Now Is the Time for Overseeding These articles are written to apply to the northeastern corner of Illinois. Problems and timing may not apply outside of this area. Now is the time. Even though thoughts of lawn seeding often focus on spring, right now is actually the best time.
Soils are warm, so seeds germinate rapidly.
Weed problems, principally crabgrass, are less concern as we move into fall. Cooler weather favors rapid development of grasses with little stress. The main thing that could be missing is rainfall, so be sure to have an irrigation plan if rain is sparse. When overseeding or repairing a lawn area, it is critical to have good seed to soil contact. If seed is just scattered over living grass and debris, little will germinate and grow.