Overseeding is a great way to thicken your lawn in Iowa and fill in bare spots, but proper preparation is key. Start by mowing your grass shorter to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Then, you should remove any debris, like leaves and twigs, to prevent seeds from being blocked. Finally, you should have your lawn aerated to alleviate soil compaction and to create holes for the seeds to settle in and access water and nutrients. To ensure the best results, you should hire professionals to overseed your lawn.

Mow your lawn shorter than usual to ensure good seed-to-soil contact during overseeding.

Lawn in Des Moines, IA, with mowing pattern.

The first step in preparing your lawn for overseeding is to mow it shorter than your usual routine. Shorter grass blades facilitate better seed-to-soil contact, which is vital for the seeds’ successful germination. When grass is cut shorter, the seeds are less likely to get trapped in the blades and more likely to reach the soil. This direct contact with the soil provides the foundation necessary for seeds to take root and thrive.

Before mowing your grass, make sure your mower blades are sharp to ensure a clean cut. A clean cut reduces stress on your lawn and creates a healthy environment for new growth. By paying attention to this detail, you can help your grass grow back stronger and thicker while providing a good foundation for overseeding.

Remove any debris from your lawn before overseeding to prevent the seeds from being blocked.

Before your lawn is overseeded, thoroughly inspect and clean your lawn. Debris such as leaves, twigs, and grass clippings can obstruct seeds from settling into the soil, which may hinder their growth. Debris not only blocks the seeds but also prevents essential resources like sunlight and water from reaching them, reducing their chances of germinating successfully.

Make sure to rake up grass clippings after mowing. This prevents clippings from forming a barrier that could impede seed growth. A clean, unobstructed lawn surface will give your seeds the best chance to establish themselves effectively.

Be sure to rake up any grass clippings after mowing your lawn shorter than usual to prevent them from blocking the seeds!

Aerate your lawn before overseeding to create tiny holes for the seeds to fall into.

Aeration is another critical step before overseeding, as it involves removing small plugs of soil to alleviate compaction and create tiny pockets for seeds. Compacted soil can restrict the movement of air, water, and nutrients, making it difficult for new grass to grow. By aerating, you create more favorable conditions for the grass seeds to settle, germinate, and access vital resources.

Aeration opens up the soil, allowing roots to expand freely and encouraging healthier grass growth. During the aeration process, you'll create small holes in the soil that serve as perfect pockets for seed placement. This practice promotes stronger root development and better water infiltration, enhancing the overall vigor of your lawn.

Give Us a Call Today to Schedule Our Overseeding Service

At A+ Lawn & Landscape, we can help you get the best results for your lawn with our professional overseeding service. When you sign up for this service, grass seeds will be spread across your entire lawn to help thicken it up and fill in any bare or patchy areas. This service is also offered in conjunction with aeration to ensure that the seeds have the best chance of successfully germinating and establishing themselves in your soil.

Our overseeding service is available to residential and commercial properties, as well as HOAs, in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, and other nearby areas in Iowa. Give us a call today at (515) 289-2020 to schedule our overseeding service for your property!