Overseeding is the process of planting new grass seed into an existing lawn. Overseeding can help to improve the overall health of your lawn, as well as make it thicker and lusher. Bermuda grass is a popular type of turf to overseed as it is relatively easy to care for and maintain.
In this article, I will go more into detail about what the process is, Why it can be beneficial to your type of warm-season grass, and the proper steps to overseed your bermuda lawn for success.
I’ll also provide a few beneficial nuggets about overseeding as well as some tips for success, and to close it out I answer some frequently asked questions about overseeding.
What is overseeding?
Overseeding is the process of planting new grass seed over existing turf. It is a common practice used to improve the density of bermuda grass lawns. It can also be used to repair damaged areas of turf or to introduce new grass varieties into an existing lawn.
The key to successful seed establishment is to select a turf variety that is compatible with the existing turf. Overseeding your warm season grass is best done in the fall when bermuda grass is actively growing.
The new seedlings will have a better chance of taking root if they are planted during a period of active growth. With proper care and watering, the new grass seedlings will quickly establish themselves and fill in any bare spots.
Why should you overseed your bermuda lawn?
There are several reasons why you might want to overseed your bermuda lawn. Overseed to help:
- Improve the overall density of your turf
- Repair damaged areas of turf
- Improve the color of your turf
- Fill in bare spots
- Introduce new varieties of grass into your lawn
Overseeding is a great way to improve the overall health of your bermuda grass lawn. A thicker, denser turf will be better able to withstand drought and heat stress.
This can also help to repair any damage that has been done to your turf by pests, diseases, or harsh weather conditions.
In addition, overseeding can help to improve the color of your turf. Bermuda is a warm-season grass that tends to go dormant in the winter months. Hence why it’s widely suggested to seed with a cool-season turf variety that can help to keep your lawn green all year long.
Finally, this is a great way to introduce new varieties of turf into your lawn. If you are not happy with the performance of your current turf, overseeding with a different variety may be just what you need.
When is the best time of year to overseed?
Many factors need to be considered when deciding the best time of year to overseed bermuda grass. In an article by The Clemson Extension Home & Garden Information Center (HGIC), on ‘Overseeding With Ryegras‘,Ā bermuda grass should be overseeded in the fall, before the first killing frost. This gives the new turf a chance to establish itself before the hot summer months. However, in areas with mild winters, bermuda grass can be overseeded in late winter or early spring.
The key is to make sure that the ground is not too wet or too cold, as this can prevent seed germination. Seedin bermuda grass in early spring also provides an opportunity to control weeds, since they are easier to kill when they are young and actively growing.
Ultimately, the best time of year for overseeding bermuda will vary depending on your location and climate.
What type of grass seed should you use?
The type of grass seed you use will depend on your specific goals for overseeding. If you are simply trying to improve the density of your turf, then any compatible bermuda grass variety will do.
Some popular varieties of bermuda grass for you to overseed with include:
Yukon
Yukon grass seed is often used to overseed bermuda grass because of its drought tolerance and ability to establish quickly. Bermuda grass is a low-maintenance turfgrass that is popular in warm climates, but it does require some care to keep it looking its best.
Using Yukon grass helps to improve the density of the bermuda grass, making it less likely to be damaged by wear and tear. In addition, Yukon grass is a good choice for areas that receive full sun, as it is more tolerant of heat and sun than bermuda grass. The quick establishment of Yukon grass also helps to prevent weeds from taking over the lawn.
If you are trying to improve the color of your turf, then you will want to select a grass variety that is different from your existing turf. Selecting a grass variety with a contrasting color will give your lawn an instant make-over. Some popular varieties of seed to overseed bermuda grass with include:
Ryegrass Seed
Overseeding bermuda with annual and perennial ryegrass is a great way to add color and interest to your lawn. Perennial ryegrass is a cool-season grass that grows well in areas with mild winters. The blades of rye grass are thin and have a blue-green color, which provides a nice contrast to the thick, green blades of bluegrass. Perennial ryegrass seed, as well as annual ryegrass seeds are a popular choice because it germinates quickly and establishes easily. In addition, perennial ryegrass, and annual ryegrass is relatively drought-tolerant winter grasses and can withstand heavy traffic, making it ideal for areas that are used frequently.
Tall Fescue
Tall fescue is another cool-season grass that can be used for overseeding. This turf has a deep green color that contrasts well with the light green blades of bermuda grass. Tall fescue is known for its ability to withstand heavy traffic and extreme temperatures, making it a good cool season grass choice for areas that are subject to heavy foot traffic.
Bluegrass
Bluegrass is a common type of turf that is used for overseeding. This turf has a deep blue-green color that provides a dramatic contrast to the light green blades of bermuda grass. Bluegrass is famous for its dense, carpet-like coverage, making it a good choice for lawns.
In addition, bluegrass is a heat- and drought-tolerant grass, making it a good choice in warm climates.
Finally, if you are trying to introduce new varieties of turf into your lawn, then you will want to select a grass that is compatible with your existing turf.
How do you overseed your bermuda grass lawn?
So far we’ve identified what overseeding is, the benefits it offers your lawn, some popular types of turf that are typically used to overseed with, and when to do it.
The process is simple and only requires a few steps. First, the lawn should be mowed short and any dead turf or debris should be removed.
Next, the seed should be applied evenly over the lawn. It is important to use the right amount of seed so that it will not be too thick or too sparse.
There are a number of different methods that can be used to apply the seed, and the most appropriate method will depend on the condition of your existing bermuda turf.
One common method is to simply broadcast the new seed over the entire yard, using a fertilizer spreader/lawn seeder. This method is best suited to yards that have large areas of bare dirt or patches of thin grass.
Another common method is known as slit seeding, which involves making shallow grooves in the soil with a garden hoe and then filling them with new seeds.
A simple method used when there is only a small area or when trying to avoid overlap, is by hand. To overseed by hand, simply scatter the seeds by hand over the desired area.Ā Once the seed has been applied, it should be lightly raked into the soil.
Finally, the turf should be watered regularly until the new grass has established itself. With a little effort, your bermuda grass will be looking its best in no time!
Tips for success
The process is pretty straightforward and should be achievable by any skill level. Now that we know how to overseed bermuda grass, here are a few things that will help you along the way.
Stop all fertilizing and pest control
It’s important that you cease all your applications of herbicides as well as fungicides a few months prior to overseeding. Continuing to do such interferes with the germination process and eventually kills your seeds efforts before they really even get started.
Proper Soil Temperature
Making sure that your soil temperature is in the appropriate range is also a big factor in seedling establishment. Soil temperatures should fall below 70 degrees to be safe for seeding.
Since this process is typically done in early fall in most areas north of the mason dixon should be simple. However, locations that see warm temperatures in the fall will need to wait longer in the season until the soil temps comply.
Hold off on mowing
As I’m sure you probably know by now, bermuda turf grows pretty fast, which results in frequent mowing and dealing with grass clippings, which is whole other topic for disscussion. However, for proper turf establishment of your seed, it is important that you hold off on mowing until the new bermuda seeds have reached a height of no less than 2-2.5 inches.
Conclusion
So, there you go! Everything you need to know about overseeding your bermuda grass turf. Or at least the hope is that I’ve equipped you with enough information to be dangerous in your yard. Following these simple steps and tips for success, youāll be on your way to a lush, green lawn that will make all your neighbors jealous. If you’ve read this article and have already done this process, how did your project go? Did you experience any problems or challenges? Let us know in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a pre-emergent herbicide after overseeding?
A: No, you should not. The chemicals in pre-emergent herbicides will prevent seeds from germinating. You should wait until the newly planted seeds have establish a growth pattern, and has been mowed 3-4 times before applying any type of herbicide to your lawn.
Q: Do I need to aerate my lawn before overseeding?
A: In most cases, no. Overseeding should be done on a yearly basis, and aeration is typically only necessary every 2-3 years.Ā Aerating your bermuda lawnĀ before may help the new seeds to establish themselves more quickly, but it is not required.
Q: When is the best time to overseed my lawn?
A: The best time to overseed your lawn is in the fall, when the weather is cool and wet. However, you can also overseed in the spring, as long as the soil temperature is below 70 degrees.
Q: How often should I water my lawn after overseeding?
A: You should water your lawn regularly, keeping the soil moist but not saturated, until the new grass has established itself. Once the new grass is around 2 inches tall, you can reduce watering to once a week.
