Get matched with top lawn irrigation specialists in Rolla, ND

No, it's not a good idea to put grass seed directly on top of dead grass. For successful germination and growth, grass seed needs good soil contact. To prepare the area, start by removing the dead grass using a shovel or a sod cutter. Then, loosen the soil, add soil amendments if necessary, and spread the grass seed evenly. This allows the seed to come into direct contact with the soil, promoting better germination and establishing a healthier lawn.

Due to its slow growth, Bahia grass does not generally take over weeds. In fact, the opposite can be true. Young Bahia grass is susceptible to being taken over by weeds. 

Likewise, in the cool season, Bahia grass goes into a dormant state that can allow weeds that thrive in early spring to get the upper hand. If you want to prevent weeds from taking over your yard, remove them by hand or apply a Bahia grass-friendly pre-emergent herbicide to your lawn before weeds have a chance to appear.

Seeding a lawn offers several advantages over laying sod, primarily related to cost and variety. Seeding is less expensive upfront, making it a more budget-friendly option. It also provides a much broader selection of grass varieties, allowing you to choose the best type for your specific climate and soil. Additionally, seeding allows grass roots to establish directly in the native soil, and the installation process is typically less labor-intensive than sodding. However, it's important to consider that sod offers better immediate protection against weeds and erosion.

Slit seeding takes about two to three hours for a medium or large lawn. Even bigger lawns or commercial properties can be seeded in about one day. From there, it will take about two weeks for the grass to start growing and another six weeks for the grass to establish stronger roots.