Des Moines Lawn Seeding & Overseeding Services

Is your lawn looking more like a patchy quilt than a lush green carpet? Or maybe moss has taken residence in your yard? Don’t worry—we’ve got your back! At Neat & Tidy Landscaping, we specialize in revitalizing lawns in Des Moines, tailoring our approach to the specific needs of our local climate. Our all-in-one service covers everything from soil prep to the final watering plan, ensuring your new grass fills in beautifully and thrives all summer long.

What’s Going On with Your Lawn?

Let’s face it: lawns can be a bit finicky. Here are some common issues we tackle:

• Bare patches that turn into mud in winter and dust in summer.
• Moss and weeds taking advantage of those open spaces.
• Incorrect grass types for your yard conditions—whether it’s shady spots or high-traffic zones.
• Compacted soil due to foot traffic, pets, or construction work.
• Irrigation woes where sprinklers miss spots or run too long, leading to waste and stress.

Timing is Everything in Des Moines

Want to know when to seed for the best results? Here’s the scoop:

• Best Time to Seed: Late August–October – Warm soil paired with cool air gives you fast germination and fewer weeds.
• Secondary Option: March–May – Just keep an eye on those soil temps; we’re looking for 50–55°F for reliable sprouting.
• Pro Tip: Avoid deep summer seeding unless you’re ready for heavy watering and shade coverings!

How We Make It Happen

Our thorough service process ensures your lawn receives top-notch care:

1. Site Assessment + Soil Check: We evaluate shade, traffic patterns, drainage, and perform a quick pH test.
2. Power Rake/Dethatch (if needed): We prep the soil by removing any thatch over ½” for better seed contact.
3. Core Aeration or Slit-Seeding: We tackle compacted areas with aeration or use slit-seeding for optimal seed-soil contact.
4. Selecting the Right Seed Mix:
   • Sun/High-Traffic: Perennial rye/blue blend
   • Shade: Fine fescue blend
   • Low-Input Option: Microclover + turf blend for minimal upkeep and vibrant color.
5. Compost Topdressing: We apply about ¼” of nutrient-rich compost to enhance soil biology without smothering the grass.
6. Starter Fertilizer (if needed): Only if our soil test suggests; we like to be precise instead of blanket applying.
7. Irrigation Tune-Up: We’ll address any coverage issues, set a watering schedule that works, and ensure it matches the precipitation rate.

Let’s be real: if grass struggles in deep shade or standing water, we’ll suggest alternatives like groundcovers, gravel, or mulch.

Quick Seed-Rate Math (We’re Not Guessing Here!)

Here’s how we determine our seeding rates:

• Overseeding: 3–5 lb per 1,000 sq ft (for rye/fescue blends)
• New Lawn from Seed: 5–7 lb per 1,000 sq ft
• Microclover Blend Add: 1–2 lb per 1,000 sq ft mixed into the turf seed.
• Example: For a 1,200 sq ft overseed at 4 lb/1k → you’ll need 4.8 lb (round to 5–6 lb for edges and patches).

Aftercare Timeline (Stress-Free Success)

We aim to make things easy for you! Here’s a straightforward aftercare timeline:

• Days 0–10: Keep the seedbed constantly moist (not soggy) with 2–4 short waterings each day.
• Days 11–21: Gradually reduce watering frequency while increasing depth; avoid letting the surface crust.
• First Mow: When it reaches 3–3.5”, cut it down to about 2.5–3” using a sharp blade (bag the first pass).
• Weeks 3–6: Shift to deep, infrequent watering. Light feeding only if the soil test indicates a need.
• Traffic: Light use is fine after 3 weeks; full use can resume after 6–8 weeks.

Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Lawn’s Best Friend)

Keep your yard looking its best year-round with our annual maintenance plan:

• Seasonal Overseed: We’ll handle thin spots (fall is prime, with spring touch-ups).
• Compost Topdress: A light application in spring to boost soil health.
• Irrigation Checks: Regular updates on your timer, catch-cup tests, and emitter fixes.
• Mowing Right: We’ll maintain a height of 2.5–3”, keep blades sharp, and edges tidy.
• Weed/Moss Prevention: A dense turf, paired with drainage fixes, will keep those pesky weeds at bay without constant spraying.

We’re all about low-maintenance landscaping. Our goal? Fewer issues between visits and less work for you!

Choose Your Service Cadence

Find a plan that fits your lifestyle:

• Quarterly: Spring/fall deep clean with two tune-ups.
• Bi-Monthly: Ideal for most Des Moines lawns.

(If you’re installing new seeds or have heavy traffic, consider starting monthly for 60–90 days, then taper off.)

What’s Included in Annual Maintenance

Here’s what you can expect from our annual maintenance services:

• Dethatching/aeration or slit-seeding as needed.
• Seed selection and measured application (by 1,000 sq ft).
• ¼” compost topdress and light roll for optimal seed-to-soil contact.
• Irrigation audit and schedule set-up.
• Spot weed control (IPM-first) and moss pressure review.

Why Annual Maintenance is a Smart Investment

Investing in annual maintenance provides long-term benefits:

• Denser turf = fewer weeds and moss.
• Deeper roots = less water needed.
• Steady color and faster recovery after wear and summer stress.
• Lower long-term costs — maintenance is always cheaper than constant re-dos.

How It Works: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s the run-down of our service process:

1. Free Estimate: We’ll conduct a quick walkthrough or review photos/videos to provide clear, upfront pricing.
2. Prep Day: We’ll dethatch/aerate or slit-seed, apply seed, compost topdress, and adjust your irrigation system.
3. Establish: You’ll receive a simple watering/mowing plan (or we can manage it for you).
4. Follow-Up: We’ll check in on germination success and perform touch-ups as necessary.

Why Des Moines Chooses Neat & Tidy

Here’s what sets us apart from the crowd:

• A local team that understands marine layer mornings, clay lows, and tight alleys.
• Licensed & insured for your peace of mind.
• Transparent pricing — labor, materials, hauling, and disposal are all included.
• We pride ourselves on being on-time, respectful, and tidy.
• A green-first approach — we focus on compost-forward soils, integrated pest management, and smart water use.

Ready for a Lawn that Thrives?

Reach out to Neat & Tidy today for a customized seeding or overseeding plan tailored just for Des Moines. Let us handle the heavy lifting while you enjoy a stunning, green lawn!