Does your lawn look like a herd of buffalo has been camped out on it? Or maybe it’s starting to resemble your grandfather’s comb-over from the ’70s—thin in some spots, bare in others. No matter how much fertilizer you throw at it, those brown patches and bare spots just won’t budge.
Chances are, the problem isn’t just bad luck—it’s either pests or the wrong type of grass for your soil and climate. But there’s still hope, and fixing it might be easier than you think.
First, you have to diagnose the issue. Is it pests or poor grass selection? Here’s a quick guide to rule out pests. Once you’ve done that, the real game-changer is finding the right grass seed for your area. And lucky for you, the experts at Missouri Southern Seed can help with that.
Once you’ve nailed down the best seed for your lawn, the next step is deciding how to swap out the old for the new—without starting from scratch (a.k.a., tearing it all out down to the dirt). With the right seed and a little patience, you can completely transform your lawn over time just by overseeding.
Seeding vs. Overseeding: What’s the Difference?
Seeding: This is starting from square one—spreading seed over bare ground to establish a brand-new lawn. It takes more prep work, including soil preparation, proper seed selection and planting techniques. If you’re looking at a dirt patch and dreaming of green grass, seeding is the way to go.
Overseeding: This is the gradual approach—spreading grass seed over an existing lawn to improve its density, fill in thin spots and introduce better grass varieties. It’s less disruptive than seeding since you’re working with what’s already there. If your lawn is looking a little tired but still has some life left, overseeding is your best bet.
Choosing the Right Seed for Your Soil
If you’re serious about upgrading your lawn, quality seed is key. Cheap seed might be tempting, but it often contains lower-quality varieties that struggle to survive Missouri’s hot summers. Investing in the right seed for your soil and climate makes all the difference.
Missouri sits at the crossroads of three growing zones, and soil types vary just as much. Northern Missouri has deep, rich prairie soils (often with a stubborn clay base), while southern Missouri tends to be rockier and lighter. That means the best grass for your lawn depends on where you live.
Cool-Season Grasses (Best for Northern Missouri)
- Tall Fescue – A tough, adaptable grass that handles Missouri’s heat and drought like a champ.
- Rockstar Kentucky Bluegrass – A lush, dense grass that thrives in full sun and tolerates some shade.
- 5-Way Tall Fescue Blend – A mix built for disease resistance, heat tolerance and solid performance in sun or partial shade.
- Double Time Ryegrass – Germinates fast, stays green longer than other ryegrasses, and holds up well under heavy foot traffic.
Warm-Season Grasses (Best for Southern Missouri)
- Rio Bermuda Grass – This new variety is known for its superior cold tolerance, early green-up, and outstanding turf quality.
- Zenith Zoysia Grass – Forms a thick, weed-resistant turf that thrives in full sun and needs less mowing.
- Buffalograss – A low-maintenance, drought-tolerant option that does well in well-drained soils with minimal rainfall.
A Little Assistance, Please?
Overseeding isn’t just about throwing down seed and hoping for the best. A few simple steps will give your lawn’s turnover a better shot at success:
- Start with a low mow – Shorter grass lets the new seed reach the soil instead of getting stuck in tall blades.
- Clear out thatch – That spongy, dead layer sitting on top of the soil? It’s blocking new seed. You can rent a dethatcher, buy one, or go full workout mode with a metal rake. (Bonus: great for upper body strength.)
- Aerate if needed – If your soil is compacted, new roots won’t stand a chance. Try the screwdriver test—if it pushes in easily, you’re good. If not, aeration will help.
- Check soil temp – Grass seed won’t germinate if the ground is too cold. Don’t have a soil thermometer? Use a meat thermometer. You’re looking for 55°F or higher.
- Skip the weed & feed – Most contain pre-emergents that can stop your new seed from growing.
- Water consistently – Young roots need moisture to survive Missouri’s summer heat. About an inch per week is ideal.
- Mow tall – Keep your grass at least 3” high to protect the roots and retain moisture.
- Go easy on fertilizer – Use a slow-release option to avoid overwhelming new growth.
From Comb-Over to Carpet: Your Lawn’s Comeback Starts Here
Overseeding is the easiest way to upgrade your lawn without starting over. With the right seed, a little prep work, and some patience, you can turn that thin, worn-out grass into a thick, thriving lawn—no back-breaking sod installation required.
Not sure which seed is best for your soil and growing zone? That’s where Missouri Southern Seed comes in. Whether you’re dealing with heavy clay, rocky soil, or Missouri’s unpredictable summers, our experts know what works. Give us a call, and we’ll help you find the right seed to take your lawn from a ’70s comb-over to a lush, green carpet—one overseeding at a time.
