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You can thicken new grass by using fertilizer, watering it 1 to 1½ inches per week, mowing when it is at an optimal height, and preventing weeds. You should fertilize your grass while you plant the grass seed, or soon afterward. Use an herbicide to prevent weeds or spot spray with herbicide to kill existing weeds.

Along with helping your grass grow in thicker and healthier, overseeding better equips it against hungry insects, common lawn diseases, drought, heavy foot traffic, and other foes that can weaken or kill the grass over time. By investing the extra time and money into overseeding, you’re lowering potential costs of fertilizer, pesticides, or possibly reseeding the lawn in the future.

Choosing between sod and seed depends on your budget, timeline, and maintenance preferences.

Sod:

• Pros: Provides an instant, lush lawn and immediate curb appeal. It's more resistant to weeds and erosion, can be installed any time during the growing season, and offers a consistent appearance.

• Cons: Has a higher upfront cost, typically $0.90 to $1.80 more per square foot than seed. It offers fewer grass varieties and must be installed immediately upon delivery.

Seed:

• Pros: Less expensive upfront, making it a budget-friendly option. It offers a wider variety of grass types and is easier for a DIY installation.

• Cons: Takes much longer to establish, potentially up to two years for a full lawn. It requires more maintenance, including regular weed control, and is more difficult to cultivate.

Ultimately, if you want a beautiful lawn quickly and have a larger budget, sod is an excellent choice. If you are patient, want to save money, and prefer a wider selection of grass types, seeding may be the better option.

Yes, but the best approach is to apply fertilizer well before you actually sprinkle the seeds. Apply fertilizer with an NPK ratio somewhere around 10-10-20, or 10-10-10, depending on soil test results and the type of grass you're planting, about six to eight weeks before planting grass seed. This mix added to loosened soil will give the grass seed its best chance of getting off to a solid start.