Spring Seeding Advantages and Disadvantages for Your Lawn

Typically, homeowners only think of seeding their lawn when it’s new or they’re looking to start fresh. But seeding can also be valuable if you’re looking to restore the grass on your property — it’s just a matter of when to do so. Many homeowners think spring is the best time to seed their lawn. Discover the pros and cons of seeding your property during the spring season.

Pros of Seeding a Lawn in Spring

There are several pros to seeding your lawn in the spring, including:

1. More seeds will be available. Once the warm weather hits, garden centers and nurseries will acquire a brand new selection of seeds and grass. If you’re looking for something specific, you may have an easier time finding it during the spring season.
2. Spring is the natural time to seed. With longer days and more sunshine, spring is the optimal time of year to plant the seed. The soil is warmer, and there are more chances of rain, which helps spur the germination process. The additional sunlight also gives shaded areas a better chance at growing grass.
3. There’s less debris to worry about. Leaves, sticks, and other debris usually found during fall and winter won’t get in the way of the seed. Plus, you can tend to areas of your lawn that didn’t make it through the winter.

Cons of Seeding a Lawn in Spring

For every pro, there are a few cons to seeding your lawn in the springtime:

1. Reseeding will be required. You’ll need to seed again once fall rolls around, as new seedlings may not mature by summer or dry out due to excessive heat, drought, or in the worst cases, disease.
2. You’re combatting with nature. The soil needs to be 55 degrees Fahrenheit in order for the roots of the new grass to establish. Depending on where you live, your springtime temperatures may not reach the required degree right away.
3. Certain products can cause issues. In the springtime, many homeowners apply Pre-emergent to ward off crabgrass. While this product is great for those who don’t want their lawn to be taken over by the pesky blades, it can have a negative effect on newly planted turf seed.

Determining the Best Time to Seed Your Lawn

There are plenty of pros and cons to seeding your lawn in spring, but it really comes down to where you live. You should take a look at the typical weather patterns in your area so that you’re aware of average temperatures and rainfall during that particular month. Generally, the best time to plant grass seed is 45 days from the estimated first frost of fall. This timeframe is optimal since it’s right before the soil and air temperatures drop too low.

Still have questions about the best time to plant grass seed? Call 215.799.2019 or fill out the contact form on the bottom of this page. We can answer any of your questions and arrange to have one of our specialists come out, inspect and evaluate your lawn to determine the right services for your property and your budget.