03/09/2026
Greensman Inc spring seeding guidelines
Spring Lawn Seeding – Things to Consider
If you are planning to seed your lawn this spring, there are several important things to consider before getting started.
Existing Turf Density
The first thing to evaluate is how thin the current grass is in the areas you want to seed. Thinner lawns usually respond better to overseeding because new seed has a better chance of reaching the soil and establishing.
A good rule of thumb is to look at the size of the bare areas. If the patches are larger than a softball, it is usually worth doing some type of seeding. If the areas are smaller than that, applying a slow-release fertilizer and mowing frequently will often allow the surrounding grass to fill in naturally.
Sunlight Conditions
Determine whether the area is mostly sunny or shaded, because different grass varieties perform better in different light conditions.
Spring is often the best time to seed shady areas because this is when they receive the most sunlight before the leaves fully develop on the trees. If the area is shaded because it is behind a house or structure, other issues may be affecting growth.
If the area is in full sun, the main concern is whether you have had crabgrass problems in the past. While full-sun areas can be seeded in spring, they often perform better when seeded in the fall.
If there are large brown or bare areas and crabgrass has been an issue, a better approach may be to apply crabgrass control first, then spread a thin layer of topsoil in the bare spots and seed into that topsoil. This allows the crabgrass control to stop last year’s seeds while the new grass seed can germinate in the topsoil layer.
Soil Drainage
It is also important to understand whether the soil stays wet or drains well. If the area remains wet most of the time, it may be necessary to correct the drainage problem before seeding. Well-drained soil generally grows grass without much trouble, but poor drainage can affect seed germination and overall lawn health.
Soil pH and Nutrients
Soil conditions, such as pH levels and nutrient deficiencies, can greatly affect how well new grass grows. A simple soil test can help determine exactly what the soil needs, so you are not guessing.
Good lawns start with good soil—it really is that simple.
Surface Conditions
Take a look at what is currently covering the soil. Is there a thick layer of moss, heavy thatch, or bare soil? These conditions may require preparation before seeding, such as dethatching, aeration, or moss control. This step is often overlooked but can make a big difference in the success of the new seed.
Seeding Directly Under Trees
Areas directly under trees are often some of the most difficult places to successfully grow grass. Even if grass seed establishes in the spring, these areas frequently thin out again after a few months.
This usually happens because grass in these spots is competing with tree roots for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Once the tree fully leafs out and shade increases, the grass often struggles to survive.
If you have tried seeding these areas in the past and had short-term success but the lawn quickly becomes thin again, it may be worth considering alternative landscape options. In many cases, solutions such as a mulch bed, a decorative stone area, or a shade-landscape planting can be more practical and require less maintenance.
There are several attractive alternatives that can work well in these difficult areas while still improving the overall look of the landscape.
Choosing the Right Seed
When overseeding, it is usually best to use a seed type that matches the existing lawn.
For example, turf-type tall fescue performs very well in sunny or difficult locations. However, if your lawn is primarily a bluegrass and perennial rye mix, using turf-type tall fescue can make the lawn look uneven because the grass types have different textures and colors.
