Master Gardener: How To Keep Your Lawn Free Of Weeds

Q. I enjoy reading your column in the Saturday Orange County Register. I live in Anaheim and have a St. Augustine lawn. I am having difficulty finding a suitable fertilizer and/or weed control product. There are plenty of alternatives, but they all are labeled as not suitable for St. Augustine. I called a well-known company, and they recommended one of their products, but it can't be shipped to California. In the past, I have always used sulfate of ammonium on the lawn but really need a weed and feed product to rid my lawn of the weeds. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated!

Most species of turfgrass can tolerate broad-leaf herbicides (such as 2,4-D) targeted toward the most common lawn weeds. St. Augustine is not one of those grasses.

St. Augustine grass is ideal for mild coastal climates (such as Orange County). It will become dormant or semi-dormant in the winter with a growing season that runs from March through October. Since it is a sensitive princess grass, it tends to shrivel up and die if it's exposed to any kind of weed control.

As you've discovered, the only effective weed control is unavailable in California. 

My best advice is weed prevention. When you mow, set the mower to the highest level (preferably 2 inches, but certainly no lower than 1 inch). De-thatch in the spring and apply 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet over the course of the growing season (not all at once!). Apply an iron supplement such as Ironite since St. Augustine tends to suffer from iron deficiency. Water deeply every 3-6 days. Deep watering will encourage deep roots and discourage weed growth since weeds thrive on frequent, shallow watering. A thick, healthy lawn will out-compete weeds easily. Although it may not eliminate every weed, it will make things more manageable.

Q We planted several fern trees for privacy. Our neighbor has planted a eucalyptus tree on the other side of the fence. Will this cause any problems? 

I am assuming that you planted Australian Tree Ferns. These plants grow well in a partial shade, higher humidity environment. I would not be concerned about the neighbor's eucalyptus casting shade on your tree ferns.

However, eucalyptus trees grow quickly, and their wood is brittle. If the eucalyptus is too close to the shared fence, I would be concerned about their tree pushing against the fence after a few years.

Eucalyptus is native to Australia, so how did it end up in America? Well, the railroad companies traditionally used oak for their railroad ties since it's a heavy, dense wood. Oak takes a long time to grow big enough to harvest for railroad ties, so the railroad companies imported eucalyptus because they grew quickly. Unfortunately, when the train rolled over the eucalyptus ties, the wood simply crumbled under the locomotive's weight. So now we're stuck with all these eucalyptus trees that aren't good for much of anything.

Los Angeles County

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Orange County

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3 Things To Do Right Now To Help Your Lawn Stay Green In July And August

Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes

The past winter produced a phenomenal snowpack and the resulting runoff filled reservoirs and helped everyone feel better about the water situation. Typical summer temperatures can rise rapidly and linger in the high 90s or even triple digits causing a higher demand for water on lawns and landscapes.

Cooler temperatures helped people maintain green lawns longer into the growing season than in typical years. But July and August are normally the hottest months and can create challenges for everyone trying to keep their lawns looking nice.

In most Utah neighborhoods you can drive through and see green, well-cared-for lawns and landscapes with weed-free flower beds and neatly pruned trees and shrubs. Spring brings blossoms and green growth that lasts while the temperatures are cool but can fade quickly and give way to the dry lawns common in summer months.

Many homeowners desire a perfect green lawn and lush landscape, however, achieving this can be challenging because of the dry climate and water issues. Additional concerns are the time and cost to improve the landscape can sometimes be prohibitive. Normal lawn care involves fertilizer, aeration, weed control, mowing, trimming irrigation and all that comes with maintaining a sprinkler system.

As we are at the point of cooler spring-like weather giving way to summer and the warmer temperatures that we will have, lawn maintenance and lawn watering increase dramatically. However, you can help prepare your lawn now for the heat that is certain to come. What you do now can make it easier for you in the next couple of months. Are you ready?

In most of Utah, 90% of lawns are cool-season grasses. These grasses thrive in the cooler seasons and delay growth in the heat. That is why most lawns green up readily in the spring and in the fall and turn yellow or tan as the temperatures increase and things dry out. When it starts to change shades of green it is not dying, it is trying to go dormant for the summer.

Tall Fescue and new varieties of Kentucky Bluegrass are actually quite drought tolerant and can handle periods of less water, but they still might slow down and change from green to yellow to tan when temperatures are hot.

Just like a cool drink of water revives you when you're hot, you can prevent your lawn from entering summer dormancy by irrigating more to keep things cooler and so the plants have adequate water, forcing them to stay a little more active than they naturally would.

Here are three easy, inexpensive things you can do this time of year to get your grass ready for the heat.

Let your lawn stress a bit

The best thing you can do right now for your lawn is let it go as long as possible between irrigation cycles. This helps drive deeper root depth, creating a larger reservoir from which the plants can draw water. Soil is a reservoir for plant roots. When that reservoir is full adding more water won't do anything. It will either drain out of the root zone or run off and be unusable for your plants.

Let your soil dry out a bit before watering. Try watering only when needed, rather than putting it into an automated mode that may be watering 3-4 times per week. If you can water twice per week, you are strengthening the lawn to deal with summer temperatures.

Deeper roots will keep your grass greener once it gets hot. Watering every day encourages shallow roots (why would they go deep if they don't have to) and thatch. Thatch prevents water from permeating into the soil and shallow roots dry up quickly in the heat, causing people to think that they need to water more frequently. The one exception to more frequent watering is in sandy soils, but even then, roots can be trained to grow deeper.

Because it's still cool this is the best time to let your lawn stress because the effects won't be as noticeable as if you were trying to train your grass to grow deep roots in July and August.

Photo: Kathryn Roach/Shutterstock.Com Use the proper mowing height

Mowing the grass short creates plant stress that results in a weaker lawn and shallower roots. If you start to mow your lawn at a 3-inch mow height, your lawn will be healthier and look better when the summer heat comes. If 3 inches is too long for you, mow no shorter than 2 inches.

Another practice to consider is aeration. This is useful to reduce thatch, to open up compacted soils and to allow for better air and water movement. Overwatering and overfertilization can lead to thatch which forms a mat-like layer that can get so thick it repels water. Aerating your lawn once a year with a core aerator is a good habit to start. Do it twice a year if you have heavy soil (like clay) or compaction issues. Those with sandy soils or good irrigation practices can often get away with aerating only every other year.

Fix your irrigation system

Though this seems obvious, most dry spots and stress issues result from mismanaged or poorly designed irrigation systems. These spots are often the result of sunken, tilted, broken, clogged, turned irrigation heads, or sprinkler heads that are spaced too far apart. Fix everything now to avoid poor coverage which leads to dry spots or to overwatering the rest of the yard to try to get enough water on the dry spots.

Do a monthly sprinkler system audit. Turn on each of your zones and see if your dry spots are even getting hit by your sprinklers. Most people want to be water efficient so they water during the night and don't see how the sprinklers are doing. Don't be oblivious, turn on your sprinklers and look at what's happening. Fix and align heads and make sure you set timers to the right run times and frequencies.

By doing these three simple things, letting your lawn stress a bit, mowing at the right height and aerating, and auditing your system on a regular basis, you can have a healthy, green lawn this July and August and still manage water in an efficient way.

There is a lot of information about lawns, how to manage them, and sprinkler systems. Weber Basin Water Conservancy District hosts classes and has recorded classes available if you need help. There are lawn removal programs if you feel like you have an area that you could put something in that is attractive and uses less water than lawn grass.

Visit www.Weberbasin.Gov for classes and information that may help you manage your lawn and be efficient with water while you do it.

Weber Basin Water Conservancy District

More stories you may be interested in

How Much Does It Cost To Reseed A Lawn?

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Highlights

The typical cost range to reseed a lawn is $436 to $1,689, with homeowners across the country paying an average of $1,038.

The main factors that affect the cost to reseed a lawn include the size of the lawn, the type and brand of seed, the cost of labor, and the home's geographic location.

There are several signs that determine it's time to reseed a lawn, such as brown or yellow patches, puddles or pooling water, thinning grass, a thick thatch layer, insect damage, and turf disease.

Reseeding a lawn can be a DIY project for a homeowner with the right equipment. However, because it can be a labor-intensive job, many people choose to hire a professional to reseed their lawn.

Need to reseed the lawn?

Talk to a lawn and garden pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from lawn care services near you.

+

Many homeowners dream of a plush, vibrant lawn surrounding their home. Unfortunately, lawns can suffer from disease, pooling water, insect damage, and unattractive brown or yellow patches. To tackle these common problems, it may be time for a homeowner to consider revamping the lawn. While other methods result in faster growth, some people prefer to avoid the higher cost of hydroseeding or installing sod in favor of reseeding, which is generally a less expensive option.

Reseeding, also called overseeding, is the process of spreading fresh grass seed over the existing lawn either to encourage thicker grass growth or to repair sections that need some attention. Reseeding jump-starts new grass growth and thickens the lawn.

How much does a new lawn cost using the reseeding method? According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, reseeding a lawn costs between $436 and $1,689, with a national average of $1,038. This guide will help homeowners discover the best time to reseed a lawn, the factors that impact the cost of a reseeding project, other budget considerations, and the best type of seed for their location. It will also help homeowners figure out how much seed is needed for a new lawn.

Factors in Calculating the Cost to Reseed a Lawn

Before embarking on a reseeding project to tackle a patchy or brown heat-stressed lawn, homeowners will want to note the factors that can lower or raise the cost. Some considerations that can influence lawn replacement cost include the size of the yard, the type and brand of seed used, the cost of labor, and the geographic location of the home.

Lawn Size

The number one factor influencing the price of reseeding is the size of the lawn. Of course, the larger the lawn, the higher the price. Before making a decision about whether or not to reseed, homeowners will want to get an accurate measurement of the lawn to determine what it will cost to do the job. Lawns can be measured in square feet or acres. First, homeowners will want to determine how much grass seed is needed per acre or square foot. The average cost to reseed a lawn ranges from $0.10 to $0.20 per square foot. Below are the average costs to reseed a lawn based on size.

Lawn Size Average Cost (Labor and Materials Included) 1,000 square feet $100 to $200 2,000 square feet $200 to $400 3,000 square feet $300 to $600 4,000 square feet $400 to $800 5,000 square feet $500 to $1,000 ⅛ acre $545 to $1,100 ⅙ acre $625 to $1,250 ¼ acre $875 to $1,600 ⅓ acre $1,200 to $2,100 ½ acre $1,750 to $3,200 1 acre $3,000 to $5,880 2 acres $6,000 to $11,760 5 acres $15,000 to $17,640 Seed Type

The type of seed used also has a major impact on lawn renovation cost. Each type of grass seed has a different price tag, ranging from $3 per pound for fescue grass seed to $10 per pound for Bahia grass seed, and others in between. Clover, fescue, and Bermuda grass are some of the most cost-effective options, while Bahia seed is toward the high end of the cost range.

Seed Brand

It is no surprise that grass seed prices also depend on the brand. The brand a homeowner chooses can easily change the overall cost of a reseeding project. Seed is sold in bags of 10 to 50 pounds. To get a sense of cost, homeowners can review the general prices per pound based on brand. Of course, these prices can vary depending on the location where the seed is sold, time of year, and special sales. The table below shows the average cost per pound for popular grass seed brands.

Labor

Hiring a professional can ensure that the lawn is seeded and cared for properly. Common tasks include cutting and removing old grass, raking the soil, spreading the seed, mowing the existing grass, fertilizing and watering the lawn, and more as needed. Labor rates will affect the final price of a reseeding project. Landscapers typically charge between $35 and $80 per hour to reseed a lawn, not including the cost of supplies and materials. This comes out to about $250 and $350 to reseed the entire lawn. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that labor can be more expensive if large dead sections of grass need to be removed but cheaper if only a small area needs to be reseeded.

Need a hand?

Some jobs are better left to the pros. Receive free, no-commitment estimate from licensed lawn service professionals near you.

+ Geographic Location

Not only does location matter in real estate, but it also affects grass seeding costs. The cost to purchase seed and to hire a professional to reseed a lawn varies widely depending on where someone lives in the country. For those living in a rural community, the cost of lawn-care services is usually lower than in urban areas. Local taxes and business fees can also influence the cost of lawn services. Climate plays a major role as well, since certain grasses thrive in specific weather conditions. For example, Bahia grass does best in the South but does not do well in the Northeast because it does not handle freezing conditions well. Overall, grasses that thrive in warm areas tend to be more expensive and require more maintenance. Homeowners will want to research the best type of grass for their region and to consult with a local landscaper for recommendations.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Reseeding a lawn successfully involves much more than purchasing the grass seed itself. Lawn installation costs and other considerations include steps like mowing, weeding, landscaping, testing the soil, and aerating. There are also opportunities to save money with lawn-care plans and reseeding over installing sod.

Seed vs. Sod

Before deciding whether overseeding a lawn is the right move, homeowners may want to consider the cost of seed versus sod. While laying sod is a faster way to create a full and lush lawn, it comes with a hefty price tag. Sod installation usually ranges from about $450 to $4,520, and results are immediate. On the other hand, it takes weeks or even months for a new lawn to grow from seed, and the entire process depends on critical factors like weather, water, and sunshine. For those who do not want to wait and deal with all the maintenance from seeding, sod installation could be the better option if the budget is available. Homeowners may want to keep this comparison in mind: For a 5,000-square-foot yard, seeding will cost between $550 and $1,500, whereas installing sod will run between $5,800 and $7,200.

Lawn-Care Plans

In order to save money, homeowners may want to look for vendors who include reseeding in the overall lawn-care cost for an annual plan. Many landscapers will provide packages or plans that include a regular schedule of lawn-maintenance services like fertilization, aeration, weed control, and mowing. Some might also offer a discount of about 20 percent off reseeding if it is part of the routine lawn-care maintenance plan. Homeowners will want to check with multiple companies to find the best rate available.

Aeration

Pairing overseeding with aeration is the best way for homeowners to ensure a healthy, flourishing lawn to show off to neighbors and guests. Aeration removes small cores (or "plugs") of soil throughout the yard and displaces them on the surface. This allows more water, oxygen, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the soil so grass roots can spread out, grow stronger, and develop into a healthier lawn. This process also loosens the soil, which creates favorable conditions for the seed to germinate. Best left to the professionals, lawn aeration costs between $100 and $350, with an average of $140, for a 10,000-square-foot lawn.

Fertilization

A lawn cannot thrive without proper fertilization. After reseeding is complete, it is a good idea for the homeowner to fertilize the lawn with the correct fertilizer for the type of grass seed chosen. The cost to fertilize a lawn is about $225 on average, typically ranging from $80 to $400. The larger the lawn, the higher the price. Healthy lawns can get away with being fertilized once a year, but lawns with poor soil conditions or shallow roots may need lawn seed fertilizer much more frequently—as often as every 6 weeks. Homeowners will want to consult a landscaper for recommendations regarding the type and frequency of fertilization.

Soil Testing

Testing the soil identifies the type of soil in the yard and the best kind of grass seed and fertilizer for that location. Homeowners can cut down on costs by using a soil test kit, which runs about $10 to $40 and measures soil pH and nutrient levels. For a more thorough analysis, soil testing by a professional can be completed for a fee of $700 to $2,100, with an average cost of $1,350.

Yard Cleanup

There may also be some fees related to cleaning up the yard before reseeding can begin. It is recommended that homeowners remove any leaves, dead grass, or other debris that might prevent seeds from germinating. Professional leaf removal runs between $200 and $560, depending on the size of the yard. Another option is for a homeowner to bundle leaf removal with other cleanup services, such as garden-bed cleanup and mulching. Those services cost about $60 to $150 each.

Need to reseed the lawn?

Talk to a lawn and garden pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from lawn care services near you.

+ Weeding

If weeds appear in the lawn, it is important for homeowners to address them right away, since they can compete with grass for light, water, and nutrients. This is especially necessary before or soon after seeding begins. Weed control typically costs anywhere from $65 to $325 per treatment.

Mowing

Once the newly seeded lawn starts to grow, it will need to be mowed about every 1 to 2 weeks to keep it trimmed and healthy. While homeowners can mow their own lawn, some may choose to hire a lawn service. The average lawn-mowing cost ranges from $48 to $206 per visit, with $124 as the national average. The factors that affect the price of mowing include size and shape of the lawn, condition of the lawn, accessibility to the yard, length and type of grass, and mowing frequency.

Landscaping

Homeowners will want to keep in mind that there may also be some costs involved in landscaping preparation before seeding can take place. This may include trimming or removing trees or shrubs, removing old or dead grass, resloping or regrading the lawn, and preparing the soil. These services can vary in price, ranging from under $100 to a few thousand dollars each, depending on the extent of the preparation required. For example, removing trees ranges from $400 to $1,100 per tree, while resloping or grading a yard can cost between $1,500 and $2,600.

Cost to Reseed a Lawn by Type of Seed

Reseeding a lawn involves spreading professional grass seed over existing grass to fill out thin areas and to keep the grass healthy and vibrant. Choosing the best type of grass seed for a specific lawn depends on the local climate, sun and rain exposure, and other environmental factors. With so many different types of grass seed available at varying price points ranging from $1 to $50 per pound, it is important for homeowners to evaluate the best option for the property, since seed type will greatly impact the project budget. Centipede, St. Augustine, and Bahia seeds, for example, are at the higher end of the price range, while fescue and clover are the least expensive.

Bahia

At an average price of $9 to $11 per pound, Bahia grass seed is a warm-season grass that grows best in hot, dry conditions. It thrives in full sun and is a drought-tolerant grass. It is popular in the southern United States but is not suitable for colder climates, since it cannot survive freezing temperatures.

Bermuda

Bermuda grass seed costs $5 to $7 per pound. It grows best in warm climates like the southern United States, where it can get a lot of sun and good drainage. It grows quickly and is resistant to heat, drought, disease, salt, and traffic. However, it does require a fair amount of maintenance and will need to be mowed and fertilized frequently to keep it in peak condition.

Buffalo

Buffalo grass seed costs $1 to $7 per pound. As the only native grass that can serve as lawn grass, Buffalo is tough and requires little maintenance. This warm-season seed tolerates extreme heat and droughts and does best in the southern United States. It will need to be planted in the late spring or early summer.

Centipede

As a warm-season grass that is popular in the southeastern United States, centipede grass seed costs approximately $8 to $16 per pound. It is resistant to disease, heat, and drought and does well in shady areas. This species also has a lot of nutrients and is low maintenance when it comes to care.

Need a hand?

Some jobs are better left to the pros. Receive free, no-commitment estimate from licensed lawn service professionals near you.

+ Clover

Although clover is not technically a grass, it is an affordable alternative that does not require much maintenance. The average cost of clover seed is only $4 to $5 per pound. Clover grows best in temperate climates, including shady areas. A bonus is that it easily attracts pollinators. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that some homeowners associations consider clover to be a weed and may not allow it to be planted.

Fescue

Available in both fine and tall varieties, fescue grass seed is one of the most affordable options at $3 to $4 per pound. This deep-green grass thrives in cool, temperate climates and in shady conditions. Known for its durability and resilience, fescue is considered a cool-season grass, since it can survive freezing temperatures. It is also resistant to heat, drought, and disease. However, it does not work well in high-traffic areas and is unable to repair itself easily when damaged.

Kentucky Bluegrass

With an average price tag of $6 per pound and as much as $20 or more per pound in some locations, Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most popular grass options throughout the country. It is a cool-season grass, which means it grows best in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is often chosen by homeowners who get a lot of foot traffic in their yard because of children and/or pets. The drawbacks are that it has shallow roots, which keep it from being resistant to heat and drought, and it will go dormant in the summer if not watered consistently.

Ryegrass

Ryegrass is a cool-season grass priced at $3 to $14 per pound. It grows best in cooler temperatures and will not thrive in hot, dry locations. It germinates quickly and can be used for permanent or temporary lawns. Ryegrass is often planted in combination with other grasses to create a strong, dense turf.

St. Augustine

St. Augustine grass seed costs between $3 and $18 per pound. Incredibly resistant to heat and humidity, this type of grass seed is a wonderful choice for coastal locations. However, it will not do well in areas that experience heavy foot traffic.

Timothy

With a price tag of around $4 to $8 per pound, Timothy grass seed is a warm-season grass used mostly for animals to graze on. In addition, the long, narrow seed heads can be harvested for hay. Unfortunately, Timothy grass seed does not grow well in excessive heat or droughtlike conditions.

Zoysia

Zoysia grass seed costs in the range of $4 to $13 per pound. This warm-season grass tolerates heat, drought, and light shade well and does not need much water or maintenance. It can also handle heavy foot traffic.

Do I Need to Reseed My Lawn?

Over time, worn-out lawns can end up with disease, insects, and other problems that damage the grass and ruin the beauty of the landscape. Reseeding a lawn can remedy any damage and ensure that the grass continues to flourish all year long. Knowing the best time to reseed a lawn depends a lot on whether or not the following indicators appear. If the lawn is showing any of these warning signs, it is time for a homeowner to reseed the lawn as soon as possible.

Need to reseed the lawn?

Talk to a lawn and garden pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from lawn care services near you.

+ Brown or Yellow Patches

Brown or yellow patches on the lawn are an indication that it is time to aerate and reseed lawn patches. The changes in color are a result of soil compaction, which can make the whole yard look unattractive and untended.

Puddles or Pooling Water

If puddles or pooling water appears on the grass, it may mean that the soil is compacted. Therefore, the soil is not loose enough for air and water to flow through it, which results in the soil not being able to keep nutrients from reaching the roots. This can also attract mosquitoes and other insects to the area. Once this extra water is discovered, it is necessary to reseed the lawn to address the issue.

Thinning Grass

If there is slow growth and there are also signs of barren patches on the lawn, the thinning grass could be a result of soil compaction, which means the grass roots are unable to absorb adequate water and nutrients. The grass will begin to die, but seed will help breathe new life into the turf.

Thick Thatch Layer

Thatch is a thick layer of debris, such as grass stems and roots, that forms when dead and living organic matter accumulates between the root system and the top of the grass. When thatch becomes thicker than half an inch, it can attract pests and disease, which ultimately limits lawn growth.

Insect Damage

Insect damage can also be a clue that it is time to reseed the lawn. White grubs, which feed on grass root systems, lead to large dead patches of lawn up to 20 feet in diameter. Chinch bugs are known to suck moisture out of grass, leaving yellow or brown patches scattered across the lawn. Sod webworms are moths that lay eggs on the lawn and leave ragged brown spots that look like they are cut out. Finally, billbugs lay eggs in the stems of cool-season grasses. The larvae feed on the grass and cause yellow patches to appear.

Turf Diseases

Homeowners will want to look for different types of turf diseases as well. Necrotic ring spot looks like circular or doughnut-shaped rings that can easily spread and take over the lawn. Dry spot appears as patches of brown or dying grass 2 to 4 inches in diameter and spreads in a circular fashion. Homeowners will also want to keep an eye out for circular dead or brown spots a few inches to several feet in diameter due to brown patch. When wet, the grass blades look like cobwebs. Finally, summer patch manifests as scattered light-green patches about 2 to 6 inches long. They fade to tan and then to a light straw color over time. This disease often shows up along driveways and walkways.

Reseeding a Lawn: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional 

Although reseeding a lawn is certainly feasible as a DIY project (especially for those who have landscaping experience and know how to overseed a lawn), results may not work out as hoped. Sure, homeowners can save between $250 and $350 in labor by taking on the project themselves and up to $700 if they are also handling prep work and all the details like the first watering. However, the costs can add up with regard to purchasing materials and renting equipment. A DIY reseeding project costs about $190 to $1,030, including $150 to $950 for a 50-pound bag of seed and $40 to $80 for a push aerator rental at $20 per hour. Some people even end up spending over $1,000 on optional equipment, such as a lawn mower, to achieve the best results possible.

A big issue for DIYers is that they tend not to use professional equipment or top-quality seed like a lawn-care professional would. Grass seed bought in big-box and hardware stores is cheaper and typically not what the pros use. Also, that grass seed often contains a lot of filler, which can be anything from paper to weed seeds, which can be harmful to the lawn. Overall, a lesser-quality seed leads to less than desirable results.

Also, the method by which seeding is done affects the results. Most people just throw the grass seed down without including aeration as a part of the process. This can leave bare spots from the sporadic seed coverage, resulting in a lawn that looks unfinished and not cared for properly.

Hiring one of the best lawn-care services to get the job done right the first time will help homeowners save time, money, and frustration in the long run. It also ensures that the best-quality seed is used for the property so that the lawn flourishes. Professional lawn-care companies know exactly how to plant grass seed and what type of seed is best for the lawn in a certain location for optimal growth. Plus, they will have the right equipment to get the job done effectively.

How to Save Money on the Cost to Reseed a Lawn

With so many factors influencing the cost to reseed a lawn, homeowners will benefit from these tips on keeping their new lawn costs on the lower end so they can save money and stay within their budget.

Take on some of the work. There are several options to do some of the work yourself to save money, such as testing the soil, cleaning up the yard, weeding, and mowing.

Go with the cheapest seed possible. With so many types of grass seed available, choose a type and brand that is less expensive yet still right for your geographic location.

Work in stages. Reseed the lawn in stages, starting with the areas that need it most. Consider doing the rest at a later time to spread out the costs.

Shop around. Find the least expensive lawn service by requesting quotes from several landscaping companies.

Choose a package plan. In order to save money, look for vendors who include reseeding in a larger lawn-care plan. Many landscapers will provide packages or plans that include a regular schedule of lawn-maintenance services, such as fertilization, aeration, weed control, and mowing. Some might also offer a discount of about 20 percent off reseeding if it is part of the routine lawn-care maintenance plan.

Act quickly. Once a concern with the lawn is identified, do not delay in getting started with reseeding. If you reseed right away, it is likely that less work will need to be done. Therefore, the total cost will stay lower than if you wait until the problem gets worse over time.

Consider DIY. If you're an experienced gardener, you may be able to complete the bulk of this project yourself using one of the best DIY lawn-care programs.

Questions to Ask About Reseeding a Lawn

Having all the information about a project up front will help homeowners avoid any confusion or incorrect information when wondering "How much does it cost to reseed a lawn?" from start to finish. To be sure they get all their questions answered up front, they can refer to the following sample questions when speaking with local landscapers who offer reseeding services.

What is your company's experience with reseeding lawns?

What kind of equipment do you use?

Who will be performing the service? Will it be subcontracted out?

How long will the lawn seeding service take?

Do you offer plans and packages at discounted rates?

How much of my lawn should I seed?

Do I need to kill my lawn or fill it in?

What is the cost to kill and reseed a lawn?

What is the quality and brand of the seed you use?

Do you provide starter fertilizer?

What kind of aeration are you offering?

How should I care for my seed after it is applied?

How often will I need to water my new lawn?

How will this process affect my pets?

What are the benefits of hiring you over doing this project myself?

FAQs

For those homeowners who are evaluating the cost and other factors that go into reseeding a lawn, the following questions and answers can be very helpful in explaining how the process works and how they can ensure that their lawn flourishes.

Q. Should I fertilize before or after overseeding?

Fertilizing after overseeding is advised. To do so, first spread the seed evenly around the lawn. Then apply the lawn fertilizer. Finally, lightly water the lawn immediately after overseeding.

Q. When can I mow after overseeding?

It is best to wait 2 to 4 weeks to mow the lawn after overseeding is complete. This gives the seeds time to acclimate, set roots, and grow. The exact time will vary depending on the location and the type of grass planted.

Q. How long after seeding can I fertilize?

Wait about 4 to 6 weeks after seeding to fertilize the lawn in order to allow enough time for the seed to germinate.

Q. Will grass seed grow if it's thrown down?

Just throwing down grass seed on the ground is not the best way to reseed a lawn. For the lawn to grow and thrive, the soil needs to be prepared, the lawn needs to be fertilized, and the area needs to be watered properly.

Q. Is seed better than sod?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Choosing seed versus sod is a personal preference. While some people prefer to plant grass seed because it is less expensive and they have more control over the type of grass, others prefer sod because it grows more quickly.

Q. How much grass seed do I need to seed my lawn?

It is recommended to seed a new lawn at a rate of 4 to 7 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet, which is equivalent to 175 to 250 pounds per acre.

Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor, Fixr, HomeGuide, LawnStarter, LawnLove, This Old House, Forbes, Caramanico & Sons, Greenview, Albert Lea Seed

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