How much grass seed do you need?
One of the best things about buying grass seed in bulk is that you can buy exactly what you need. Here's how to figure out how much that is.
Step 1: Measure your space
Measure the length and width of the area in feet and multiply them. A front yard that's 40 feet by 25 feet is 1,000 square feet. For odd shapes, break the yard into rectangles, measure each one and add them together.
Step 2: Decide if you're starting new or overseeding
Starting a lawn from bare soil takes more seed than thickening up a lawn you already have. Overseeding means spreading seed over existing grass to fill in thin spots, and it takes about half as much.
Step 3: Use the right rate
These are K-State Research and Extension's recommended rates per 1,000 square feet:
- Tall fescue, new lawn: 6 to 8 pounds
- Tall fescue, overseeding or shady areas: about 3 to 4 pounds
- Kentucky bluegrass, new lawn: 2 to 3 pounds
- Kentucky bluegrass, overseeding or shady areas: about 1 to 1.5 pounds
Most Kansas City lawns are tall fescue or a fescue blend, so the tall fescue rates are the ones most people need.
A quick example
Say your backyard is 50 feet by 40 feet. That's 2,000 square feet. If you're overseeding tall fescue at about 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet, you'll need about 8 pounds of seed. If you're starting from bare dirt, plan on 12 to 16 pounds.
A few tips
- Spread half the seed walking one direction and the other half walking crosswise. You'll get much more even coverage.
- More seed isn't always better. Seeding too heavily crowds the young grass, and it can struggle as it grows.
- Grab a little extra for patching spots the dog finds next summer.
Bring your measurements to the store and we'll weigh out exactly what you need. See our grass seed mixes on our Lawn & Garden page, or read when to seed your lawn in Kansas City.
