Get matched with top lawn irrigation specialists in Itta Bena, MS

Yes, you can throw seed on a lawn and hope it grows, but taking a few steps beforehand, such as dethatching, aerating, or raking, will give the seed a better chance of germinating. While it sounds like it’ll save time, throwing seed on the lawn without doing anything will require much more seed than any other method.

No. Both processes are important for a healthy yard and work toward a similar goal, although dethatching serves a slightly different purpose. Making sure the thatch doesn’t grow too thick prevents other lawn problems, such as attracting pests if the plant decay layer gets too big. Aeration puts less strain on your lawn than dethatching, but both are of equal importance.

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.

You can try that, but it isn't likely to yield results. It's like watering potted plants without putting the seeds in. Most of the tossed grass seeds sit on top of the soil or existing grass blades and never germinate. The seeds need to make it into the soil, just like growing a potted plant. The best way to accomplish this is to aerate your lawn first, then overseed.