The Grass Doctor

Using grass seed to fix up the lawn?

When is the right time of year to put down lawn seed? We already have "grass", but there are so many weeds, and some patches of crab grass. Will using a lawn seed really choke out the weeds? Also, are birds attracted to the seed and if they start eating it, will it make a big difference? Can I just put down more? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. I suggest u pull some of the big crab grass, and sort of rake up that spot, now u can put grass seed down, and tamp it down so it stays there when you water. Seeding is the best method for getting rid of weeds, it takes awhile, but it's way better than using chemicals. Don't forget to lime your lawn too. Good Luck Almost forgot spring and summer for seeds.
2. I been using lawn seed for the past six months to make my tried looking lawn look better. Try to pull out as much of the crab grass as you can then water your lawn with weed and feed. I have tried using a few different brands of seed and none of them choked out the weeds. I found it's best to spread the seed around when you are expecting a couple of days of rain. It helped the seeds germinate faster. It's not the birds you have to worry about eating the lawn seed, it's ants instead. As soon as you throw the seeds out the ants come out in force and take it away. Its look like a scene from the movie Bugs Life. Then a couple of days later you see all the husks from the seeds outside there nests. Now what I do if I'm going to spread some seed is a mix some Ant Dust or Ant Sand in the lawn seed box to help prevent the ants eating the seed. They don't go near the seeds when Ant Sand or Ant Dust is around and that's gives the seeds a chance to grow. The ants can eat up to half of your lawn seed. You can buy Ant Dust or Ant Sand from the supermarket. http://www.mortein.com.au/product_out_ant_sand.php
3. Adding seed onto weeds won't automatically displace the weeds, so it's better to remove the weeds before you start. This could be done manually, or else with a selective broad leaved weedkiller, that doesn't kill grasses, just broad leaved plants. Some need a time lag before planting other things, some are OK, and are inactive, as soon as they hit the ground. Prepare the bare soil as well as possible, loosening it will help grass seedlings root. Cover the seeds lightly, and keep watered. You're right that birds will love the seeds, so add something to scare them away, adding a little more seed than is necessary leaves some for the birds, some for growing, but it is more expensive. and they may clear one patch totally, leaving no new grass. Depending on the area, you could also cover some patches with netting or fleece, that would keep birds off. If you clear some crab grass, it will make it easier for the finer grasses to take hold. Aerating your lawn could also be helpful, as this reduces soil compaction, improves root growth and grass vigor. You can do this with a garden fork, inserted 6'' or so down. Feed it all with a slow release fertilizer noting any delays necessary, after seeding a new lawn. Hope this helps. Good luck! Rob
4. Early spring is when you should overseed. With a lot of weeds and crabgrass you need to get as much of that out as possible to give the grass the best possible shot at making it. Keep the seed watered until the grass takes hold. It dries out easily.
5. i only use Scott's weed and feed,,,wow that made the biggest difference in my yard...the crab grass and weeds all left with in two weeks..now9then summer) my grass was so thick and green...try that ...you will see new grass growing in about two weeks...i didn't use any seeds,,,the weed and feed stimulated the stagnant grass growth, and wow three to four inch grass within one month...you'll hate always having to cut the lawn though