Should I let my Lawn go to Seed?

Letting your lawn go to seed is a personal decision that depends on your preferences and goals for your lawn. There are a few things to consider when deciding whether to let your lawn go to seed.

Aesthetics

If you prefer a well-manicured, uniform lawn, allowing it to go to seed may not be the best option. When grasses go to seed, they can develop uneven patches and have a more untamed appearance.

Lawn Health

Allowing your lawn to go to seed can be beneficial for its long-term health. Grasses that are allowed to flower and produce seeds have an opportunity to reproduce naturally, ensuring the continuation of the species. This can lead to a more resilient lawn over time as seeds produce new young plants which re-invigorate the lawn.

Maintenance

Letting your lawn go to seed requires less effort in terms of mowing, fertilizing, and watering. However, keep in mind that if you let your lawn go to seed, you may need to deal with a higher number of weeds and invasive plants that can also spread their seeds.

Weed Grasses

The most prolific seeding grass is a weed grass called annual meadow grass (AMG). It is very common, will invade most lawns, is the bane of all green-keepers costing millions annually to eradicate. This is a very good reason not to let your lawn seed as AMG isn’t very pretty either!

Over Seeding

The best thing to do is control the seeding of your lawn with regular mowing. To benefit from the introduction of new grasses just over seed with your preferred grass seed mixture. That way you have the best of both worlds.

In Summary

Ultimately, the choice to let your lawn go to seed depends on your personal preferences. If you're unsure, you could consider finding a balance by allowing some areas of your lawn to go to seed while keeping other areas more regularly maintained.