Slit Seeding

  In order for grass seed to germinate, it must be in constant contact with moist soil. A slit seeder is a gasoline-powered machine that slices even rows into the soil, and drops grass seed directly into those rows to improve seed-soil contact. Slit seeders are most typically used to apply seed over an existing lawn, where mature grass or weeds may get in the way of the new seed. The slit seeder may tear up some existing grass, but the new seedlings will fill any thin areas within a few weeks.