Overseeding (repairing lawn patches)

After a thorough raking, areas of the lawn can start to have bare patches, where the grass is undernourished or where it’s been worn out through heavy wear. The gaps need to be reseeded or returfed to prevent moss and weeds colonising the soil.

Although it may seem sensible to just turf the area, the problem may reoccur. So the best method is often to overseed, which is generally the best and quickest solution.

Professional groundsman use this technique to restore worn areas on sports pitches, turning them back into lush green carpet in just a few weeks.

Overseeding in the spring will ensure the area is fully established by midsummer. It can also achieve the required results in autumn.
 
Find out more about our overseeding pack, containing all the tools and grass seed you’ll need to get you lawn looking back to its best.

Step-by-Step guide

Tools needed:
Lawn rake
Aerator
Grass seed

Take a look at our Seeding Kit for a great value tool set

1 Rake the grass vigorously to roughen the soil surface and remove any obvious weeds or stones.

2 Mow the lawn as closely as possible (down to 15mm, ½ inch)

3 Aerate the lawn using an aerator or fork

4 Sow the seed in accordance with the instructions on the packet, ideally marking out square meters to ensure the coverage is correct

5 Apply a light top dressing of soil and sand mixture and brush in

6 Keep the area well watered until the grass is growing strongly. Water every few days if the weather is dry.

TOP TIPS

Save time and trouble in the future by choosing the correct quality of grass seed. Use an appropriate mix for the lawn and its desired use.

On very bald areas, when the seed is more visible, it is worth covering with a net to protect the area from birds.