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"There is a lot of confusion about overseeding versus renovation or replacement of lawns and turf," according to Paul Albright of S&S Seeds. "It's important to clear up some misconceptions so landscape contractors can advise their customers wisely.
"It's not really an either/or decision that landscapers and their customers face when their grass turns brown. There are degrees of what can be done and what will bring the greatest success at the most reasonable cost—and cost is most often the deciding factor."

Treatment Variations
Any decision to treat lawn or turfgrasses that have become unattractive should be based on a careful analysis of the condition of the grass and what results are expected.
Overseeding can be as simple as broadcasting a cool season grass seed over a warm season grass to achieve year-round color. At the opposite extreme, several inches of turf and soil could be entirely removed and replaced.
Overseeding is popularly used to add winter color, thicken and repair damaged sports turf, and to incorporate improved varieties into the existing grass. Overseeding is best done in the fall but can be done any time of year. It is an excellent option for lawns that are healthy, with little damage, and where the intent is to maintain year-round appearance.
Renovation is a good alternative when fifty percent or more of the grass has been damaged. This is a less severe, less costly approach than turf replacement. Renovation, like overseeding, is best done in the fall and requires the existing grass be killed but not totally removed. Dethatching and soil aeration follow to condition the seedbed for the new seed.
Replacement is a major effort and is called for with old or diseased lawns or turf that are beyond saving. This is the most radical approach. The grass (which may or may not have been killed off), thatch, and a two-inch depth of soil containing seed build-up from years past, is entirely removed. New topsoil may be added along with amendments. Rototilling follows to aerate and rejuvenate the seedbed.
Selecting the right grass for overseeding, renovation or complete replacement can be a tough call. Overseeding demands a grass that will coexist with the old grass without taking over. The use of both warm season and cool season grasses together can offer year-round color with a minimum of effort.
Cool season perennials are sometimes a good answer. Depending on the climate zone in which they are planted, they may be uniformly green all year. In coastal areas overseeding with a perennial could interfere with the warm season grass coming out of dormancy.

Elite Turfgrass Seed Mixture Elite Turfgrass Seed Mixture A unique blend of Turf Type Perennial Ryegrass and two other top-performing perennial ryegrasses —Fast Track— is perfect for athletic fields, lawns and golf courses. This beautiful, dark green turf has excellent insect and disease resistance, heat and drought tolerance. Available from S&S Seeds Online Store. For more information, please call 1-(805) 684-0436 or e-mail info@ssseeds.com. A quality product of S & S Seeds, Inc.

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