Heads up, green thumbs! You might have heard by now how overseeding allows you to achieve a denser, lusher, and healthier turfgrass. But, determining the best grass seed to be overseeded with will depend on the existing grass type on your lawn, the region's climate, and the soil type you have.
Experts recommend overseeding your lawn with a select variety of grass seed once every three years, as this will help your turfgrass look its prime while resisting lawn diseases and drought. So if you're browsing your options on the best grass seed to overseed a lawn, we've compiled our top picks to make it easier for you.
22 Ratings
This all-purpose mix is made with coated seeds, so it can absorb and retain moisture to avoid dried-out seeds before germination. One 20-pound bag can cover up to 8,000 sq. ft. area.
745 Ratings
This product is known to aid in extensive root development, up to 4 feet in depth in some soils. It also tolerates heavy clay soils where other lawn grasses struggle to thrive.
264 Ratings
With high drought resistance, Pennington smart grass is another popular grass seed on the market today. It also needs 30% less water than other smart grass seeds to thrive.
802 Ratings
! It features a unique combination of high-performance seed, continuous release lawn food, and super-absorbent growing material. Together, its formulation makes it possible for grass to grow anywhere.
22 Ratings
Another highly-coveted Scotts product is the High Traffic Mix, which contains various high-quality cool-season grasses. This means it will thrive under total sun exposure but can also withstand light shade.
9 Ratings
The F.M. Brown's PlatinumElite Sun and Shade Grass Seed Mixture is easy to grow and fast-acting– allowing seeds to germinate within ten days.
In This Review & Buyers Guide
6 of the Best Grass Seed to Overseed with
First, consider the existing grass in your lawn before you browse your grass seed options for overseeding. Healthy lawns may be overseeded with the same grass type. Meanwhile, struggling, poor turf may need to be overseeded with a select variety of grass seeds to help correct existing problems.
Here are our top picks on the best grass seed to overseed a lawn.
The Scotts brand is among the most popular grass seed manufacturers in the country and worldwide. In particular, their Turf Builder All-Purpose Mix is an excellent option if you're aiming for overseeding lawns in mid to northern zones. This all-purpose mix is made with coated seeds, so it can absorb and retain moisture to avoid dried-out seeds before germination. One 20-pound bag can cover up to 8,000 sq. ft. area.
It is listed as 99% weed-free and contains Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescue, which are handpicked to thrive in shady and sunny areas.
Features
Advantages
With high drought resistance, Pennington smart grass is another popular grass seed on the market today. It also needs 30% less water than other smart grass seeds to thrive.
Important Note: Another Pennington grass seed type is categorized as tall fescue grass seed. Before you make a purchase, ensure to justify both varieties.
The brand's Pennington Seed Penkoted Seed Technology is known to improve each seed's ability to develop into a healthy, thick lawn. It has a growth stimulant that increases the chances of survival and ensures improved plant growth.
Advantages
Another highly-coveted Scotts product is the High Traffic Mix, which contains various high-quality cool-season grasses. This means it will thrive under total sun exposure but can also withstand light shade.
This mix features a unique 4-in-1 WaterSmart coating, which absorbs moisture and retains it for a while to boost germination rates. The coating also comes with a starter fertilizer to aid the healthy growth of new seedlings. Additionally, it also protects your grass from common lawn diseases.
Features
Advantages
If you live in regions with common dry spells, you may want to consider Jonathan Green Black Beauty Grass Seed. This product features a blend of high-quality tall fescue seed, giving you a beautiful, dark green lawn.
Users also noted that this Black Beauty hybrid provides slightly waxy grass blades, which can help protect the grass from moisture loss and lawn diseases. This product is known to aid in extensive root development, up to 4 feet in depth in some soils. It also tolerates heavy clay soils where other lawn grasses struggle to thrive.
Features
Advantages
This revolutionary seeding mix from Scotts guarantees seeding success! It features a unique combination of high-performance seed, continuous release lawn food, and super-absorbent growing material. Together, its formulation makes it possible for grass to grow anywhere.
Since there are four EZ seed styles: sun and shade, tall fescue, bermudagrass, and centipede, you will need to choose one for your lawn care needs.
Advantages
There's no need for you to visit your nearby nursery to find high-quality grass seeds to use in upgrading your lawn. The F.M. Brown's PlatinumElite Sun and Shade Grass Seed Mixture is easy to grow and fast-acting– allowing seeds to germinate within ten days.
It also grows under full sun and moderate shade, giving you top-quality, beautiful grass, even on hard-to-grow lawns. Additionally, it also has low maintenance requirements. Busy homeowners can benefit from this grass seed choice! The PlatinumElite Sun and Shade Grass Seed Mixture are best used for residential lawns and commercial turf areas.
Advantages
Conclusion
Everything you need to know about lawn overseeding may seem complex, but it doesn't have to be that way! You are on the right path as long as you know the best grass seed to overseed with. (Related: The 6 Best Grass Seeds to Consider for Sandy Soil)
Homeowners opt to overseed their lawns so they can enjoy picturesque green grass all year long, but that's not all. Many people also consider lawn overseeding for many different reasons, such as boosting a yard's curb appeal and improving the overall health of turfgrass. Regardless, it'll be well worth putting in the effort if you want to grow a lush green lawn!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When should you put the new grass seed down?
Early fall is the best time to overseed cool-season grasses such as fescue because it will allow new seedlings to develop before winter. Meanwhile, warm-season grasses like Bermuda must be overseeded in late spring when the soil temperature turns around 65°F.
Why should you overseed your lawn?
When you plant fresh grass seed over turf or existing grass, you are overseeding your lawn. This can be done without removing any of the previous soil or turf. The most apparent purpose for overseeding is to make your grass look better. If your grass appears old, brown, or somewhat worn out, you might want to overseed. Consider overseeding if your grass requires a lot of water and nutrients to develop well.
What are the benefits of overseeding?
Growing a lush, dense lawn is the best outcome you can get from overseeding, but there are many other advantages such as: