- What does a slit seeder look like<\/a><\/li>
- How does a slit seeder work?<\/a><\/li>
- What are the benefits of using a slice seeder?<\/a><\/li>
- Slice seeder vs. traditional overseeder<\/a><\/li>
- When to use a slit seeder<\/a><\/li>
- How to use a slit seeder\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- Slice seeder cost: buying vs. renting vs. hiring a pro<\/a><\/li>
- How to choose a slice seeder<\/a><\/li>
- Slit seeders as multipurpose machines<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ about slice seeders<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
What does a slit seeder look like<\/span><\/h2>
Also known as a “slice seeder,” “vertislicer,” “drill seeder,” and “lawn renovator,” a slice seeder is about the size of a self-propelled push mower<\/a>. The two lawn care tools look similar, but slice seeders have different fittings:<\/p>
- Vertical blades instead of horizontal ones like mowers<\/li>
- A seed hopper instead of a grass clippings bag.<\/li> <\/ul>
In fact, slice seeders are often described as verticutters with a seedbox mounted on top. <\/p>
A typical slit seeder includes the following components:<\/p>
- A comfortable handlebar <\/strong>to help you drive the seeder across the lawn. <\/strong>Controllers for back and forward movement and managing seed flow are often positioned close to the hands for easy reach. Some models have foldable handles to save storage space, such as the S22 BlueBird Seeder<\/a>.<\/li>
- A sturdy metal frame<\/strong> provides support for the other components.<\/li>
- Vertical cutting steel blades or disks <\/strong>roll under the slice seeder’s belly, grinding through the thatch layer and digging slits into the soil. It’s in these slits that seeds are pushed to ensure optimum seed-to-soil contact. <\/li>
- A depth adjustment mechanism, <\/strong>usually a level, <\/strong>allows you to set the depth at which the blades slice into the soil.<\/li>
- A seed hopper<\/strong> is mounted on top of the frame, toward the front or the rear. It is a bin with a lid where grass seeds are stored, safe from debris and moisture.<\/li>
- The seed mechanism – <\/strong>a mixer placed at the bottom of the hopper leads the seeds out of the bin. It’s connected to a seed dial that allows you to set the seed delivery rate. The mixer is on the same axle as two of the wheels, allowing it to synchronize with the ground speed.<\/li>
- The engine<\/strong> (electric or gas-powered) is mounted rear or front. It’s the slice seeder power source and keeps the seed mechanism and the slicing blades moving.<\/li>
- Four wheels<\/strong> (Classen has some six-wheel models), pneumatic or made of solid rubber.<\/li> <\/ul>
How does a slit seeder work?<\/span><\/h2>
The slice seeder blades cut grooves into the ground 1.5 to 2 inches apart and up to 1 inch deep while the hopper drops the grass seed. <\/p>
Inserted seeds have optimum seed-to-soil contact and offer faster and better seed germination. It’s why experts such as Margaret Hagen, a University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension field specialist, consider a slit seeder “the best tool for seeding.”<\/p>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/slit-seeding-1.jpeg\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure> The slit seeding process can happen in two ways:<\/p>
- Turf seeders with a front hopper<\/strong> spread the seeds right before the blades, providing follow-up soil coverage. When blades dig into the soil, they push the grass seed into the slits. <\/li>
- Models with a rear hopper <\/strong>have the blades positioned before the seed spreader. These slice seeders first dig the furrows and then spread the seeds, trying to direct them into the slits. Some lawn renovators, like Ryan Mataway models, follow with a second row of circular blades. They direct the seeds into the slits and cover them with dirt.<\/li> <\/ul>
Which method is better? The general opinion is that models with a rear-mounted seedbox do better than those with a front seed drop. <\/p>
Experts agree. Debra Ricigliano, certified professional horticulturist at the University of Maryland Extension, Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), says, \u201cWhen renting a slit seeder, check to be sure it deposits the seed after it makes the groove and not before.\u201d<\/p>
What are the benefits of using a slice seeder?<\/span><\/h2>
In a nutshell, the main benefits that make slice seeders stand out from the mass of grass-seeding machines are:<\/p>
- Optimum seed-to-soil contact<\/li>
- Faster germination<\/li>
- Higher sprouting rates<\/li>
- Uniform, thick turfgrass<\/li>
- Better seed protection: seeds covered with soil are safe from birds and heat<\/li> <\/ul>
Sounds amazing, but these benefits also come with some drawbacks. To get a clearer image of what a slit seeder can and can\u2019t do for your lawn, we compare its pros and cons with those of a traditional overseeder.<\/p>
Slice seeder vs. traditional overseeder<\/span><\/h2>
\u201cIs slice seeding better than traditional overseeding?\u201d is a question every homeowner asks at some point in their turf grass growing adventure. The answer is not a simple yes or no; there are pluses to both seeding methods and tools. Here\u2019s what lawn care pros and passionate DIY homeowners say when evaluating the two. <\/p>
Slice seeder pros and cons<\/span><\/h3>
Pros:<\/strong><\/p>
- Good quality slice seeders can ensure optimum seed-to-soil contact and a higher germination rate. <\/li>
- Slice seeding grows more uniform and thick lawns.<\/li>
- Seeds inserted into the soil have better access to moisture and nutrients. They are also safer from heat, birds, and heavy rain runoff.<\/li>
- Slice seeding speeds up germination, providing faster sprouting.<\/li>
- It offers better results for slightly sloped lawns by setting the seeds firmly into the soil. <\/li>
- Using a slice seeder also can reduce the use of toxic herbicides on your lawn. As M. Bess Dicklow explains, \u201cOverseeding with a slice seeder when lawn quality deteriorates replenishes desirable turfgrasses and produces a denser lawn that can out-compete weeds.\u201d <\/li> <\/ul>
Cons:<\/strong><\/p>
- It\u2019s a specialized tool, more expensive to rent or buy (few lawn owners have one in their garage).<\/li>
- Requires experience to use it with good results.<\/li>
- It comes with high risks of failing to cover the lawn properly.<\/li>
- It can have poor results on uneven terrain. Bumps in the lawn can prevent blades from digging into the soil properly.<\/li>
- Slice seeding is a specialized service that only some lawn care companies offer.<\/li> <\/ul>
Regular overseeder pros and cons<\/span><\/h3>
Pros:<\/strong><\/p>
- Accessible and popular equipment. Many homeowners have a drop or broadcast seeder or can easily find one to rent or buy.<\/li>
- Less expensive equipment.<\/li>
- Easier to use. Requires less experience and comes with a lower risk of error.<\/li> <\/ul>
Cons:<\/strong><\/p>
- Requires extensive soil preparation. You must clear debris, remove the thatch layer, core aerate, mow, and apply a topdressing before seeding.<\/li>
- Results depend highly on how well you prepare the seeding bed.<\/li>
- Lower seed-to-soil contact.<\/li>
- Seeds must be protected from dryness and birds with straw mulch.<\/li>
- Germination time is longer.<\/li>
- Lawns don\u2019t grow as dense and uniform.<\/li> <\/ul>
When to use a slit seeder<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Slits](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/slit-seeding-1.jpg\")
Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> When deciding if slice seeding is the way to seed your lawn, consider the following:<\/p>
Lawn seeding purpose<\/span><\/h3>
Slice seeding machines are high-impact tools better used when:<\/p>
- Installing new lawns.<\/strong><\/li>
- Repairing heavily damaged areas<\/strong> in existing turf, such as large brown patches and bare spots.<\/li>
- Overseeding<\/strong><\/a> overly thinned lawns<\/strong>.<\/li>
- Transitioning the lawn to a different type of turf.<\/strong><\/li>
- Renovating an entire lawn – <\/strong>removing all vegetation (weeds and grass) and replacing it with new grass.<\/li> <\/ul>
Slice seeders cost more to rent or buy and are more difficult to use than regular overseeders. That\u2019s why lawn owners often replace it with the traditional approach (aeration and overseeding) when:<\/p>
- Routine overseeding<\/strong> – <\/strong>spreading new grass seeds over a slightly thinned, healthy lawn as part of the annual lawn care practices.<\/li>
- Reseeding small patches or bare spots.<\/strong> In this case, manually spreading the seed ensures the most precise application.<\/li>
- Dormant seeding the lawn.<\/strong> As Glenn Hardebeck, turfgrass research agronomist at the Department of Agronomy of Purdue University, explains: “Dormant overseeding does not require mechanical cultivation (slit-seeding or power raking) to get the seed into contact with the soil. With dormant overseeding, Mother Nature will \u2018plant\u2019 the grass seed with repeated freeze\/thaw cycles.”<\/li> <\/ul>
Lawn size<\/span><\/h3>
Slice seeders are a good choice for planting grass on a small- to medium-sized lawn. Most residential lawns are a good fit for slice seeding.<\/p>
On large lawns, slice seeding is time-consuming, and broadcast spreaders are often a better choice.<\/p>
The best time of year for slice seeding<\/span><\/h3>
For cool-season grasses<\/a> like Kentucky bluegrass, fescues, and ryegrass, the best time to plant new turf is late summer to early fall (though you can also seed in early spring if you missed the fall window). <\/p>
If you plan to slice seed warm-season grasses<\/a> like Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine, do so from late spring to early summer.<\/p>
How to use a slit seeder <\/span><\/h2>
Because of the blades that cut through thatch and topsoil, slide seeders often require less preparation than a broadcast or drop seeder. But you\u2019ll still need to take care of some details to ensure a successful seeding.<\/p>
What to do before turning on the slice seeder<\/span><\/h3>
- Measure the area you plan to seed and determine the right amount of grass seed you need (check our guide on overseeding<\/a> for the detailed steps).<\/li>
- Buy a suitable grass variety<\/a>. Consider upgrading to a more resilient turfgrass if the lawn has trouble dealing with the climate, soil type, or local pests and diseases.<\/li>
- Wear protective gear, including safety glasses, work gloves, hearing protection, and durable work boots.<\/li>
- Keep pets and children away from the area while working.<\/li>
- Clean the lawn. Remove stones, twigs, hoses, toys, pots, and any other debris that might get in the way.<\/li>
- Mow the lawn shorter \u2014 about 1 to 2 inches tall, depending on the type of grass \u2014 to provide the best machine-to-soil contact. Do it in more mowing sessions, cutting no more than \u2153 of grass height each time (an essential mowing rule<\/a>). Collect the grass clippings.<\/li>
- Mark sprinkler heads and tree roots with flags or sticks to avoid passing over them.<\/li>
- Remove the thatch layer<\/a> if it is thicker than 2 inches.<\/li>
- Core aerate the soil<\/a> if it is compacted. Lawn care professionals recommend two to four passes with the aerator for highly compacted clay soil.<\/li> <\/ul>
How to spread grass with a slit seeder<\/span><\/h3>
Each slit seeder is a bit different: Read the user manual that came with your model for precise instructions. The process is similar to broadcasting grass seed or spreading fertilizer, except you must also manage the blades. Here are the general steps you should follow when using a slice seeder:<\/p>
Step 1:<\/strong> Feed the slice seeder some fuel so you can seed the lawn without interruption. Check if the blades are up, then drive the seeder toward the lawn.<\/p>
Step 2:<\/strong> Fill the dropbox with the proper amount of grass seed.<\/p>
Step 3:<\/strong> Set the seeding rate. Each slit seeder has a graphic with recommended seeding rates per type of turf seed. Look for the specific seeding rate for your grass.<\/p>
You\u2019ll make two passes over the lawn, so divide the recommended rate by two. Calibrate the seeder by setting the seed dial to the correct value.<\/p>
Step 4: <\/strong>Set the blade depth. You\u2019ll find specific instructions on the slit seeder and the grass seed package. <\/p>
According to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Plant Material Center, \u201cMost species should be planted at a shallow depth of \u00bc to \u00bd inch. Larger seeds can be planted up to 1 inch deep. Most seedings are too deep if you cannot see a few seeds on the soil surface.\u201d<\/p>
Step 5:<\/strong> Start spreading the seed from one corner of the lawn. Walk the slicer straight toward the other edge of the lawn. <\/p>
Turn off the seed spreader when you have to turn around. Make a tight turn, reopen the hopper\u2019s discharge port and walk back, slightly overlapping on the previous seeded strip. <\/p>
Continue until you cover the entire lawn.<\/p>
Step 6:<\/strong> Do a second pass perpendicular to the initial direction or at a 45-degree angle. This ensures even application and a dense turf. <\/p>
What to do after slit seeding: <\/strong><\/p>
- Slit seeders tend to pull out lots of thatch with their blades. Spread the thatch uniformly with a rake to form a thin cover for your seeds. It will protect them from heat, direct sunlight, and birds. <\/li>
- Where thatch is thick or gathered in clumps, rake the dead organic matter away from the lawn. A thick layer of thatch can hinder or stop germination and sprout growth.<\/li>
- Spread a starter fertilizer and water it properly into the soil. Starter fertilizers<\/a> are rich in phosphorus and essential for your new grass to grow deep, healthy roots.<\/li> <\/ul>
Do you need to water after slice seeding? <\/strong>Absolutely. Without water, new grass seeds don\u2019t germinate. <\/p>
- Irrigate the lawn to moisten the topsoil 2 inches deep. <\/li>
- Water the grass seed two to four times a day for 5 to 10 minutes for the next two weeks (until most seeds germinate). Apply \u215b to \u00bc inches of water daily. <\/li>
- When the lawn has mostly greened up, gradually reduce the frequency until you reach the regular watering schedule<\/a>: once or twice a week with 1 to 1.5 inches of water.<\/li> <\/ul>
What\u2019s the best way to slit seed your lawn? <\/strong>The best way to slit seed is to invest proper time in preparing the seed bed. Homeowners tend to skip some steps because a turf slit seeder offers good results, even with some soil compaction and thatch over the lawn.<\/p>
If you want the best results, follow every step thoroughly: <\/p>
- dethatch if a thick layer covers the lawn <\/li>
- core aerate compacted soil<\/li>
- mow the grass short<\/li>
- rake the lawn to expose the soil and ensure the best seed-to-soil contact<\/li> <\/ul>
Slice seeder cost: buying vs. renting vs. hiring a pro<\/span><\/h2>
Buying a slice-seeder<\/span><\/h3>
Most slice seeders cost between $2,000 and $5,000<\/strong> to buy. It\u2019s a big investment, and it\u2019s rarely worth it just to slit seed your lawn once every few years. For residential projects, renting a slice seeder is the better and more practical option.<\/p>
Slice seeder rental<\/span><\/h3>
If you decide to slice seed your lawn DIY, you can rent a good seeder from home improvement stores such as Home Depot or Lowes. The average rental fee for a gas-powered slit seeder ranges between $60 to $65 for 4 hours<\/strong> or $90 to $95 a day. <\/strong><\/p>
Slice seeder models available for rent include:<\/p>
- Classen TSS-20 Self-Proppeled Slice Seeder<\/a><\/li>
- Billy Goat Seeder OS552H Push Series<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
How long does it take to slice seed a lawn? Most residential lawns can be slit-seeded in less than a day. <\/p>
Note:<\/strong> You might pay a higher price to rent a slit seeder if you don\u2019t have time to seed during the week and you\u2019re getting the weekend rate. <\/p>
The tow-behind spiker seeder option<\/span><\/h3>
With an average cost of $250 to $800<\/strong>, residential tow-behind spiker seed spreaders are good for seeding small to medium lawns with a thin thatch layer and mildly compacted soil. <\/p>
They are lawn tractor attachments with 10 to 12 star-shaped blades (like spike aerators have) installed under a drop spreader. <\/p>
Professional slice seeding cost<\/span><\/h3>
Another option is to hire a lawn care pro with slice seeding experience to repair the turf or install a new lawn for you. You can expect to pay about $0.08 to $0.18 per square foot <\/strong>to slice seed the lawn. <\/p>
How to choose a slice seeder<\/span><\/h2>
Let\u2019s say you don\u2019t invest in a slice seeder but are willing to rent one and try a DIY. How would you choose among the available models? <\/p>
Self-propelled or push seeder<\/strong>: For small, leveled yards, a push slice seeder can do the job even if it takes a bit more effort to drive back and forth. If your lawn is medium- to large-sized or sloped, consider a self-propelled slit seeder.<\/p>
Seeding width<\/strong>: Most residential models have a 19- to 24-inch seeding width. Choose a smaller width for a small-sized lawn or turf with many trees and shrubs you\u2019ll need to get around. Go for a broader model on a large, 100% turfgrass lawn.<\/p>
Slice seeder brands:<\/strong> The most popular slice seeder brands include:<\/p>
- Mataway <\/li>
- Toro <\/li>
- Classen<\/li>
- Exmark<\/li>
- Bluebird<\/li>
- Lesco<\/li> <\/ul>
The most affordable options are Classen, Bluebird and Toro.<\/p>
Slit seeders as multipurpose machines<\/span><\/h2>
Some slit seeders have interchangeable blades allowing the machine to be used for multiple lawn care tasks. <\/p>
The most common types of blades are:<\/p>
- Flail blades: small and thin, these blades are used to treat moderate thatch levels. They are the most suitable for overseeding and existing lawns with healthy, deep-rooted grass.<\/li>
- Deep slicing blades: thicker and longer, used for thatch layers that are \u00bd inch thick or more. <\/li>
- Spring tines: thin, nail-like blades used for power raking and the annual routine dethatching.<\/li>
- Vertical slice blades: the most robust, used to cut through surface root grasses.<\/li> <\/ul>
Can you use a slice seeder as an aerator? <\/span><\/h3>
Not quite. Core aerators have larger tins that dig deeper into the soil (up to 4 inches deep). They pull out small soil plugs, leaving behind many tiny holes that help water and nutrients reach easier into the soil and feed your lawn\u2019s roots. Core aeration also loosens the ground and promotes deeper root systems for your new grass.<\/p>
By comparison, slice seeders only scratch the surface (their blades dig up to 2 inches deep). The soil remains compacted all around the furrows where seeds are planted, limiting root development. <\/p>
Can you use the slice seeder as a dethatcher? <\/span><\/h3>
Yes, you can. The steel blades the slice seeder uses to grind trenches into the soil are similar to those used by a standard lawn dethatcher. <\/p>
To dethatch with a slit seeder, simply remove the seed box or leave it empty. Run the seeder across the lawn with the blades lowered enough to cut the thatch layer but not to go more than \u00bd inch into the soil to avoid damaging the lawn\u2019s roots.<\/p>
Can you use the slice seeder as a power rake?<\/span><\/h3>
If the model you bought or rented also has spring tines, you can use the slice seeder as a power rake to pull out the thatch layer. Just remove the seed box or run the seeder with the seed box empty if it is not removable.<\/p>
FAQ about slice seeders<\/span><\/h2>
What is a three-point (3Pt) spreader?<\/span><\/h3>
A three-point spreader can spread grass seed in three different patterns: <\/p>
- predominantly right<\/li>
- predominantly left <\/li>
- both right and left <\/li> <\/ul>
These models are usually used as attachments with farming, gardening, or landscaping tractors.<\/p>
Can you use a slit seeder on wet soil?<\/span><\/h3>
Driving a slit seeder on wet soil is not a good idea. It might seem so because the grooves it makes are so well-defined, but it\u2019s not what you need. You need the soil dry enough to fall back and cover the seeds. Also, running heavy machinery on a wet lawn is a sure recipe for soil compaction.<\/p>
Is a slit seeder worth it?<\/span><\/h3>
It depends on what your lawn needs. Slit seeders do a great job in repairing highly damaged lawns and installing new ones. If you\u2019re planning a lawn renovation, it\u2019s worth renting one or hiring a pro to slice seed new grass. <\/p>
However, if you have only a few bare spots on your lawn or the turf is a bit thin, you can get great results with lower costs by using regular overseeding.<\/p>
Enjoy a thick, healthy lawn in a few weeks!<\/span><\/h2>
A slice seeder is the most effective way to repair a damaged lawn with dense, healthy grass. If you love the results it can bring but dread learning how to manage such a tool from scratch, don\u2019t worry \u2014 you don\u2019t have to! With Lawn Love, you find the best local lawn care pros<\/a> with slice seeding experience in a jiffy. choose your pro and enjoy the thickest lawn you\u2019ve ever seen!<\/p>
Lawn Love participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. LawnLove may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.<\/em><\/p>
\t\t\t\t\t\tSources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t
<\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t- Dicklow, M.B. (2011, May). Disease management for home lawns. University of Massachusetts Amherst – Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment. https:\/\/ag.umass.edu\/home-lawn-garden\/fact-sheets\/disease-management-for-home-lawns<\/a><\/li>
- Hagen, M. (n.d). Lawn renovation. University of New Hampshire.\u00a0 https:\/\/extension.unh.edu\/resource\/lawn-renovation-video<\/a><\/li>
- Hardebeck, G. (2020, December 7). Dormant overseeding is a viable tool for thin lawns. Purdue University, College of Agriculture. https:\/\/ag.purdue.edu\/department\/btny\/ppdl\/potw-dept-folder\/2023\/dormant-overseeding.html<\/a><\/li>
- Ricigliano, D. (2023, September 13). Lawn renovation and overseeding. University of Maryland Extension Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC) – https:\/\/extension.umd.edu\/resource\/lawn-renovation-and-overseeding\/\u00a0<\/li>
- University Of Nebraska-Lincoln, Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems (2021, August 2). Hort update for August 2, 2021. https:\/\/hles.unl.edu\/update06022021<\/a><\/li>
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Plant Materials Center, Bismarck, North Dakota (2010). <\/em>Five keys to successful grass seeding. https:\/\/boulder.extension.colostate.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2019\/12\/keys-to-successful-planting-04959.pdf<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>
- Hagen, M. (n.d). Lawn renovation. University of New Hampshire.\u00a0 https:\/\/extension.unh.edu\/resource\/lawn-renovation-video<\/a><\/li>
- Dicklow, M.B. (2011, May). Disease management for home lawns. University of Massachusetts Amherst – Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment. https:\/\/ag.umass.edu\/home-lawn-garden\/fact-sheets\/disease-management-for-home-lawns<\/a><\/li>
- Billy Goat Seeder OS552H Push Series<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Classen TSS-20 Self-Proppeled Slice Seeder<\/a><\/li>
- Buy a suitable grass variety<\/a>. Consider upgrading to a more resilient turfgrass if the lawn has trouble dealing with the climate, soil type, or local pests and diseases.<\/li>
- Reseeding small patches or bare spots.<\/strong> In this case, manually spreading the seed ensures the most precise application.<\/li>
- Repairing heavily damaged areas<\/strong> in existing turf, such as large brown patches and bare spots.<\/li>
- Installing new lawns.<\/strong><\/li>
- Models with a rear hopper <\/strong>have the blades positioned before the seed spreader. These slice seeders first dig the furrows and then spread the seeds, trying to direct them into the slits. Some lawn renovators, like Ryan Mataway models, follow with a second row of circular blades. They direct the seeds into the slits and cover them with dirt.<\/li> <\/ul>
- A sturdy metal frame<\/strong> provides support for the other components.<\/li>
- A comfortable handlebar <\/strong>to help you drive the seeder across the lawn. <\/strong>Controllers for back and forward movement and managing seed flow are often positioned close to the hands for easy reach. Some models have foldable handles to save storage space, such as the S22 BlueBird Seeder<\/a>.<\/li>
- How does a slit seeder work?<\/a><\/li>