer and Fall Lawn Care Tips Sept 7, 2023

Overseeding your tall fescue lawn in Atlanta during September and October is a great way to revive its health and appearance. Here are some tips to ensure a successful Overseeding process:

• Mow and Bag Clippings: Start by mowing your existing fescue lawn to a height of about 2 inches. Bag the clippings to remove any debris and create a clean surface for the new grass seeds to make contact with the soil.
• Aerate the Soil: Aeration is crucial for the success of Overseeding. Contact Johnson Landscape for a free aeration estimate.  Core aeration will perforate the soil with small holes or plugs. This helps improve soil compaction, allows for better water and nutrient penetration, and creates space for the new grass roots to establish themselves. Make sure to aerate your lawn a few weeks before Overseeding to give the soil time to recover.
• Spread Starter Fertilizer: Apply a high-quality starter fertilizer specifically designed for grass seeding.  Contact Johnson Landscape for a free estimate for lawn care.  This will provide the new grass seedlings with essential nutrients for healthy growth. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the proper application rate.
• Choose the Right Grass Seed: Select a premium tall fescue grass seed blend suitable for your region's climate and soil type. Look for varieties that are disease-resistant and well-suited to Atlanta's conditions. Consider a blend that includes both Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass for added resilience and color.
• Even Seed Distribution: Use a broadcast spreader to evenly distribute the grass seed over the prepared lawn. Follow the recommended seeding rate on the seed package, typically around 6-8 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet.
• Rake and Roll: After spreading the grass seed, lightly rake the soil to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Rolling the area with a lawn roller helps ensure good seed-to-soil contact, which is essential for germination.
• Watering: Keep the overseeded area consistently moist, but avoid overwatering, as this can wash away seeds or promote disease. Water daily or as needed to prevent the soil from drying out until the new grass reaches a height of about 2 inches.
• Mowing Care: Once the new grass reaches the recommended mowing height (usually around 3 inches), mow it for the first time. Be gentle during this initial mowing to avoid damaging the young seedlings.

Johnson Landscape offers free estimate for all your lawn care needs.