As springtime approaches many of us to start to think about our front lawn maintenance plans. It seems like our front lawn is often the one that we are most concerned about because of the curbside appearance of our home. With the thought of front lawn maintenance, you may be thinking about planting some grass seed. Having grass seed planted is usually one step that many think about when they are thinking about improving the quality of their grass. Especially when it comes to their front lawn, but the next question is often one that we think about and are not sure about asking. Many wonder, “should I put topsoil over the grass seed?” That is a wonderful question and one we know the answer to.
Having topsoil spread over the seeds after it has been planted may seem like a good idea, but let us let you why it is not. While the thought may cross your mind that it would protect the seed and help it germinate unfortunately grass seeds when sprouting are not easily able to push through the heavy earth material like topsoil. When placing topsoil over newly planted seed it will actually suffocate the grass seedlings and ultimately they never have the chance to even get started. There is a proper way to prepare the soil for planting grass. Preparing the soil with a seeding technique and aeration allows for the best protection and prevents from losing any seedlings.
When seeds sprout they have some unusual habits, they are a bit different than other seedlings that you may be used to working with. Many types of seeds are an oblong shape and are small. Unlink other types of seeds, grass seeds are not able to push their way through topsoil or earthy materials. They are very tiny and quite actually really sensitive in the germination stage. Even though they can not be covered with topsoil or earthy materials they can not be let exposed either. Grass seed loves a warm niche in the soil with moisture. If that can be achieved the seed will germinate and provide a wonderful lush lawn of grass. The only cool thing about grass seed is that it grows very rapidly.
Planting grass can also be tricky with getting the best location depth wise when it is planted. Grass seed is best planted at a depth of about ⅛ inch to ¼ inch below the surface. Dispersing the seeds with a spreader or by hand allows the seeds to make contact with the soil, but always make sure that the lawn has been treated and aerated before seeds are placed on the lawn. The aeration allows the soil to be broke up just enough that it gets below the surface but does not get covered with a thick layer of earthy materials. Ideally, aeration will create a shallow planting place for each one of the seedlings to germinate and thrive in. The rule of grass seed and making sure that it has not been overcovered is that you should be able to see about 10 % of the seed when it is in the earthy material. Seeing too much or too little of the seeds can indicate that the soil is not aerated enough or that it has been aerated too deeply. It typically takes about three weeks for grass seeds to sprout.
Along with planting grass, there are additional tasks that can be completed to protect and help the grass grow well. Many think that putting topsoil over the seeds would protect it, but in fact, that will actually suffocate the seedlings rather than doing any good. We suggest that straw, hay, or any other type of mulching material be used. Spreading a thin layer of about ¼ inch of this material will be able to protect the seeds from the common wind and even pests. It also helps to provide the soil with moisture retention. When moisture is maintained it allows the germination process to take place in a timely manner and allows the seedling to thrive. Adding straw, hay, and other mulching materials not only protect the seedlings and keeps the moisture after it degrades it adds nutrients to the soil that provides for some great establishment for the grass seeds. Water and adding a protective layer really does help it become the beautiful lawn that you are looking for.
FAQs
Should I put topsoil over grass seed? ›
Grass seeds do need some light to germinate, so burying them too deep under topsoil can inhibit growth. However, a very thin layer of topsoil (one-quarter inch or less) over the seeds is actually beneficial to retain moisture and improve germination.
Should I put topsoil on new grass seed? ›Many think that putting topsoil over the seeds would protect it, but in fact, that will actually suffocate the seedlings rather than doing any good. We suggest that straw, hay, or any other type of mulching material be used.
Can you put topsoil over existing grass and reseed? ›Although it is possible to place a layer of topsoil over the grass and reseed the area, the grass that is below the topsoil will eventually grow up through it and cause problems.
Will grass seed grow If not covered with dirt? ›Very little soil is actually needed to cover the seeds, typically about ¼- inch, so simple raking will do the trick. If the seeds are not properly protected by existing grass or a thin layer of topsoil, they may dry before germination or be washed away by rain.
What should I put on top of grass seed? ›Spread the grass seed at the overseeding rate indicated on the packaging. Loosely rake in the seed. Top-dress with mulch, compost or peat moss.
Can I just throw grass seed on bare spots? ›Can I Just Throw Grass Seed on Bare Spots? Throwing grass seed onto bare spots will result in little-to-no germination and will not help to repair lawn spots. If you want to fix patches on grass, you need to properly prepare the bare spots before laying down the seed.
Should grass seed be raked into soil? ›Remember, lawn grass seeds only need to be lightly raked into the soil, or even just scattered directly on the soil surface.
Can you put a thin layer of topsoil over grass seed? ›Grass seeds do need some light to germinate, so burying them too deep under topsoil can inhibit growth. However, a very thin layer of topsoil (one-quarter inch or less) over the seeds is actually beneficial to retain moisture and improve germination.
Will grass seed grow if sprinkled on top of soil? ›Grass seed is surface sown, meaning it lays and roots on top of the soil, so it does not need to be buried. It's usually broadcast over the ground with a hand or rotary spreader. For that seed to sprout, it needs good soil contact, which makes soil quality a major factor in growing a healthy, uniform lawn.
Can I just throw grass seed down on an existing lawn? ›Overseeding is spreading grass seed over an existing lawn. Done right, it's a straightforward process that gets results. As grasses mature, thinning is normal—especially if you enjoy your lawn and use it often. Overseeding keeps your lawn competitive and steeped in youth and vigor, without starting over from scratch.
What happens if you walk on grass seed? ›
By staying off of the grass you will give any seedlings that haven't sprouted (and that you can't see) a chance to germinate. And remember that young grass sprouts can be damaged very easily if you step on them. Once you see your new grass coming in, don't forget to water it a couple of times a day, too.
Can you put too much grass seed down? ›Don't overdo or cut corners. Too much grass seed causes undue competition for resources such as light, water and nutrients, and grass seedlings struggle as a result. Too little seed leaves lawns thin or bare.
How to make grass seed germinate faster? ›Use a "mist – lightly water – deeply water" process like this: After seeding and fertilizing, you'll want to keep the top inch of soil moist until the seeds start to germinate (aka sprout). This means misting the area once a day, maybe twice if it's unusually hot out there—but don't let the area get soggy.
Do you put topsoil or grass seed first? ›If you're using the latter method (separating grass seed and topsoil), you may wonder whether you should put topsoil down before or after applying the seed. You should apply a 2-3cm layer of topsoil before laying down grass seed as the new grass shoots won't be able to push through the topsoil.
What month should I put grass seed down? ›The best month to put grass seed down depends on the type of grass you have and where you live. The best time to plant grass seed for cool-season grasses is in early fall or around September. For warm-season grasses, late spring or early summer (May to June) is the optimal time.
Will existing grass grow through topsoil? ›If you're looking for a short answer, then yes, you can put topsoil over grass and existing garden lawns. Although it's possible for grass to grow through the topsoil, this can only be successful depending on the thickness of topsoil applied as a top dressing.
What is the best soil to cover new grass seed? ›The first step in starting a new lawn is establishing a healthy environment for grass to grow. Loam or loamy soil is the perfect mix of clay, silt, and sand for growing plants. It provides water and nutrients, drains excess water, and leaves enough room for air circulation so oxygen can reach the roots of every blade.
When should I add topsoil to my lawn? ›The best time to top dress is early fall or spring all at once or in stages where you deal with the problem where and when it appears.