Annual overseeding will improve a lawn significantly and make it much harder for weeds and moss to become established. But once a new lawn is established, very few people will think of overseeding unless bare patches appear. However, overseeding is easier than you think and autumn is the ideal time to try.

Follow these simple steps:

• Rake or scarify the lawn thoroughly to remove the old grass and any debris. This will improve the seed bed. If you look in garden centres there are even specialist tools that help. These tools have spiked revolving wheels that create tiny holes to receive the lawn seed.
• Prick the surface of the affected area with a hand or garden fork.
• Overseeding uses the same guiding principle of one good handful of lawn seed per square metre or yard.
• Scatter a thin layer of sifted soil over the top of the newly seeded area and press down with a board.
• Protecting the area from birds with crossed threads of string is recommended.
• Water the lawn seeds if the weather is dry and then care for the new grass by careful mowing until it is well established and blended in with the original lawn.
• When repairing bare patches, try to find out why the problem has appeared - is it a bump that the mower is constantly scalping? Is it under-tree drip? A favourite spot for the dog perhaps? Wherever possible, try to remedy the cause before carrying out the repair or the bare patch will quickly return.

You will be amazed at how successful and cost-effective overseeding can be - restoring your lawn's good looks without too much hard work.