Fertilization vs. Overseeding

Fertilization vs. Overseeding: What Sherman, Texas Lawns Actually Need

Homeowners in Sherman often reach for a bag of grass seed the moment they see a thin spot in their yard. However, in North Texas, "more seed" is rarely the answer. Because our climate and soil are unique, the choice between fertilization and overseeding isn't just about preference—it's about the biology of your grass.

Choosing the wrong one can waste an entire growing season. Here is the breakdown of what each service does and which one will actually fix your patchy lawn.

The Core Difference: Feeding vs. Adding

1. Fertilization: "The Vitamin Boost"

Fertilization feeds the grass you already have. It provides the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) needed to turn pale, thin blades into a thick, green carpet.

• Best For: Lawns that are thin but still have grass coverage.
• The Sherman Reality: Most Sherman lawns have Bermuda or Zoysia. These are "creeping" grasses. They don't need new seeds; they just need enough "fuel" (fertilizer) to send out runners and fill in the gaps themselves.

2. Overseeding: "The New Recruits"

Overseeding is the process of spreading new seed over an existing lawn to fill in bare dirt.

• Best For: Lawns with large patches of actual bare dirt or lawns that use "clumping" grasses like Fescue.
• The Sherman Reality: Overseeding is rarely successful in the middle of a Sherman summer. Young seedlings cannot survive 100°F heat or punch through compacted clay without a massive amount of water.

Which One Do You Need?

If your lawn has...You Need...Why?Thin, pale green grassFertilizationThe grass is hungry, not dead.Bermuda GrassFertilizationBermuda spreads laterally; it just needs food to move.Large bare dirt patchesOverseeding/SodIf the roots are gone, no amount of food will help.Aggressive WeedsFertilizationThick grass is the best natural weed killer.

The "Bermuda Myth" in Sherman

A common mistake in Grayson County is trying to "overseed" a Bermuda lawn with more Bermuda seed.

• The Fact: Most residential Bermuda is a "hybrid" variety that is sterile—it doesn't grow from seed you buy at a store.

• The Fix: Instead of seeding, you should aerate and fertilize. This softens the clay soil and gives the existing Bermuda the strength to "creep" into those bare spots. You’ll get a thicker lawn faster than you would by waiting for seeds to sprout.

FAQ: Fertilizing & Seeding

Can I do both at the same time?

Generally, no. Most "Starter Fertilizers" used for seeding don't contain the weed prevention (pre-emergent) that a mature Sherman lawn needs. If you seed and fertilize without weed control, you’ll end up with a yard full of healthy, green weeds.

When is the best time for each?

• Fertilization: Throughout the growing season (March–October).
• Overseeding: Only in the Fall (September–October) for cool-season grasses, or late Spring for certain warm-season varieties.

Why did my new grass seed die?

In Sherman, the #1 cause of seedling failure is compacted clay. If you don't aerate the soil before seeding, the tiny roots can't penetrate the "concrete" clay and they dry out within days.