Fall Overseeding for Spring Crabgrass Control in NJ

NJ homeowner wants fall overseeding so grass sprouts in spring, allowing spring crabgrass preventer (which blocks spring seeding).

Species selection:

• Sun: Kentucky bluegrass (slow but durable, sod-forming)
• Shade: Fine fescue (creeping red or Chewings)

Critical timing rule: Wait until new seedlings have been mowed **1–2 times** before applying crabgrass preventer. Most preventers inhibit *all* grass seed germination for 8–12 weeks.

Better strategy: Dormant seeding (late Nov–Dec) works too—seed sits, germinates at first spring warmth. But same preventer conflict applies.

Fall overseed + spring preventer = possible *if* you time the preventer *after* seedling maturity. Mark calendar: "First mow → wait 2 weeks → preventer."