How to spruce up your lawn

All lawns inevitably thin with age. If you'd like to improve yours and choke out weeds, now is the time. Temperatures are cooler than at the peak of summer, but not as cool as they are in early spring. And we're likely to get some rain in the fall, which will help new seeds along. Plus, new grass will have nearly a year to establish a strong root system before the summer heat sets in.

The process of "overseeding" refers to seeding over your existing lawn, not to seeding more than usual, as many people assume. It's an easy endeavor but requires diligence and commitment for several weeks, so don't plan on any vacations.

By Jessica Damiano
Newsday

July 10, 2009

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<b>1. Choose the right seeds</b><br> <br> Look for disease-resistant, drought-tolerant varieties. No grass will grow in full shade, but for partial shade, consider a 100 percent fine fescue blend sown at a rate of 4 to 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet. For a low-maintenance lawn in a sunny area, consider using a 100 percent tall fescue blend sown at a rate of 7 to 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
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1. Choose the right seeds

Look for disease-resistant, drought-tolerant varieties. No grass will grow in full shade, but for partial shade, consider a 100 percent fine fescue blend sown at a rate of 4 to 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet. For a low-maintenance lawn in a sunny area, consider using a 100 percent tall fescue blend sown at a rate of 7 to 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer / September 11, 2008)

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