Fall is the perfect time to start working on your lawn to help it recover from the summer heat and to give it what it needs to make it through the upcoming winter season. The two common methods for improving lawn health are overseeding or performing a fall nitrogen blitz, but which one is better?
(If you make a purchase using the links in this post, we may earn a commission.)
Let’s explore the purposes and benefits of performing a fall nitrogen blitz vs overseeding, and when each method is most effective.
What Is A Fall Nitrogen Blitz?
A fall nitrogen blitz involves applying a high-nitrogen fertilizer to your lawn in late summer/early fall. The idea is to give your grass frequent doses of high-nitrogen fertilizer before it goes dormant for winter.
Benefits of a Fall Nitrogen Blitz:
- Strong Root Development – Nitrogen helps your grass to build a deeper root system, which supports healthier grass growth.
- Faster Green-Up In Spring – Nitrogen helps your grass to store the nutrients it needs to come out of winter faster and with a more vibrant green-up.
- Winter Resilience – Spoon feeding your grass nitrogen will help it to withstand colder temperatures, which in turn reduces stress and winter damage.
Pro Tip: Learn how to perform a fall nitrogen blitz the right way here 👉 How To Do A Fall Nitrogen Blitz
What Is Overseeding?
Overseeding is the process of spreading new grass seed into your existing lawn. This technique is used to thicken lawns that have bare spots, or to introduce more resilient grass cultivars that are more tolerant of drought, disease, or changing climate conditions.
Benefits of Overseeding:
- Thicker Lawn – Overseeding fills in bare spots, or replaces diseased grass to give your lawn a healthier look.
- Less Weed Pressure – When your lawn is thick, weeds have a harder time growing. Overseeding can help to keep your lawn thick, thus keeping the weeds out.
- Mix Grass Types – Adding newer, more resistant grass cultivars to your existing lawn can improve the overall health of your turf.
Pro Tip: Make your lawn darker green by overseeding with Fireball Grass Seed.
Which Method Is Best For Your Lawn?
When it comes to nitrogen blitz vs overseeding, it really depends on the current condition of your lawn. If your lawn has bare spots or is thin, then overseeding can provide more long-term benefits by thickening up the lawn with healthier grass.
On the contrary, if your lawn is thick and just needs a green up before winter, a fall nitrogen boost would be the way to go instead of overseeding.
Can You Overseed and Do A Fall Nitrogen Blitz At The Same Time?
Yes, but you need to overseed first before doing a nitrogen blitz. The reason why is because you want to give the new grass seed enough time to establish before giving it a nitrogen boost.
If you apply nitrogen fertilizer at the time of seeding, you risk killing or “burning” your new grass seed with too much nitrogen.
Based on the following growth chart of cool season grass types, we’d recommend waiting to start a nitrogen blitz at least 2 weeks after germination.
Overseeding vs Nitrogen Blitz: Both Are Great For Your Lawn
As you can see, both overseeding and a fall nitrogen blitz can be incredibly beneficial for maintaining and keeping your lawn healthy.
Assess your lawn’s current condition to decide which one would be more beneficial, or the combination of both to help you achieve the dark, lush lawn you strive for.