Mercer Island Lawn Seeding & Overseeding Services

Is your lawn looking more like a patchwork quilt than a lush green oasis? If moss and bare patches are taking over, don’t worry—we’ve got your back! At Neat & Tidy Landscaping, we specialize in transforming those sad patches into vibrant lawns perfect for Mercer Island’s unique climate. Our holistic approach includes everything from soil preparation to selecting the best seed mix, applying a nutritious compost topdress, and implementing a watering plan you can actually stick to. The result? A stunning lawn that not only turns heads but is also resilient against weeds and summer heat!

What’s the Problem?

Is your lawn feeling a bit under the weather? Check out these common culprits:

• Thin, bare spots that turn into mud puddles in winter and dust bowls in summer.
• Unwanted guests like moss and weeds taking up residence in those open areas.
• Grass types that just don’t fit—whether it’s too shady or getting trampled by pets and kids.
• Soil compaction from foot traffic or heavy rain.
• Irrigation issues where those pesky sprinklers are either missing spots or overwatering, leading to waste and stress.

Best Timing in Mercer Island (When It Actually Works)

Let’s talk timing! Here’s when you should consider seeding your lawn for the best results:

• Primary window: Late August to October – The warm soil combined with cool air creates the perfect conditions for quick germination and fewer weeds.
• Secondary window: March to May – Just keep an eye on soil temperatures; we’re aiming for 50–55°F for consistent sprouting.
• Pro Tip: Avoid deep summer unless you’re ready for some serious watering and perhaps a little shade cloth!

What We Do (And Why It Works)

Our detailed service process ensures your lawn gets top-notch care:

1. Site Assessment + Soil Check – We’ll evaluate factors like shade, traffic patterns, drainage, and conduct a quick pH test.
2. Power Rake / Dethatch (if necessary) – This helps expose the soil and remove any unsightly thatch over ½”.
3. Core Aeration for compacted areas or Slit-Seeding to ensure maximum seed-to-soil contact.
4. Choose the Right Seed Mix:
   • Sun/traffic: A blend of perennial rye and bluegrass
   • Shade: A fine fescue blend for those tricky spots
   • Low-input option: A microclover + turf blend that requires minimal feeding while adding vibrant color in summer.
5. Compost Topdressing – We’ll apply about ¼” over the lawn to enhance soil biology without burying the grass crowns.
6. Starter Fertilizer Program – Only if our soil test indicates it’s necessary; we avoid blanket fertilization.
7. Irrigation Tune-Up – We’ll fix any coverage issues, set a simple schedule, and ensure the precipitation rate is just right.

Real talk: If grass won’t thrive under deep shade or standing water, we’ll recommend better alternatives like groundcovers, gravel, or mulch.

Quick Seed-Rate Math (So You Know We’re Not Guessing)

We keep it straightforward with our seeding rates:

• Overseeding: 3–5 lb per 1,000 sq ft (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 (No Drama)

We believe in making this process easy for you! Here’s a simple aftercare timeline to ensure your lawn thrives:

• Days 0–10: Keep the seedbed constantly moist (but not soggy) with 2–4 short waterings per day.
• Days 11–21: Gradually reduce watering frequency while increasing depth. Avoid letting the surface crust over.
• First Mow: At 3–3.5”, cut down to around 2.5–3” using a sharp blade (bag the first pass!).
• Weeks 3–6: Transition to deep, infrequent watering. Light feeding only if a soil test indicates need.
• Traffic: Light usage is okay after 3 weeks; full use after 6–8 weeks.

Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Yard’s Routine)

Want to keep your lawn looking its best all year round? Our annual maintenance plan has you covered:

• Seasonal Overseed: We’ll take care of those thin zones (fall is primary; spring touch-ups).
• Compost Topdress: A light application in spring to build soil health.
• Irrigation Checks: Regular updates on your timer, catch-cup tests, and emitter repairs.
• Mowing Right: Maintain a height of 2.5–3”, keep those blades sharp, and edges tidy.
• Weed/Moss Prevention: A dense turf combined with drainage fixes will fend off those pesky weeds without constant spraying.

We’re here to make your life easier! Our goal? Fewer problems between visits and less work for you!

Service Cadences (Pick What Fits)

Choose a service plan that fits your lifestyle:

• Quarterly: Spring/fall deep clean with two tune-ups.
• Bi-Monthly: A balanced approach for most Mercer Island lawns.

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

What Annual Maintenance Includes

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

• 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 assessment.

Why Annual Maintenance Matters

Investing in annual maintenance brings long-term benefits:

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

How It Works

Here’s the step-by-step 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 for germination success and perform touch-ups as necessary.

Why Mercer Island Chooses Neat & Tidy

Here’s what makes us stand out:

• A local team that understands marine layer mornings, clay soils, and cozy alleys.
• Licensed & insured for your peace of mind.
• Upfront pricing — labor, materials, hauling, and disposal are all included.
• We take pride in 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 grass that actually fills in?

Call or text Neat & Tidy for a personalized seeding or overseeding plan crafted specifically for Mercer Island. Let us handle the heavy lifting while you kick back and enjoy your beautiful, green space!