 "There is a lot of confusion about
overseeding versus renovation or replacement of lawns and turf," according
to Paul Albright of Albright Seed Company. "It's important to clear
up some misconceptions so landscape contractors can advise their customers
wisely.
"It's not really an
either/or decision that landscapers and their customers face when their
grass turns brown. There are degrees of what can be done and what will bring the
greatest success at the most reasonable cost—and cost is most often the
deciding factor."
Treatment Variations
Any decision to treat lawn or
turfgrasses that have become unattractive should be based on a careful analysis
of the condition of the grass and what results are expected.
Overseeding can be as simple as
broadcasting a cool season grass seed over a warm season grass to achieve
year-round color. At the opposite extreme, several inches of turf and soil could
be entirely removed and replaced.
Overseeding is
popularly used to add winter color, thicken and repair damaged sports turf, and
to incorporate improved varieties into the existing grass. Overseeding is best
done in the fall but can be done any time of year. It is an excellent option for
lawns that are healthy, with little damage, and where the intent is to maintain
year-round appearance.
Renovation is a good
alternative when fifty percent or more of the grass has been damaged. This is a
less severe, less costly approach than turf replacement. Renovation, like
overseeding, is best done in the fall and requires the existing grass be killed
but not totally removed. Dethatching and soil aeration follow to condition the
seedbed for the new seed.
Replacement is a major
effort and is called for with old or diseased lawns or turf that are beyond
saving. This is the most radical approach. The grass (which may or may not have
been killed off), thatch, and a two-inch depth of soil containing seed build-up
from years past, is entirely removed. New topsoil may be added along with
amendments. Rototilling follows to aerate and rejuvenate the seedbed.
Selecting the right grass for
overseeding, renovation or complete replacement can be a tough call. Overseeding
demands a grass that will coexist with the old grass without taking over. The
use of both warm season and cool season grasses together can offer year-round
color with a minimum of effort.
Cool season perennials are sometimes a
good answer. Depending on the climate zone in which they are planted, they may
be uniformly green all year. In coastal areas overseeding with a perennial could
interfere with the warm season grass coming out of dormancy.
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