A: The best time to reseed your lawn in London is during early autumn, when daytime temperatures are moderate and the soil is still warm. This period offers the ideal combination of warm soil, cooler air temperatures, and increased rainfall, contributing to faster and more successful germination, usually within 7 to 21 days.
Spring is also viable, though it may require more frequent watering due to rising temperatures and weed competition. Whenever you reseed, avoid mowing until the new grass reaches about 5cm to support strong root development.
Receive Top-dressing and Re-seeding in London Carried Out by Experts
Let's fix those patchy areas on your lawn!
- Performed by two experienced gardeners
- All equipment is petrol-powered - no need for electricity
- Only industry standard top dressing will be used
- Special seed coatings
How our top-dressing service in London is performed
We’ll park nearby your property and unload all the necessary materials and equipment. This will include our high-end grass top dressing that’s been repeatedly tried and tested to reduce the potential risk of weeds.
Once on-site, our first job will be to take a sample of your soil to establish its pH level. Why do we do this? To ensure that the top dressing soil we use is appropriate for your specific lawn, as it will eventually be incorporated into the root zone.
This dressing will be applied with the aid of a machine that’s designed to ensure an even spread, and then be carefully brushed in, resulting in a perfectly even surface.
Once the procedure is complete, you should water your lawn daily, especially during dry weather. Moreover, we would recommend that you not mow your lawn again until your grass is approximately 5cm in length.
Why use Fantastic Gardeners' Top-dressing and Re-seeding Services
- We do all the hard work giving you more time for relaxation.
- Ensure the right topsoil is used to help improve drainage and give you a thick and dense lawn.
- Offer you a refined overseeding process that improves both germination and growth, made possible by the best quality topsoil.
- Give you advice as to how to carry out lawn maintenance on-going.
- Present other services that you can combine with your order such as our lawn aeration, lawn scarification, and general garden maintenance. So anytime you need reliable lawn care, you can count on us.
A comprehensive guide to our lawn overseeding service in London
Having a green and healthy lawn is any passionate gardener's dream. Book with Fantastic Gardeners and you’ll be able to choose the type of seeds you want from our catalogue to make your vision come true!
Decide between fine-fescue, rye-grass, shaded lawn grass, as well as specially coated intelligent seeds, and even more wide-ranging options. Remember, the seeds you choose will be integrated into your lawn to improve the colour, help infill damaged and bare patches, in addition to promoting a thicker, denser, and more luxuriant appearance.
When overseeding your lawn, we’ll use different methods that involve the use of specific spreaders and drill seed machines. Although we would advise that this be carried out after top dressing service - this will prevent the seeds from being buried too deeply.
Top dressing lawn specialists near you:
Andrei Constantin Gavriliu
Number of bookings: 4556
With Fantastic Services for: 7 years
Specialities:
Stela Yotovska
Number of bookings: 2671
With Fantastic Services for: 10 years
Specialities:
Mitko Rizov Bakalov
Number of bookings: 1
With Fantastic Services for: 3 years
Specialities:
Frequently asked questions
Q: When should I reseed or lay grass seed in London?
Q: When to scarify and reseed a lawn in the UK?
A: The best times to scarify and reseed a lawn in the UK are during early autumn (September to October) or mid to late spring (April to May). These periods offer mild temperatures and consistent rainfall, ideal for germination and recovery. Scarifying removes moss and thatch, and reseeding helps fill bare patches for a thicker lawn. Avoid both during hot summers or freezing winters.
Q: How late can you sow grass seed in the UK?
A: In the UK, the latest you can usually sow grass seed is early to mid-October. Soil temperatures need to remain above 8–10°C for proper germination. After mid-October, germination may slow or fail due to colder conditions.
Q: Is there a top dressing lawn service near me?
A: It couldn’t be easier to find out! Simply enter your postcode online.
Q: How do you prepare the ground for grass seed?
A: Proper ground prep includes removing debris, dead grass, or weeds. Loosening the top 1–2 cm of soil and leveling the lawn. Applying a thin top dressing then checking the soil pH (ideal: 6.0–7.5). Even seed spreading and regular watering. Fantastic Gardeners uses specialised tools and materials to ensure success.
Q: What is the best way to overseed an existing lawn?
A: Steps include: Mowing the lawn short, aerating the soil, applying quality top dressing, evenly spreading seed (matched to conditions), lightly raking to blend seed, consistent watering. Fantastic Gardeners uses high-quality coated seeds and soil blends tailored to your lawn’s pH and condition.
Q: Can I just throw grass seed down on an existing lawn in the UK?
A: You can, but it’s not ideal. For better germination, mow short, rake the area, and apply top dressing. Otherwise, seeds may not contact the soil well and could wash away or be eaten. Our service ensures full preparation and better success rates.
Q: How to sow grass seed on a patchy lawn?
A: Steps: Clear dead grass/weeds, rake/loosen soil, add topsoil to even out, spread seed and rake in, keep moist until established, wait until new grass is 5cm to mow. Our service includes soil testing, seed selection, and professional spreading for even, lasting results.
Q: Can you overseed a lawn without top dressing?
A: Yes, but results may be less effective. Top dressing enhances soil contact, levels surfaces, and improves nutrient access. Without it, seeds may dry out or be lost. We recommend overseeding with top dressing for best results.
Q: Can you put topsoil over grass and reseed?
A: Yes, this is top-dressing and overseeding. A thin layer (1 cm) of topsoil is spread over grass, followed by reseeding. It improves soil structure and supports new grass growth without smothering existing grass. Our team uses tested soil blends and expert methods.
Q: Should you aerate before overseeding?
A: Absolutely. Aeration creates holes that help air, water, and nutrients reach roots and improves seed-to-soil contact. It’s especially useful for compacted or thinning lawns. We offer aeration combined with overseeding for better outcomes.
Q: During overseeding should the grass seeds be covered?
A: Usually, existing grass provides enough coverage. In thin lawns, the soil should be lightly raked over the seeds for protection.
Q: How successful is your overseeding process?
A: Around eight weeks after service, you should see one new grass sprout every three inches. These young blades will gradually spread to cover your lawn fully.
Q: How late can I top dress my lawn?
A: Ideally in early autumn (September–early October) or spring (April–early May). After mid-October, lower soil temperatures may prevent growth. If missed, wait until spring.
Q: Should you feed your lawn before or after overseeding?
A: Fertilise after overseeding. A phosphorus-rich starter fertiliser helps seed germination. Feeding before may cause older grass to outgrow and overshadow new seedlings.
Q: Do you use special fertilisers during top dressing?
A: Yes, we use mineral-based, water-soluble fertilisers such as nitrogen, ammonium nitrate, urea, ammonia solutions, potassium, and superphosphate, tailored to support new grass growth.
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More Information on Top-dressing and Overseeding
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