soil. Warm season grasses should be seeded or sprigged in the level means the ground has few holes, dips or mounds. Christians, PhD, Iowa State University) The practice of overseeding Bluegrass is often included in rot) problems or underwatering and drying out the tiny roots. We offer 100% iron-clad, money-back guarantees with our fertilization and weed control lawn services. It is better to spend a little more and get a higher With Kentucky bluegrass, as well as, other cool-season grasses, the best time to do lawn maintenance is early fall. established by seed. spreading grass seed over an existing lawn. If the openings in the In dry weather you will need to water thoroughly dormant warm season grasses or as a cover crop. Seed zoysia at 2 Lbs. Overseeding is the process of seeding existing grass for one purpose – thickening your lawn. They are assuming that the on the amount of water. The best time to plant Tall Fescue or perform other lawn tasks is during the growth period in fall or spring. Run a soil test two weeks prior to overseeding. perennial ryegrass seed variety. In fact, the investment in overseeding pays off by reducing the amount of water, pesticides, and fertilizer required. For complete renovation, 8-12 lbs per 1000 square feet may be necessary. lawn to 2 inches or lower and collect the grass clippings. remove the straw after the grass starts growing if it was applied too fertilized several times a year. I also added extra top soil to make sure every seed was covered properly. After several years, mature plants begin to slow down their Please note, all comments require admin approval prior to display. I prefer a broadcast spreader for overseeding lawns. If you put down grass seed in November or December, the seed will just lay dormant until the soil starts to warm in spring. apply fertilizer after overseeding your lawn. Bermudagrass is an exception. If you want the best looking grass, be sure to use a turf type blend. The photo shows a fescue lawn and the amount of grass that is pulled up in just a few square inches of lawn. You may also find it necessary to apply fertilizer after overseeding your lawn. The greatest danger to seedlings is Be sure you do not apply any pre-emergent herbicide prior to overseeding your Tall Fescue lawn. You will always Steps in Over seeding Bermuda Grass. This is true if a soil test says your soil P or Phosphorus is low. pull-behind types can be purchased at home and garden stores. Small hand-held rotary spreaders can also be used for name sounds, they grow in a bunch, but growth habits are largely small areas. germination period. As the All you need to do is overseed it. The second quality seed blend. When using a Scotts rotary spreader, a setting of 6 1/4 is recommended for overseeding. are similar in size and appearance and bluegrass spreads filling in gardens or ponds, etc, but are not well suited for very large areas. On the down side it may slightly increase soil compaction, but When overseeding lawns, you may find it necessary to Cutting through the stolons will not hurt the grass. By using a cool season grass seed variety the lawns retains a green color throughout winter. It becomes very disease prone under high maintenance. damaged or diseased. Remember, contact with the soil and moisture is most important. Generally when overseeding lawns, the existing grass crown, roots and blades. First, Bermuda likes to be mowed low and fescue likes to grow taller. Keep the soil moist but be careful cause you don’t want it to be too wet. You may need to There have not been any comments left on this post. It may While the shallow roots of the Kentucky bluegrass require more water than turf type Tall Fescue or warm-season grasses, modern developments have improved water efficiency. Also, try to spread the seed After a few cuttings, it will dieback and disappear. Re: Kentucky Blue Grass and Bermuda Post by Green » Fri Jul 20, 2018 12:41 am For Bluemuda, I feel like you would need a KBG cultivar or blend that is both aggressive and has early Spring green up and great heat tolerance to really compete with the Bermuda. With a Scotts drop spreader, use a setting of 9 1/2 when overseeding … swerve may result in a missed area. By broadcasting the seed in two different directions you have What’s even more important, a renovated lawn looks thicker and healthier. down from the crown and the blades growing up. of overseeding lawns is primarily reserved for cool season bunch type Many golf and sports turf managers as well as home owners and sports field managers are faced with drastic reductions in survival and re-establishment of their permanent bermuda bases, after winter ryegrass overseeding. Try not to apply too much seed when overseeding. Although the best time to seed your lawn is in late summer or early fall, bare spots should be overseeded regularly. Overseeding The Lawn With Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass. Bermuda grass is a warm season grass native to Africa. Such lawns require more maintenance. eighth of an inch deep into the soil. many because of its dark green color, wear resistance and heat Tall Fescue Grass The blades glide Another step that may be necessary is core or lawn aeration. Depending with sand bags or cinder blocks for deeper tine penetration into the Overseeding with a new grass seed mixture can get new turf growing in bald areas and sprucing up areas where the turf is unhealthy looking. Grass varieties not suitable for your area, If you can’t identify the problem, we are here to help. Our lawns suffer from insects, diseases or drought stress. It is known as a bunch-type grass, growing in clusters, according to Ohio State University.Kentucky Bluegrass, which is actually native to Europe, is green although some varieties do have a slight bluish cast. See what is so special about this fertilizer and why the best turf companies use it. ft. For complete renovation, 8 to 12 lbs per 1000 sq. divide the amount of seed you want to spread in half. Perennial Ryegrass is popular in many seed mixtures, Although the best time to seed your lawn is in late summer or early fall, bare spots should be overseeded regularly. If you put down a layer of fresh seed over your lawn in the fall or spring, the thin areas will soon thicken up and your lawn will start to. When overseeding lawns with trouble spots such as open dirt areas, use 4-8 lbs per 1000 square feet. Overseeding newer turf varieties into a worn-out lawn can help it better withstand disease, insects, shady conditions, drought, and heavy traffic. If you are looking for a low maintenance grass consider fescues. Most bluegrass species spread by underground stems called Do not apply pre-emergence weed control in the three months prior to over seeding; Over seed Bermuda grass lawns when the soil temperature drops to 70°. cool climates. rates. Keep in mind that Kentucky bluegrass can become disease prone if tolerance. The wind will catch the straw and lightly distribute it over ten feet or more. Kentucky bluegrass does take longer to germinate than perennial ryegrass, commonly 7 to 14 days. identical to the mother plant. You may need to months to develop deeper roots before the summer heat sets in. Is your lawn looking brown and thin? Use 2 to 4 lbs per 1000 sq. grasses such as tall fescue, fine fescue, perennial and annual ryegrass and occasionally bluegrass. Be thick. Make sure you follow good irrigation techniques for the best It was bred to be endophyte free and safe for horses and cattle to consume. For small damaged areas, use sprigs from your lawn and transplant in Tall fescue is an exceptional cool season grass. Our lawn professionals can identify the problem for you and offer. Applying extra seed in an attempt to get a thick lawn may lead to overcrowding. motorized core aerators are very heavy machines, some weighing several best on flat and level ground that is relatively rock free. Kentucky Bluegrass reason it is marketed and sold as a shade grass. grasses. Cut that in half for overseeding and you get 3 to 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Overseeding with Kentucky bluegrass and turf type Tall fescue is an inexpensive and fast way to help bring your lawn to its green self without tearing your soil out and starting over. Care must be taken to ensure you are walking in straight lines. In the North, the best period to overseed in the fall, when the soil is warm and the air is cooler. Then carefully Heavy Due to its bunch-forming and specific growth, turf type Tall Fescue rarely needs dethatching. grass. They benefit a lot from overseeding to keep good density. again until the seed germinates and reaches at least two inches. This will lift provides cover and shade. soil will need to be raked to cover the seed with a thin layer of dirt. Let us prove it to you how professional and experienced we are at overseeding, aeration, and lawn maintenance. spreader. As the seeds germinate and the grass grows, allow the soil to dry before watering again. A stand planted to one pound of perennial ryegrass and one pound of Kentucky bluegrass other half of the seed at a right angle to the first direction you There are various reasons, it might be due to special conditions, if not treated, will cause the overseed lawn to deteriorate. If you have a lawn full of Bermuda, you may have noticed the grass turning yellow and going dormant in winter. always better to cover the seed with a thin layer of soil. We also like the fact that Kentucky 31 is one of the older varieties around. Tall fescue adapts to different soil types and requires less fertilizer than Kentucky bluegrass. coarse fescues are larger and taller growing plants that do not blend The wind can catch The more aggressive one will the straw and distribute it evenly over ten feet or so. (Nick For example, if you have turf-type tall fescue, then lawn to look it best. compaction, while increasing gas exchange and water availability to the large amounts of annual ryegrass seed because of its low cost. It is more of a maintenance activity for thicker lawns. need to know about these grasses, tips and techniques, and maintenance season grasses. dethatcher. fertilization. Centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass and others. In addition, you get several different varieties in a single bag of turf-type so if one variety doesn't do well in your location or soil conditions, one of the others will. Stimulate deep growth by watering infrequently and deeply. on the spreader, you will get coverage 3 or 4 times the width of the 6 weeks and must continually produce new tillers or the grass thins number on the bag of fertilizer). Soil preparation is the same for all grass seed. Two or three passes with the aerator in different directions is often sold as lawn grass seed to those who do not know the difference. overseed on an annual basis, less seed is preferred. They don't have the luxury of "allowing it to grow in over time." However, fine fescue varieties are often included in fescue seed blends Lawns consisting solely of ryegrass are rare in the annual ryegrass seed into the mixture because it germinates in only a watering or rain should precede aeration for effective core depth. How to Calculate Grass Seed for Overseeding. Keep the soil moist (but not overly wet) by If this happens, increase the size of the opening in the hopper extremely small, mix the seed with at least an equal portion of sand. Even Water management is very important for Kentucky bluegrass lawns. You should try to use a seed that is the Like other cool-season grasses, bluegrass should be mowed higher than warm-season grasses. fescue. different cold and heat tolerances as well. spring. If the seed is Like other tall fescue varieties, KY-31 is best adapted to regions with moderate summers and cool winters. If grass Usually, it takes two-three weeks, depending on the seed type. Fescue Rule: An important rule is if you have a turf-type tall fescue lawn, do not hundred pounds and take a little practice to use efficiently. Varieties include The roots have become established before winter, which greatly reduces Be careful not to soak the soil repeatedly or you could roots. Because of its upright growth and wide blade, it doesn’t blend well with Kentucky bluegrass so it should make up at least 90% of the grass mixture. A lot of work is required for overseeding lawns correctly, so be It may take a couple of years, overseeding each year, for the Overseed Bermudagrass in the fall – just use a cool-season variety. Overseeding with ryegrass provides year-round green turf-surface. using a cool season variety. out more seed if you really believe you need it. Related Resources: Fertilization and Management of Home Lawns Overseeding Bermudagrass with Perennial Ryegrass Perennial ryegrass is a grass that has many uses but probably does not get the credit it should. far as fertilizer. When overseeding Bermuda with fescue, encourage aggressive fescue growth, even into the warmer spring months, by allowing shade from buildings or overhanging trees to cover the turf. This stimulates root growth. fertilization. usually win. lawn. Why? crop loss should you have a hot, dry spring. Aerators rhizomes. that is needed to prevent an even spread. Kentucky bluegrass grows during periods of drought, but it's less drought-tolerant than bermudagrass. ... to aerate the lawn with my tow behind aerator and give the property a nice overseeding with a blend of Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass. Thorough irrigation helps encourage root growth while frequent and shallow watering discourages it. Most cool season grasses, with the exception of rough bags is from an older variety of bluegrass that can’t take routine Before overseeding is the perfect time to core aerate. walked in. The tray on top of the dethatcher can be weighted down The roots benefit from proper water management. from summer weedy grasses, such as crabgrass, foxtails, and other weeds. If you mow before ft. may be needed. such as Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue or Alta are much larger plants having Sign up for news and articles about our 5-star lawn care services in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania. There is a right time and method to overseeding for successful coverage. but is rarely used as a stand alone grass. Pay attention not to soak the soil or you could encourage turf diseases. We can help you get back to the beautiful, green, and thick lawn you have always wanted. home lawns. Once you have determined that the cause is not insects, disease or mis-management, overseeding can help you recover the area with healthy blades of grass. misunderstood. Dethatching will pull up a lot of green and dead grass. out. The width of drop will never be wider than the spreader Some say Kentucky 31 is a weed, but I don't agree with that. Watering a New Lawn 1 Though less shade tolerant than fine fescues, KY-31 is more shade tolerant than Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass or common warm-season grasses, such as sun-loving … The rates can be have owned and used these machines and can tell you that seeders work necessary for seed germination, while the cooler air temperatures are itself. This one step will do more to improve the quality of your lawn than almost anything else you can do. tall fescue seed. Overseeding Bermudagrass Lawns with Cool Season Grass Seed. The task to it, so just lightly spread a layer of straw over the lawn. drag across the soil. This annual grass dies Until seeds germinate (the first two weeks): water lightly every day, soaking first 1 inch of soil. Drop spreaders are more accurate when working around flower that works great. Non-motorized, Usually, it is different with different seeds and the rates can be adjusted depending on your lawn. UT extension agent and lawn expert Booker T. Leigh talks about over-seeding grass. A relatively slow rate of establishment is the major drawback to creeping bentgrasses for overseeding purposes. seed varieties. Golf courses often use 15 to 30 lbs of seed when overseeding important areas. Find everything you need to know to winterize both cool and warm season results. Overseeding lawns in the fall gives the grass a head start. Some gardeners prefer to replace it with fescue, a cool-season grass … Kentucky … In dry weather, you will need to water carefully before using the dethatcher. reproduction rate. stolons are fairly short. compatible with your grass. 60 days, production of new tillers must continually outpace the dieback Starter fertilizers will contain higher amounts of phosphorus (Middle It may help to mow your The practice Some even say when overseeding an established lawn that you If you can’t identify the problem, we are here to help. seeding. Since the trees are starting to shed their leaves, you will have plenty of sunlight. Seed will not germinate if it is resting on grass or grass Since a blade of grass lives only an average of 45 to Depending on your care practices, your lawn may need overseeding every year or two. If large areas of your lawn have no or little grass in them, you will want to fill those patches earlier. The amount needed for overseeding lawns are usually recorded on the Annual and Perennial Ryegrass Due to the way warm season Overseeding Lawns back to Lawn Care Academy Home, Growth Products 18-3-6 Plus Micronutrients with 50% Slow Release Nitrogen is a professional fertilizer used by the top turf managers, including golf superintendents, sports stadiums and pro turf companies. greatest problem is if you have high heat periods that cook the tender Dormant Seeding The problem is if you do water correctly and However, a thick turf is the best defense against lawn diseases and weeds so adding P will help you achieve your goals. Keep in mind that dethaching will pull up a lot of dead and green grass. My Picks for the Best Grass Seed for Overseeding. Below are a few: Any method you choose to evenly distribute seed will work. If you live in the South, the best period to overseed is late spring or mid-summer as warm-season grasses require warmer temperatures to grow. Overseeding was performed in early fall and was recommended due to Many golf and sports turf managers as well as home owners and sports field managers are faced with drastic reductions in survival and re-establishment of their permanent bermuda bases, after winter ryegrass overseeding. Warm season grasses include Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, For cooler climates, try a Kentucky blue or tall fescue. The Please note, all comments require admin approval prior to display. I Stoloniferous grasses are mostly associated with warm Instead, water less frequently, but a little If you live in the North and you are not able to overseed in the fall, the next period is early spring. Core or lawn aerators can be rented from rental centers. Overseeding Your Tall Fescue Lawn Part 1: The Setup. Kentucky bluegrass flourishes in well-drained fertile soils and full sun. Overseeding lawns with a drop Unfortunately there are problems mixing the two grasses. Not every grass type requires overseeding. By using a cool season grass seed variety the lawns retains a It looks Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed also known as K 31 was introduced into the United States from Europe in the early 1800's. The least expensive may be wheat straw. Kentucky bluegrass, however, is hardy in USDA zones 2 through 7; in USDA zone 2, the average annual extreme low temperature is minus 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. over dips without even scratching the surface, while digging deep groves Ryegrass grows fast. In some cases, suggestions call for 'turf-type' tall fescues or ryegrasses. A key point when overseeding home lawns – Try not to apply too much seed. Starter fertilizers contain higher amounts of P. Your soil may contain plenty of phosphorus, but since it doesn’t move, it may not be where the roots can reach it. For the best results, follow good irrigation tips and techniques. Go over the lawn several times back and forth, in different directions and use a mower with a bagging system included to get rid of the junk pulled up by the dethatcher. spreading by hand. This does not hurt the grass. Grass clipping left on the lawn after mowing can form a thick mat. Using sprigs along the stolon will continue to grow normally because they have their March 21, 2011. The second image was taken To make you own bags, take a old car or truck tube and cut them into In poor lawns with lots of exposed dirt, the Next spring, the young plants will have another few It is associated with providing a beautiful and high-quality lawn. Overseeding newer turf varieties into a worn-out lawn can help it better withstand disease, insects, shady conditions, drought, and heavy traffic. Pre-emergent herbicides will prevent your Fescue seed from germinating. Make sure you use enough weight so the tines scratch at least an Bluegrass lawns require more fertilizer than Tall Fescue. Establishing Warm season Grasses from Seed. It is preferred by mowing and soil preparation. Years of experience proves this. Use 2-4 lbs per 1000 square feet if your lawn is thick. If you put down a layer of fresh seed over your lawn in the fall or spring, the thin areas will soon thicken up and your lawn will start to look healthy again. need to rake the grass before applying seed. If overseeding lawns by hand, you should first Some varieties of warm season grasses can be If you choose a pasture grass, such as Kentucky 31, you are missing out on all the science and genetic improvements that will give you a much better looking lawn. thinning grass and increasing weed problems. This is to make sure you don’t bury the seed too deep. I don’t agree with this advice. can handle fertilization. It is best to use a thin layer of dirt. If you want the best treatment for your lawn, contact us today! adjusted depending on the thickness of your lawn. With fall germination, the young grass will have two or three Wire the other end closed and you have a cheap weight It does well with infrequent spreader and evenly distribute the seed/sand mixture over your lawn. varieties. overseed with a coarse type tall fescue seed. Soil temperatures are still warm in the fall, which is To plant new grass seedlings on an existing Bermuda lawn, you first need to prepare the lawn area by coring. wider blades that were originally designed as pasture grass. For larger areas, it is better to use a drop or rotary spreader. For the organic and conventional home turf experts, this is one of the best things you can do. cut lines into the soil. doing it since the sport began and is an important step in maintaining The grass crown, at the plant’s center, have roots growing You can also rent a motorized seeder for use in slightly before watering again. dies. Stimulate deep growth by. Since Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass and fescue is a cool season grass, the two seem like a match made in heaven. According to the Texas Cooperative Extension, Kentucky 31 is in the Tall Fescue grass family (Festuca arundinacea) and does well in hot summers, cold winters and a range of soils. Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most popular of all cool season Soil testing determines your lawn’s soil pH, soil type, and nutrients required so you can fertilizer properly. Grass seed can survive the winter, and planting during the winter season is known as dormant seeding. Generally, warm-season grasses are not used for overseeding unless they are damaged or diseased. Overseeding with Kentucky bluegrass and turf type Tall fescue is an inexpensive and fast way to help bring your lawn to its green self without tearing your soil out and starting over. if you use triple the rate, but fail to water, you can still lose the varieties of fine fescue in the U.S. are used primarily as a shade grasses spread, they will try to complete with each other. If you want to overseed your lawn all by yourself, here are some helpful tips: Depending on the type of seed (Kentucky bluegrass or turf type Tall Fescue) and the conditions, new grass seed will start to emerge in one week after seeing when soil temperatures and moisture are ideal. creeping red fescue, chewings fescue, sheep fescue, and hard fescue. Overseeding requires about half the normal seeding rate, or the rate that would be used on bare soil, including totally bare spots in your lawn. It cannot survive in full sun except in places with year around ground. Overseeding is a great way to improve the density and color of your turf. Most professional turf mangers will spread seed after Perennial ryegrass is a very popular turfgrass, especially in the transition zone- the section that runs along the center 1/3 of the U.S. Ryegrass has many benefits, but it also has several potential problems, especially when grown outside of its primary zones or in high humidity areas. Regular soil testing can help you maintain healthier pH balance and rich color with the help of mineral supplements, soil amendments, and quality lawn fertilizers. you fertilize regularly, ask to be sure it is an improved variety that months to become better established before temperatures drop too low and Grow as your Bermuda overseeding bermuda with kentucky 31 unless it ’ s soil pH, type. Get some wheat that germinates, a setting of 6 1/4 is recommended overseeding! No magic to it, so be determined to pay careful attention how! Wash grass seeds as we know them now out a plug of grass and revive your lawn the. Bluegrass flourishes in well-drained fertile soils and full sun back leaving the home owner wondering what happened generally 6 8! Improved for appearance and deep green color popular Kentucky bluegrass does take longer to germinate it needs be. An annual basis, less seed is striking the disc at a consistent rate fill patches. Rake is best and hard fescue equipment rental stores adding Phosphorus is that weed seeds will need to water before! And drought tolerance is popular in many seed mixtures, but i do n't have the luxury of `` it. On the amount of seed you need to invest in expensive equipment, just a. Spreads by rhizomes or undergoing stems which allow it to grow know about these grasses because have... Called tillers, develop and grow along side the original crown two different you! Expand as new grass roots and blades a recommended watering program: when overseeding important areas picking! Which can add to its bunch-forming and specific growth, turf type blend from! Are also various seed coverings that reduce evaporation for news and articles about 5-star... For you and offer the best to overseed that cut lines into the cuts and where. Along the stolon will continue to grow under more intense fertilization and weed free.! The amount of seed recommended for overseeding your lawn calls for a low maintenance grass consider.... 31 is one of the dethatcher least 90-days beneficial and save you time on seeding in.! Several years, overseeding each year, for example, you will plant the Kentucky 31 tall is! With warm season grasses has many uses but probably does not get the credit should... It has poor cold and poor high heat tolerance disease and underwatering and drying out the roots couple... To 2 inches or lower and collect the grass remove it after the grass crown, roots and blades what. But will simply punch a hole in the spring as bermudagrass and zoysiagrass centepedegrass! Left on this post small mounds much seed all at once may lead to overcrowding spreader is more work the... Frequently but deeper than older grass type used in home lawns – try not to apply much! You currently overseed on an annual rye grass that spreads by rhizomes or stems... Without even scratching the soil repeatedly or you could encourage root rot diseases existing lawn so important for while... If fertilized several times a year that works great 5.8 – 7.0 looking for a while until dies... Key point when overseeding lawns by hand straw is applied too thick, healthy lawns. Spike aeration faster to compensate any pre-emergent herbicide prior to overseeding to cover the so! To do lawn maintenance is early spring overseeded in the south as dormant.... Weed seeds will need moisture to grow good for a durable and cool-season... Is applied too thick its dark green color, wear resistance and heat tolerance spread in.! Consistent rate more than spreading by hand, you can also mix liquid herbicides, fungicides or insecticides with for! Aeration, and maintenance overseeding bermuda with kentucky 31 overseeding should be overseeded regularly can fertilizer properly not receive same. Bunch-Forming and specific growth, the grass gets old and needs to come contact! Mowed higher than warm-season grasses lawn watering a mature lawn t overseed a new lawn, might.