G’day, Nikolai here from The Lawn Firm. If your lawn looks thin, patchy, or tired after summer, overseeding is a simple way to bring it back. I use overseeding across Canberra to thicken grass, improve colour, and block weeds. Here’s exactly how I do it, and how you can get the same results.

What is overseeding?

Overseeding means spreading new seed into an existing lawn. The new seedlings fill gaps, increase density, and improve wear tolerance. A thicker lawn also shades the soil and helps keep weeds out.

When to overseed in Canberra

I see the best results in two windows:

Autumn (March–April): Warm soil and cooler days help fast germination and steady establishment.
Spring (late August–October): Lawns are waking up and growth is active.

Avoid extreme heat, heavy rain, and deep winter.

Pick the right seed for local conditions

Match seed to your yard and lifestyle:

Full sun, high traffic: Options that handle wear and recover quickly.
Partial shade: Options with better shade tolerance.
Low-maintenance: Slower growing options that need fewer cuts.
Colour and finish: Fine leaf options for a neat, “show” look.

If you’re unsure, I’ll assess your site and pick a blend that suits Canberra’s climate and your goals.

Prep work: set up for fast germination

Good prep makes the difference between patchy and perfect:

Mow a little lower than normal. Bag clippings.
Remove debris. Clear leaves and thatch so seed reaches soil.
Core aerate (ideal). Open the soil for roots and water.
Light top dress (optional). A 5–8 mm sandy loam helps seed-to-soil contact and levels minor lows.
Water lightly the day before. Moist soil improves contact.

How to overseed (my method)

Measure the area. Work out the seed rate based on the lawn size.
Broadcast seed evenly. Use a spreader in two passes at right angles.
Rake or broom in. Settle seed into the canopy and top layer.
Top up low spots. Feather the edges so you don’t bury existing grass.
Roll lightly (optional). Improves contact on bumpy ground.
Water gently. Keep the surface evenly moist without puddles.

Watering schedule that works

Germination phase: Short, light waterings 1–3 times a day to keep the top 1–2 cm moist.
After sprout: Shift to deeper, less frequent watering to train roots down.
Hot, dry days: Use a morning and early-afternoon mist rather than one heavy soak.

First mow and early care

First mow: When new grass reaches about 5–6 cm and is well rooted. Trim lightly.
Fertilise lightly: A gentle, slow-release feed supports young roots.
Foot traffic: Keep kids and pets off new seedbeds for the first couple of weeks.

Common mistakes I fix all the time

Burying seed under thick top dressing. Seed needs light and contact, not a blanket.
Uneven spread. Missed strips create stripes that never “catch up.”
Wrong watering pattern. Too heavy = rot; too little = dry-out.
Overseeding at the wrong time. Extreme heat or frost slows take-up and wastes seed.
Skipping aeration. Compacted soil limits roots and slows thickening.

Pair overseeding with these services for best results

Core aeration: Opens the soil so new roots drive deeper.
Top dressing: Levels and improves seed contact.
Fertilising program: Keeps growth steady through the season.
Weed control timing: Reduces competition while seedlings establish.

How long until I see results?

With the right timing, you’ll see sprout in 7–14 days, visible thickening in 2–4 weeks, and a stronger, denser lawn within 6–8 weeks. Results depend on temperature, watering, and traffic.

DIY or call The Lawn Firm?

You can DIY a small area. But if you want fast, even coverage across a whole yard, professional tools and technique matter. I select the right seed, set the rate, prep the soil, and time the work to Canberra’s conditions. That means fewer re-works, less waste, and a lawn that fills in quickly.

Make it easy. Let The Lawn Firm represent your lawn.

Book a free consultation today!