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Lawn Overseeding & Core Aeration Seed Rate Calculator

Calculate grass seed required in pounds, core aeration hole spacing, starter fertilizer coverage, and topdressing compost cubic yards for overseeding US home lawns.

Calculation & Generation Results

Grass Seed to Order: 32.5 Pounds Applied at 5.0 lbs / 1,000 sq ft
Starter Fertilizer (18-24-12): 21.5 lbs (1 Bag) (Promotes rapid seedling root establishment)
Topdressing Screened Compost (1/4" Layer): 5.0 Cubic Yards (Locks in seed moisture & protects from birds)
Core Aeration Hole Target: ~130,000 Core Holes (20 to 40 core plugs per square foot)

About This Tool

Calculate grass seed required in pounds, core aeration hole spacing, starter fertilizer coverage, and topdressing compost cubic yards for overseeding US home lawns.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to overseed a cool-season lawn in the US?

Late summer to early fall (late August to mid-October) is the prime window. Warm soil temperatures accelerate germination while cooler ambient air and autumn rains prevent seedling heat stress.

Why does Kentucky Bluegrass require so much less seed weight than Tall Fescue?

Kentucky Bluegrass seeds are microscopic with approximately 1.5 to 2 million seeds per pound, whereas Tall Fescue contains only about 225,000 seeds per pound. Applying 2 lbs of Bluegrass provides as many individual plants as 8 lbs of Fescue.

Why is core aeration critical before overseeding?

Core aeration extracts 2-to-3-inch soil plugs, relieving compaction and creating thousands of micro-crevices that provide critical seed-to-soil contact and protect seeds from drying out.

What watering schedule is required for new grass seed?

Keep the top 1/2 inch of soil consistently damp by watering 2 to 3 times per day for 5 to 10 minutes until germination occurs, then gradually transition to deeper, less frequent watering.