How to Change Grass Type in Your Yard

• Replacing the type of grass in your lawn can improve resilience, appearance, and adaptability to your local climate.
• Overseeding is an effective way to change grass type without removing your entire lawn.
• The best time for replacement is in early fall or spring.
• Proper soil preparation, including pH testing and aeration, ensures successful grass seed establishment.

If your lawn is struggling with patchy growth, excessive maintenance, or poor drought resistance, you may be wondering how to change the grass in your yard for better results. Whether you’re looking to swap out high-maintenance turf for a more resilient variety or simply improve your property’s overall health, changing the grass type in a lawn can make a significant difference.

Can You Change Grass Type by Overseeding?

Yes! One of the easiest ways to change grass type without completely removing your lawn is by overseeding. Overseeding means planting new grass seed over an existing lawn, gradually shifting the grass variety over time. This method works best when the existing grass is still in decent condition but needs improvement in color, density, or drought tolerance.

The best time to overseed with cool-season grasses, like Black Beauty® Ultra Grass Seed, is late summer to early fall. This timing allows for optimal germination due to warm soil and reduced competition from summer weeds.

How to Replace Your Lawn: Key Steps

If you’re ready to change grass type, follow these steps to ensure a successful transition:

1. Choose the Right Grass Seed
   • Selecting the best seed for your region and lawn conditions is essential. Jonathan Green’s Black Beauty® Grass Seed collection is a top choice due to its:
     • Deep roots (up to 4 feet) for drought resistance
     • Dark green color and uniform texture
     • Wax-coated blades for moisture retention
     • Strong disease and insect resistance
2. Prepare the Soil for the New Grass Type
   • Rake away dead grass, thatch, and debris. For overseeding, you must ensure the seed makes direct contact with the soil.
   • Loosen compacted soil with an aerator or rake to improve seed-to-soil contact.
   • Test your soil pH and if necessary, use soil amendments for lawns like MAG-I-CAL®, which balances soil acidity or alkalinity for optimal growth.
3. Overseed or Fully Replace the Lawn
   • For overseeding, spread the new seed evenly over your existing lawn using a broadcast spreader.
   • If removing the old lawn, apply a natural lawn remover, rake away dead turf, and seed as you would on bare soil. See our How to Grow Grass from Seed guide for the full process.
   • Lightly rake or roll the seeded area to press the seeds into the soil.
4. Water and Maintain the Transitioning Lawn
   • Water lightly but frequently to keep the soil moist during germination.
   • Avoid mowing until the new grass reaches at least 3 inches in height.
   • Apply Veri-Green Starter Fertilizer to support early root development.

Enjoy a Healthier, More Resilient Lawn

Learning how to change grass type doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By overseeding or fully replacing your lawn with a high-quality seed like Jonathan Green’s Black Beauty®, you can enjoy a healthier, more vibrant yard with less maintenance. Whether you’re looking for better drought resistance, improved color, or a thicker lawn, making the switch is well worth the effort.