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Over seeding into an existing lawn is a difficult task. The new seedlings have to compete with the established grasses and they will need all the help they can get to ensure they establish. However there are some factors that can determine how successful you are.

• Soil Compaction – Any soil or rootzone that suffers from compaction will have a detrimental effect on any over seeding program as it will be difficult to get the new seedlings to establish. A compacted soil suffers from lack of oxygen, drainage problems and will impede root development, all to the detriment of your over seeding program. Compaction also encourages shallow rooting weed grasses such as Annual Meadow Grass.
• Excessive Thatch – Thatch is the build up of organic matter between the grass sward and the soil or rootzone. A lawn that has too much thatch will see your over seeding program suffer. The ideal sowing depth is usually below the thatch layer with the seed just coming into contact with the rootzone. This is difficult to achieve if your lawn has excessive thatch. If the seed is sown in the thatch layer it may well germinate but it will be difficult for it to establish successfully.
• Soil Temperature – One of the most important factors that will determine if your over seeding program is successful is the soil temperature. This is the main reason many people favour the late summer over the spring for over seeding, as the soil is warmer in late summer. That said, there is no problem with over seeding during the spring, however results may not always be that great. This year we have had a very cold spring with overnight frosts, which haven’t been great for over seeding with reports of some inconsistent results.
• Irrigation and watering – Another factor on your program is the use of water. All new seed need water to germinate and establish successfully. However getting the balance right is important, apply enough to keep the soil moist, not too wet or too dry.
• Mechanical operations prior to over seeding – Operations such as aeration or scarification and raking can be be beneficial in helping seed to germinate and establish successfully. These operations help create a seed bed where the seed comes into contact with the rootzone which will help with both germination and establishment of the seed.