From repairing damaged areas to creating new turf, seeding is a key part of maintaining healthy, high-quality properties. That means choosing the right seed, understanding seasonal planting conditions, and post-planting care are very important. Get the details on these and other important considerations below.

How to Choose the Best Grass Seed

Picking the right turfgrass species is the first step to a successful seeding. You should take a look at the property you’re seeding to determine what traits are important to you. Functionality should be top of mind. If the area is going to be used as a sports field, choose a seed that boasts good traffic tolerance. If it’s a lawn with lots of trees, shade tolerance will be important. Your regional environment will also play a role in the seed you choose.

You’ll be able to choose between a seed blend, a seed mixture, or a single type. A blend will contain multiple varieties of the same turf species, while a mixture will contain multiple different species—sometimes combining cool- and warm-season grasses. There are also specialty blends and mixes that are created to address specific challenges like poor soil conditions. Whichever option you choose, be sure to choose a quality product. While budgets are important, low-quality seed often fails to establish well and lacks the durability of high-quality seed. Fortunately, there are plenty of middle-of-the-road options that are both high-quality and cost-conscious.

Keep seeding rates in mind, too. Perennial ryegrass blends are usually inexpensive. If a ryegrass blend’s seeding rate is five times higher than a more expensive seed blend, however, then the costs may actually even out since you’ll need more bags of the ryegrass.

Common Cool- and Warm-Season Grass Seed

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fescues perform well in the North and transition zone areas.

  • Kentucky bluegrass is often chosen for its striking color and ability to recover from wear. Seed options like Advanced RPR and Advanced HGT will provide excellent traffic and disease tolerance at an affordable price.
  • Perennial ryegrass germinates quickly and offers excellent tolerance to foot traffic. Our Advanced GLR blend combines disease-resistant and drought-tolerant varieties into one product that delivers a lush, dark green color.
  • Fescues—both tall and fine—are commonly picked thanks to their shade tolerance and drought resistance. Our Advanced RTF is touted for its ability to mend damaged turf and maintain both uniformity and density. Plus, for excellent color and disease resistance, take a look at Advanced TTTF.

Warm-season grasses, including bermudagrass, are common in the South.

  • Bermudagrass is highly durable and recovers quickly, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Here at ATS, some of our most popular options are Advanced Bermuda and Rio Bermudagrass.

Once you’ve selected your seed, it’s time to take a look at the soil.

Seeding vs. Overseeding

Seeding means that a bare area is being seeded for the first time. Overseeding means an area with existing turfgrass is being seeded to help bolster the stand.

Preparing the Area for Seeding or Overseeding

In order for your seed to properly germinate and grow, the soil needs to be prepared. One of the first things you should do is invest in a soil test. Soil testing is relatively inexpensive and will tell you about the soil’s pH and any fertility deficiencies. These insights can help guide your use of soil amendments or other products that can improve soil health. You should also rough the grade. You’ll want the grade to be firm enough to support you and your equipment, but it should be crumbly and loose on top. This will allow you to easily move the seed into the top quarter-inch of soil and will help the seed receive adequate water.

Timing Your Seeding or Overseeding

Now that you’ve prepared the ground, it’s time to bring out the grass seed. Depending on when you plan to seed or overseed, the process may be a bit different. Here are the three common seeding intervals and their nuances:

Spring Seeding

Timing is everything when it comes to spring seeding. Put your seed down as early as possible to give the turf enough time to develop a strong root system. This will allow it to withstand drought and disease pressure. 

Keep in mind that late frosts and overly wet conditions can delay germination, which can further narrow the timing window. A starter fertilizer can speed up germination and early growth. Grass won’t be the only plant that wants to grow, however, so be mindful of weeds. A starter fertilizer containing mesotrione can control weeds without posing a risk to your newly seeded area. Other pre-emergent herbicides should be avoided, as they will kill your grass seedlings.

Bermudagrass Seeding

It should be established in late spring or early summer as it establishes and grows best in warm weather.

Fall Seeding

In the fall, soil temperatures and moisture are at optimal levels for germination. Weed pressure is also reduced, making it the perfect time to seed. Overseeding during the fall can also help existing turf recover from summer stress before winter rolls around.

For a successful fall seeding, aerate the soil to improve seed-to-soil contact and reduce compaction. You should also apply a fertilizer to support seedling development.

Dormant Seeding

When dormant seeding, seed is put down in the late fall or winter. It remains in the soil until conditions become favorable for germination in the spring. This allows the turf to establish quicker.

Since the seed needs to stay in the soil all winter, use erosion control products—especially on bare soil—to prevent erosion. Increase your seeding rate by 15-25% to compensate for potential seed loss due to cold temperatures. Starter fertilizer should be applied around the time the seed is set to germinate and not in the winter.

Seeding Best Practices

The most important part of the seeding process is making sure the seed is in contact with the soil. Specialized equipment like slice-seeders and Brillion-type machines can do most of the work for you. You can also broadcast the seed with a spreader, lightly rake it in, and then go over the area with a small roller. Apply the seed in two or more directions to ensure even distribution, no matter the equipment used. Once you’ve seeded and the time is right (later for dormant seeding), apply a starter fertilizer. Starter fertilizers are high in phosphorous and will enhance seedling germination and development. Please note that some states restrict phosphorous usage, so check your area’s laws before purchasing fertilizers containing phosphorous. As mentioned earlier, avoid low-quality seed, which often introduces weeds or fails to germinate.

Caring for Recently Seeded Areas

Maintain consistent soil moisture during germination by irrigating lightly and frequently—about two to four times per day. Once the seedlings have grown to about two inches tall, start watering more deeply and less often. Mow to help the turf fill in faster. You should only mow about 30% off the top the first time since the stand will be in different stages of development. With each successive mowing, you will be able to go lower and lower as the stand matures.

For personalized seeding tips and product recommendations, connect with your Advanced Turf rep. New to ATS? Find a rep here.