Get matched with top lawn irrigation specialists in Pinehurst, NC

When stored under ideal conditions, grass seed lasts anywhere from 10 to 18 months from the testing date without any real decrease in the germination rate. You can still use the seeds after this timeframe, but the germination rates drop 10% to 20% each year. 

If you’re just embarking on an overseeding project, using seeds that have been in storage for a few years isn’t too big of a deal. However, if you’re planning on redoing your entire landscape, your best bet for a healthy, luscious lawn is to use new seeds.

If you’re wondering whether grass seed will germinate on top of soil, the answer is yes. In fact, it’s the best way to plant your grass seed. Spread seeds in an even layer on top of loose, fertile soil will allow them to germinate and grow strong roots. Topping them with a thin layer of straw will help them retain moisture and stay put, as well as protect them from getting eaten by animals.

Properly secured bird netting is the best option to cover your grass seed with. It creates a minor moisture barrier that can help seeds sprout, and it’s a great way to keep birds away from your seeds. A cheaper, lower-maintenance option is hay or mulch, but these can change the look of your lawn and require cleanup in the case of straw.

If the grass is dead, you cannot bring it back to life. However, you can grow new grass in its place or try the methods mentioned above to revive the grass if it isn’t entirely dead. You can expect St. Augustine grass to come back after moderate droughts, but it will suffer significant nutrient loss after an extended period of drought.