Fall is here, and Patrick Vogt and our team of lawn and landscape professionals at By The Blade are ready to assist with your yard. We know that many of you are not gurus when it comes to lawncare. In fact, you may be looking forward to some cooler weather and a few months where you don’t have to mow your yard!

However, the fall is the ideal time to focus on overseeding your yard to make sure it looks lush and full next spring. As one of the best landscape design companies in Leawood, we thought we’d share some tips on overseeding to ensure you get the results you want.

Choose the Right Seed

It is critical to know what type of grass is currently in your yard and what type of grass you want to grow. Living in the Midwest, Patrick Vogt and his team of pros at By The Blade know that cool-season grasses seem to have the best overall results when it comes to fall overseeding. Bluegrass and Fescue are among two of the most popular choices. If you aren’t sure which seed to choose, talk to an expert at Leawood’s best landscaping company.

Mow the Grass Shorter Than Usual

When you are ready to start the overseeding process, begin by mowing the yard 1 or 2 notches below the typical height. Make sure you don’t go too low; scalping the lawn can cause significant damage that is hard to fix. With a fescue or bluegrass lawn, the ideal height is about 2 ½ to 3 inches tall. Then remove all grass clippings or anything preventing the seed from making contact with the soil.

Rough Up Those Bare Spots, Then Cover Them

If you have bare spots or areas with dead or discolored grass, it is important to go over these surfaces with either a metal rake or garden weasel. This will loosen up the soil and allow the seed to make better contact. After scratching or roughing up the surface and applying the seed, make sure it is covered with a light mulch or grass seed cover. This keeps moisture near the seed and prevents the seed from blowing away.

Water the New Grass

In order to germinate, the seed needs a regular water supply. By The Blade recommends that you continue to water the area lightly to ensure the soil does not overheat or become too hard. The weather will strongly dictate how often you should water the grass. If rain is in the forecast, you may not need to water at all. If you’re experiencing warm, dry temperatures, you may need to start watering regularly.

Mowing Tips

Continue to mow the grass as normal and make sure you do not go below 3 to 4 inches. Also, if you have a riding mower (especially a zero turn), do not make sharp turns. This can damage the grass and the soil. Continue to mow your yard as needed until the grass is dormant, which is typically in early to mid-November.

By The Blade,

Leawood’s Best Lawn and Landscape Company

If you need assistance with your yard this fall, By The Blade is ready to assist. Our team of professionals has been providing premium lawn care in the Kansas City area for over 25 years. We also specialize in building custom pools as well.

For more information, give us a call at 816-400-4144 or contact us online today!