Overseeding is a great way to fill in bare spots and thicken your turf. However, for the best results, you'll want to fertilize your lawn in Iowa after overseeding. Fertilizer contains essential nutrients that help the new seeds grow into healthy, lush grass. Using the right type of fertilizer is crucial, and a starter fertilizer is ideal because it contains a balanced mix of nutrients that promote root development and overall growth. However, it's also important to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can harm the seeds. By using the right amount of fertilizer at the right time, you can help ensure that your new grass grows strong and healthy. Keep reading to learn more about why it's necessary to apply fertilizer after overseeding your lawn.

Applying fertilizer after overseeding your lawn will help your new seeds grow.

Fertilizer provides essential nutrients that new grass seeds need to grow. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are particularly important for seed development. Nitrogen promotes leaf growth, phosphorus encourages strong root systems, and potassium enhances overall plant health. When you apply fertilizer after overseeding, you give the seeds the best chance to germinate and develop into robust plants.

If you skip fertilizing, the new seeds might not receive the nutrients necessary for optimal growth. This can lead to weak, thin grass that struggles to compete with established lawns or weeds. Without the support of fertilizer, your efforts to overseed may not yield the lush results you’re hoping for, making your lawn less resilient and less attractive.

Use a starter fertilizer after overseeding to give your new grass a great start.

Crew fertilizing a green lawn in Des Moines, IA.

When it comes to nurturing new grass seeds after overseeding, starter fertilizer is the best choice. Unlike regular fertilizers, starter fertilizers are specifically crafted to support the needs of young grass. They have a higher phosphorus content, which is essential for developing strong root systems. This emphasis on root growth ensures that the young grass plants establish firmly in the soil, providing a solid foundation for future growth.

Starter fertilizers also contain balanced amounts of nitrogen and potassium, tailored to promote healthy seedling development without overwhelming them. By applying a starter fertilizer with the right N-P-K ratio, you ensure that your new seeds receive the targeted nutrients they need for robust growth. This specialized formulation supports healthy germination and helps your overseeded lawn flourish into a thick, vibrant green space.

Starter fertilizers are typically rich in phosphorus to boost new grass growth.

Make sure you don't over-fertilize your new grass.

While it's important to fertilize your lawn after overseeding, it's equally important not to overdo it. Applying too much fertilizer can actually harm your new grass and cause it to burn. It can also lead to excessive growth, which can be difficult to manage. To avoid these problems, make sure you follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and apply the correct amount. You should also avoid fertilizing too frequently, as this can also lead to problems. By using the right amount of fertilizer at the right time, you can help ensure that your new grass grows strong and healthy.

Call us today to schedule our overseeding service!

Make your overseeding efforts a success by giving the grass seeds a much-needed health boost with a fertilizer treatment. Here at A+ Lawn & Landscape, we offer an overseeding service that includes a starter fertilizer treatment after planting the grass seeds on your lawn. This way, they get a kickstart to their growth with the right set of nutrients! When you work with us, we'll also make sure to use a premium blend of cool-season grass seeds that thrive in our area.

We offer this service in conjunction with our core aeration service, which ensures the soil is loose and healthy enough to support the growth of the new grass seeds! These services are offered to homeowners and business owners, as well as HOAs, in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, IA, and other nearby areas. Give us a call at (515) 289-2020 to schedule our overseeding service!