The Best Time to Put Grass Seed on My Lawn

Diseases, pests, heat and inadequate moisture inhibit growth and cause turf grass to die back. Get the most out of your reseeding efforts by completing this task at an appropriate time of year, when conditions favor germination and root development.

Location

• Homeowners in southern and coastal regions of the United States find fall planting works best, providing temperate weather for grass seed germination. Reseed or over-seed a northern lawn in the spring to ensure warm air and soil temperatures germinate seeds before hotter weather ensues, recommends Colorado State University.

Grass Type

• Warm-season grasses need spring planting to keep cold temperatures from killing off tender, young shoots. This is true even in areas as far south as Northern Florida, according to the University of Florida Extension. Recently seeded cool-season grass succumbs easily to environmental stresses such as heat and drought, making fall planting ideal.

Warning

• Avoid over-seeding your lawn when applying other chemicals such as crabgrass preventer, which can inhibit the germination of newly laid grass seed.