Is your lawn looking thin, patchy, or worn out? Seeding can help restore thicker, healthier grass, but how you prepare the soil and apply the seed can make all the difference.
In this episode of Healthy Lawns with Dr. Jim, SeaScape Lawn Care founder Dr. Jim Wilkinson explains why proper seed-to-soil contact is essential and shares his preferred approach to renovating an existing lawn.
The Secret to Successful Lawn Seeding
According to Dr. Jim, one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when seeding an existing lawn is leaving grass seed sitting on top of the soil.
For successful germination, the soil needs to be loosened, and the seed should be lightly incorporated into it. Simply spreading seed over the surface can significantly reduce the chances of success.
How to Seed Small Bare Spots
For small areas that need attention, Dr. Jim recommends a straightforward approach:
- Use a heavy metal garden rake to loosen the top half-inch of soil.
- Spread grass seed evenly across the prepared area.
- Rake the seed into the loosened soil rather than leaving it exposed on the surface.
This helps create the seed-to-soil contact needed for germination.
Why Slice Seeding Isn’t Always the Best Option
For larger lawn renovations, mechanical slice seeders are one option. These machines cut narrow grooves into the soil and deposit grass seed.
However, Dr. Jim points out two potential drawbacks.
First, slice seeders can be mechanically difficult to keep operating correctly, making it possible to miss areas without realizing it.
Second, even when the equipment works properly, new grass typically emerges in distinct rows spaced approximately 1.5 to 3 inches apart. Those rows can take several months to fill in completely.
Why SeaScape Uses Core Aeration for Seeding
At SeaScape Lawn Care, Dr. Jim prefers a different method: multiple passes with a core aerator.
While routine core aeration typically involves a single pass, SeaScape’s seeding process may involve as many as four passes.
The process generally includes three passes with a core aerator, followed by seed application and a fourth aeration pass.
The additional aeration brings loosened soil to the surface, helping incorporate the grass seed and encouraging more uniform germination rather than the distinct rows associated with slice seeding.
Give Your Lawn the Best Start
Whether you’re repairing a few bare spots or improving a larger section of your lawn, successful seeding begins with proper soil preparation.
