Dear The Turf Doctor,
I know there are certain application rates you should try to aim for when seeding your lawn, but is there actually a problem with using too much grass seed? I’d rather use too much than not enough, but what happens if I over-apply seed? How important is it that I get my grass seed application rates just right?
Thanks,
Claire
Hi Claire,
Yes, there absolutely is such thing as applying too much grass seed, but with that said, I wouldn’t worry about it too much.
More isn’t always better when it comes to grass seed, even if you’re desperate to achieve a thick, healthy lawn as soon as possible. It’s a bit like overloading a plate at a buffet—there’s only so much space, and cramming too much in can cause problems.
When you put down too much seed, the seedlings end up fighting for light, water, and nutrients. Instead of growing strong, they crowd each other out, so the grass that grows is likely to be weak and spindly. In the worst cases, the seeds just won’t establish at all. It’s the same reason farmers space out their crops—every plant needs room to grow to its full potential.
Another issue you might face if you put down far too much seed is disease. Overcrowding creates the perfect conditions for fungal problems, especially when the weather turns damp. A thick mat of struggling seedlings holds moisture, and too much moisture leads to disease.
If you’re reseeding bare patches, it’s fine to use a generous hand, but don’t go overboard. If you’re doing a full overseed, check the recommended rate on the bag and stick to it. We recently responded to a reader question on how much grass seed you should use for a new lawn, and you might find this helpful if you’re unsure. You can read the article here.
It’s tempting to think doubling up will give you quicker results with half the hassle, but actually, taking a steady, measured approach will always give you a stronger lawn in the long run. The journey to the perfect lawn is slow and steady, as our very own Bradley Tennant proved with his lawn renovation YouTube series.
Got patchy results from a previous overseed? In this case, I would generally recommend that you repeat the seeding process in stages, waiting a few weeks between applications, rather than dumping everything down in one go. That way, you’ll give each new batch a better chance of success.
But with all that in mind, I promise it’s not the end of the world if you apply slightly too much grass seed in one area. It’ll likely get distributed out by the wind anyway, but if not, you’re unlikely to notice any negative effects on a small patch.
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